Page 55 of Godsbane
“Your scared apologies mean nothing.” Cal’s voice deepens, surpassing a threat and diving headfirst into a promise. “Show her the respect you show every other heir or you’ll be quickly reminded that she has an army who answers to her.”
The soldiers turn to face me fully now with a newfound reverence on their face. I know it’s only there because they’re scared of the Captain of Corinth, and even though I’ve said time and time again that I don’t need his protection, I need this. Every part of me loathes it, but this is the only currency that these men respect.
Until I wish to wield my magic, this is the only power I have.
“If you boys are done, I have business to attend to and men to poison.”
I mount my mare with a wide swing of my leg and immediately push her ahead into the heart of Gathe. I don’t spare a look over my shoulder, but I don’t have to. The disgust and fear that colors the villagers’ expressions tells me that they heard and that Cal follows my lead. Two things that tug at my seams differently than they would have two days ago.
Power washes over me like a tranquil wave, gently eroding the jagged edges of my rage until I’m comfortably numb enough to walk into the den of the ruby-eyed lion.
CHAPTER 21
The halls of the Ruby Governor’s manor are exquisite. Thick rugs in the deepest shades of red line the white marble floors of the entryway. A giant golden chandelier is suspended overhead, the crystal and ruby droplets hanging from its arms refract the light and cast shimmering shadows across the oak walls. Rollins’ guards stand at attention near the large doors that lead to the public receiving chamber—his own version of a throne room.
As anticipated, the soldiers strip Cal of his visible weapon upon entering. The guard holds the captain’s emerald-hilted sword with extra care as if it might sprout fangs and bite him without notice. They pay me little attention, never bothering to pat around my midsection to find the alloy blade I have concealed under my blouse.
Shadows dance at the edge of my vision, disappearing behind the thick drapes as quickly as they appeared. My magic hums, beckoning me to let it out to play.
“Well, well, well … look what the gods dragged in.”
A voice echoes in the empty corridor as a flash of red hair steps into view. Russet eyes dance with practiced arrogance as the Ruby Region heir leans against the chamber doors. He isn’ta large man, but his presence has taken up far too much room in the memories that have consumed me for more than a decade.
“Keiran,” I reply flatly, strength and determination filling my viridescent gaze.
“Is that any way to greet an old friend? I thought you’d be happy to see a handsome face after a week on the road with this brute!”
The governor’s son pushes off his perch and pulls me into a forced embrace. I go rigid in his hold, air suddenly too thick to breathe easily. The proximity of our shared titles has forced me to stomach being in his presence, but being touched by him is something else entirely. Fiery power sparks under my skin as I wrench myself out of his grasp.
“What are you doing here?”
A foolish question on the surface, to not expect the heir to be in his own home, but Kieran has a penchant for being anywhere his father isn’t.
“Father called me home. He’s hoping we can squash this little crusade of yours here and save you the trip to Amale.”
Mocking and presumptuous, just like he’s always been. Just like he was that night all those years ago. He loops his arm through mine, tugging me against him. I’d love nothing more than to let my magic throw him across the room.
“Shall we?”
Kieran half-drags me through the open doors and into the chamber to face his father. From the corner of my eyes, I see a flash of pure, unadulterated fury in Cal’s eyes before a cold neutrality replaces it.
Governor Charles Rollins sits at the head of the room in an ornate golden chair that could very easily be mistaken for a throne. The large crest of Gathe is inlaid in opal and rubies in the middle of the long oak table that separates us from the governor. Servants flank the walls, all women and all dressedin revealing cropped tops and harem pants made of a deep red chiffon despite the chill of the late winter air, a public reminder of how women are treated under his rule.
“Captain Murphy. It’s an honor to finally meet you.” Rollins stands and motions for Cal to sit.
“Ivy. I trust you remember my son?” His words are as pointed as his piercing eyes. As if we haven’t known each other for a quarter of a century. As if his face didn’t haunt me for years. As if I could ever forget him. And the bastard knows it.
“Governor, always a pleasure.” The words are thick and full of forced saccharine, every lie a touch sweeter than the last. “Your home is as exquisite as ever.”
“It really is. If only Emerald could have such riches.” A sly smile crosses both of their faces as Kieran sits at his father’s right hand.
Arrogant assholes, both of them.
“You requested to see us, Governor?” Cal cuts through tension building rapidly in the room.
“I summonedher.” Disdain is thick in the governor's voice as he speaks. “But a respected military man such as yourself is always welcome in the home of a loyal Corinthian.”
“What can I do for you, Governor?” Both my patience and the leash I keep on my magic are wearing thinner by the second.
