Page 29 of Claimed By Shadow and Blood
“It is my art form,” he said with another shallow nod. His gaze flicked over me, narrowing as he considered this, likely gauging my sincerity. “There is great joy in convincing a wretch to speak truly. Especially in the pursuit of justice.”
“Yes.” I offered a cold, flat smile. “Retributive justice is rewarding in its own right, and I wish to speak with the one who killed my father.” Those words were the foulest I had ever spoken, and my blood thundered in my ears simply from saying them.
Colm frowned even more. He pressed his palms together and let his metal ring claws touch one another. “Your Highness, allow me to be blunt. I am surprised to see you here. If I understand the situation, you actually preferred this bride to any of the others. Surely being here causes you great distress? Do you hope to reconcile with her?”
I scoffed and set my hands on my belt as I curled my upper lip. “My mother was murdered by outsiders. My father as well.What tolerance do you expect me to have? All I have asked of Fate is a strong bride. You can ask any of my advisors.”
Thalen spoke up from behind me. “He’s said it many times with great fervor and sincerity.”
“Still…” Colm tapped his claws against one another. “I cannot recommend that you speak with this wanton wretch.”
“Why? I intend to look her in the eyes and demand answers. If anything, I would like her brought back to the Shadow dungeons so my own people may participate in her punishment.” Oh, how I wanted to seize this man by the throat and beat him within an inch of his life. Then I’d let Briar finish him off, if she wanted to, or allow her the pleasure of watching me do it. The only thing close to satisfying now was setting him up for his doom. Whatever made my queen happy and soothed the injustices and harms. “Justice must be served, and sooner rather than later.”
The four lines on Colm’s brow deepened. He pressed his palms tighter against one another. “Your Highness, we have not yet extracted a confession. We do not yet know if she had accomplices, though I am certain she did, or whether there were plans beyond this assassination.”
“Trivialities.” I arched my eyebrow and fixed him with a steely gaze as my murderous desire rose. “I presume you are aware of my people’s traditions with regard to justice. Surely you do not intend to deprive my people of this? I am aware that the Aureline Council oversees the bridal competition and, as such, is claiming priority in the investigation, but I must insist that the Shadow Kingdom also have its due. My people must see justice done.”
“But of course,Your Highness.” The ice in his tone became more apparent, and his unusual emphasis on my title hinted at his suspicion that I had been made king. Most likely, he had picked up on the strengthening of my power. “These matterscannot be rushed.” He gestured for me to follow him and signaled to guards at the end of the hall. They vanished with the heavy click of armored boots on rough rock. “I do not think it wise to transfer her back to the Shadow Kingdom until we have completed our interrogations. Given all that must be done, I assume you would rather direct your attention elsewhere. After all, you must choose your bride, prepare for your coronation, and mend your kingdom.”
I had to walk a careful line here, as did he. The Aurelines had no king and were ruled by their council. Colm assuredly had influence among them, and I had to play this horrific game. “I appreciate your counsel, Chief Interrogator. But surely you can understand my position. I do not want to take a queen or be coronated while the assassin draws breath. My kingdom requires closure. My father’s blood cries out for vengeance from beyond the grave.”
“You intend to execute her before the coronation?” His lips pressed into a tight line.
“Is there a reason it should not be so?” I demanded. “Some have even suggested forcing her to compete in the final trial to allow Fate to decide how she dies.” I wanted to wash my mouth out from the sour taste that filled it from speaking of Briar so vilely.
Thalen tucked his wings down as he passed beneath a particularly low stalactite. “I fancy that option, personally. Let Fate end her. Fate loves dramatic ends. We could even allow the entire kingdom to watch.”
“They do say that Fate will strike down any who participates in a trial after harming the royal family of the one whom the bride was to wed,” Colm said slowly. “But there are risks.”
“It does not need to be determined now, but I will expect an answer soon. For now, I wish to look into the eyes of the one who killed my father and demand my own answers. I will speak withyou afterward when I am ready to finalize my requests.” That was the closest I could bring myself to a compromise, and my mind was already spinning with how I could get Briar out of this place. The rough stone hall we walked down stretched on and on in an endless nightmare of side halls, every step punctuated by piercing wails and mournful groans.
Colm’s stride was unhurried, as if he had all the time in the world and relished making us walk through every tormenting moment, watching and testing for weakness while letting us see what a labyrinth this place was, despite allegedly being one of the smaller prisons. Aside from the tension in Thalen’s jaw and shoulders, he maneuvered his way through as if this were a walk in a willow-ringed meadow at night.
We entered a broad room with a single door, every wall inside slick with something that looked faintly like old blood but stank of mold and rust. A single plank table and four chairs sat in the back, along with an oil lamp, some parchment, an inkwell, and quill. A few small knick-knacks adorned the shelves, along with some stout jars filled with viscous potions. As far as meeting places went, this was drab and unpleasant and clearly intended to discourage lingering.
Colm stopped in front of the table and gestured to the chairs. “I can send for refreshments if you wish, but we were not anticipating guests at this hour.”
“No refreshments will be necessary. All I require is to speak with that woman.”
Another nod, and he stepped back. “Of course.”
My heart tightened within my chest as my energy coiled deeper.Lash out. Strike him. Break his neck. Rend his bones.
No. No. Calm. Patience. Play the game.Set up every piece to prepare for the final takedown.
I set my jaw as I heard the soft shuffle of footsteps and the heavier tramp of boots. But it was that familiar tug in the center of my chest that told me everything I needed to know.
Chapter Nine
Briar
Astalactite right above me cracked and dropped, barreling toward my head.
My wolf surged forward, taking control and rolling my body to the right. My side and achy knees hit coarse stone and blinded me with pain. I yelped and flinched, waiting for the agony.
Acrashsounded to my left, and the ground shook underneath me as I landed hard on my butt. Wet pieces of stone hit my face and arms, stinging worse than a bee ever could, and then there was silence.
I sat, stunned, adrenaline edging out most of the pain. But when warm liquid oozed down my face and cheeks, I came back to reality.
