Page 53 of Claimed By Shadow and Blood
I focused on the wound at her throat. “Was this attacker the same one who went after you before?” Captain Finbar had been investigating that as well, and to my knowledge, he had not uncovered the intruder.
“Possibly. His hands were younger than I expected. I couldn’t make out much else because he attacked me with a type of paralysis. I briefly smelled something like anise. Then it faded.The magic could have been air, shadow, or neutral.” Her brow twitched. "It didn't feel like the same poison from the first attack."
“And the wound at your throat… it opened first?” If it was the same type of magic or the same practitioner, then it would respond the fastest to this sort of attack.
“I think so. Everything hurt though. My whole body was on fire, and I couldn’t move. My shield saved me. That, and Briar walking in. I was barely conscious, but she was trying to help. And whoever it was grabbed her and drugged her. He was taller than her by only a few inches, but if he hadn’t had whatever was on that cloth, I think she could have taken him in a fight.” Her lips pressed tight, and her purple-pink eyes flared with vengeful light. “On paper, she and I are rivals, but I don’t give a feck about winning this competition. I know Briar didn’t do anything wrong.”
I gave a curt nod. She was one of Briar’s friends, but there was still a possibility she had been involved. What better alibi than to be attacked? Though…that wound at her throat was critical. Perhaps this Elias person Briar had mentioned had been used to keep Rhielle alive? Draining him could have been a treatment to save her from the blade at her throat and its poison, but then it wouldn't have left such a grievous scar. No…that didn’t seem right.
Could I trust Rhielle? Something was holding me back. I didn’t want to take the risk for now.
I bowed my head and folded my dark wings tight against my back. “Thank you for your testimony. I will inform the doctors that they are to give you the best treatment. If you are not comfortable continuing in the bridal competition, I will pass on my permission for you to withdraw.”
“You can do that? I thought the joint councils overseeing the bridal competition got final say.” She quirked one eyebrowdramatically. The doubt on her face could not have been more apparent.
“I can make my recommendation. Whether the councils accept it remains to be seen.”
Her expression flattened. “Then why don't you just claim Briar as your queen and save some innocent lives while you’re at it, instead of acting like we’re all expendable?” She lifted her chin. “But that isn't an option now, since you allowed the Aurelines to take her before you even began an investigation. And you're here with me instead of doing something to protect her or clear her name.
“If you think she actually killed your father, you're just as corrupt as Kaylen, and you aren’t good enough for her even if you are a fecking royal. This was sabotage, pure and simple. Whoever tried to kill me made sure to remove her, and which contestant would be evil enough to do that?” Her mouth pinched as if she had tasted a lemon, and she set her jaw. “That said, I am deeply sorry for your loss, Your Highness. But your complacency is almost worse than if you were involved in Briar’s arrest. My Veralt would have set that whole garden on fire rather than let them take me, unlessItold him to stand down.”
My head jerked back. No one knew me well enough to speak so bluntly and assume it would not result in painful consequences. The mention of Veralt made me curious as well, though I wouldn't inquire further. Most likely a past lover, or perhaps even a current one. It wasn't uncommon for bridal candidates to have relationships before being brought here.
“What exactly have you heard?” I steeled my voice in neutrality.
“As soon as I gained consciousness, I asked about Briar.” Her pupils faded at the edges again, a sign that her strength was waning despite her best efforts. “They said she killed your father in the garden. Now, I don’t know what happened, but I knowBriar. I thought you knew her too, but witnessing her actions in the trials seems to have given you no clarity.”
She met my gaze unflinchingly, her magic shimmering around her in faint purple wisps. The look on her face demanded answers.
The way she spoke with such conviction made me want to believe her, but it was still possible that she was lying. My fingers tapped on my belt as I contemplated this. Perhaps I could give her some small comfort and see what she did with the information.
I glanced back at the heavy wooden door behind me, then stepped closer. “You must not speak of this to anyone,” I said in a firm but quiet voice. “It will put Briar in danger if you do. But I am aware she did not kill my father, and I am doing all in my power to save her. For the time being and because of what is at stake, I cannot admit this elsewhere. For all intents and purposes, it must look as if I will choose another bride. But my heart is with Briar, and I will see to it that she is freed and cleared of all charges of wrongdoing.”
Her eyes widened slightly before she schooled her expression into a cold mask. “Well, you better succeed. Briar doesn’t deserve a weak male who can’t defend his family. And I have even less tolerance for failure.”
“No. She doesn’t.” And she wouldn’t have one.
Part of me wanted to tell Rhielle the rest and seek her counsel, but that wouldn’t be wise.
I turned to go, then paused and glanced back at her. “Have you noticed anything else unusual in this competition, aside from what you have said? Any signs of death magic or life draining or interference?”
“Kaylen is involved. I can’t prove it. But I know it.” Her gaze hardened. “I imagine you’re going to have to play nice with her.” She stared at me, unflinching. “We both know you’re going tohave to do something that’ll piss me off and hurt Briar, don’t we?”
Chapter Sixteen
Briar
My entire body ached and itched. I had no clue how long I’d been stuck in this horrendous cave, but time blurred here. Had Vad and Many-Greats forgotten me?
Drip.
Or had something happened?
Drip.Drip.
The actual assassin who had killed Vad's father could go for Vad next. It could be anyone.
Drip.Drip. Drip. Drip.
