Page 81 of A Cage of Crystal

One guard stepped forward. “His Majesty is at prayer.”

“I too came for prayer,” Morkai said, far more brazenly than Teryn would have dared. “I am soon to be the king’s brother-in-law. He will not mind my attendance, for we pray for the good of the same kingdom.”

Teryn cringed at the sound of his voice. It washisvoice,histone, but the way Morkai spoke…it sounded nothing like him. Yet of course these guards wouldn’t know that. They’d been planted at Ridine from Selay. The only person here who could possibly see through Morkai’s ruse was the very woman the sorcerer was determined to avoid.

When neither guard showed any sign of allowing Morkai inside, he lowered his voice. “To be honest, Lord Kevan asked me to come here for reasons I’m sure you understand.”

The guards exchanged a look that set Teryn’s teeth on edge. Despite now serving the king, they clearly maintained allegiance to Kevan. Had Morkai already gleaned the tense power dynamic here at Ridine? Did he know Dimetreus was still under scrutiny by Verdian and his brothers—the men who were supposed to be the king’s new allies? If Morkai had been able to project his ethera outside the crystal the way Teryn and Emylia could, then he must have been able to collect at least some intel before having taken over Teryn’s body. Not to mention the fact that he’d been off on his own much of yesterday while Teryn had been resting his ethera.

“I’ll inform the king of your request,” one of the guards said and entered the Godskeep.

Teryn frowned. What did Morkai want with the king? Whatever it was, it filled Teryn with a sinking sensation.

“Are you certain you wouldn’t rather rest?” Emylia asked, tone wary. He met her eyes and found trepidation in them. She wrung her hands but stilled them when the movement caught Teryn’s gaze.

“Is there something you know that you aren’t telling me?” he asked.

She released her arms to her sides, donning a casual posture. Too casual.

Teryncouldtrust her…right?

“I’m telling you what’s for the best,” she said. “If you overexert yourself, you’ll be forced to rest anyway. Remember what happened yesterday?”

Teryn knew she was referring to the way he’d lost consciousness after witnessing Morkai’s conversation with Cora. He shrugged. “So be it. I want to know what business Morkai has with Cora’s brother. I will watch their interaction for as long as I can.”

“Just…just know that there’s nothing you can do right now.” She spoke slowly. Carefully. “Whatever happens, whatever you overhear, we can only continue with our plan.”

Teryn’s sense of unease increased, but the guard returned, pulling Teryn’s focus back to the Godskeep door.

“The king will see you,” the guard said, opening the door for Morkai to pass.

Teryn and Emylia shadowed Morkai through the antechamber, then to the nave. It was much smaller and darker than Dermaine’s, with no bright tapestries, no painted ceiling, and no stained-glass windows. Its only adornments were a red carpet that ran from the doorway to the dais, a long wooden table that served as an altar, and seven statues of the seven gods that rested upon it. At the foot of the dais, Dimetreus kneeled. He was dressed in ceremonial robes in Khero’s violet, embroidered with threads of gold and the kingdom’s black mountain sigil on the back. A simple gold circlet rested upon his brow, while a bejeweled dagger hung at his waist. Teryn’s gaze slid to Morkai’s hip, relieved to see he was unarmed. Even if the sorcerer had thought to bring a weapon, the guards would have disarmed him upon his entrance to the Godskeep. Only the king and his guards could enter a Godskeep armed.

Morkai strolled past the rows of benches until he reached the king. “Your Majesty,” he said with a deep bow.

Dimetreus nodded in reply. “Prince Teryn, how good of you to join me for prayer.”

“I appreciate you allowing this intrusion.”

“It’s no intrusion,” the king said, “for I am merely posturing. I’ve never been a man of prayer. A man of faith, yes, but not as faithful as I should be.”

“Is that so, my king?” Morkai strolled up the dais and lit seven sticks of incense on the small brazier burning at the center of the table. Then he placed one stick before each of the deities before returning to the king’s side. Teryn watched his every move with keen awareness, a tense wave of energy tightening his ethera. He expected Morkai to do something sinister, but he simply kneeled beside Dimetreus, positioned slightly behind as was deferential to the king.

Dimetreus spoke again. “Lords Kevan and Ulrich insist I make a show of being a penitent king to improve my image. Though I can’t see how it would help when there’s hardly a soul to witness me in here.”

“I wouldn’t say you’re without witnesses, Majesty.” Morkai gave a subtle nod toward the dais. Teryn’s gaze followed to where the king’s personal guard stood, two men on each side, nearly hidden amongst the shadows of the dark nave.

The king snorted a laugh. Lowering his voice to a whisper, he said, “I suppose you know more than anyone what position I’m in, as you had a strong hand in negotiating for my and Aveline’s pardon.”

“Yes, though I would have prevented Verdian’s stranglehold on your castle if I’d held more sway. Kevan and Ulrich are too ambitious for their own good.” Teryn hated hearing Morkai utter words that held true for Teryn. Perhaps the sorcerer was adept at playing this role after all.

“I appreciate you saying that, Prince, but…but I am in a situation of my own making. Though I wasn’t of the right mind when I attempted to declare war on Selay and Menah, I can’t change that it happened. I am willing to do whatever it takes to demonstrate my peaceful intent to my allies.” His tone was dry, rehearsed.

“Majesty, I hope you won’t fault me for being blunt, but you need not speak with caution around me. I’m on your side.”

Dimetreus gave him a warm smile. “Of course you are. You were quick to forgive me, for you saw how I was being controlled firsthand when the sorcerer brought you here. Still, I bear the burden of having neglected to see Morkai’s vile intent long before I named him duke. Even after, I’d had a choice. I could have listened to Aveline…”

His voice trailed off, eyes vacant. Haunted. Then he shook his head and rose to his feet. One of his guards rushed forward to offer him a hand, but he waved him off. The guard hesitated, then returned to his post at the end of the dais.

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