Page 64 of Darkest Heart

“Reading?”

“Yes.” I placed a book on her bed, ignoring the swirling feeling in my stomach as she moved up close. “I need to find out all the information I can about the goddess, Salenia.”

She arched a brow. “Why?”

“I can’t tell you.”

“These are big books.”

I gave her a look. We both knew she’d have no problem reading them. “Will you help me?”

“You seem panicked.” She tilted her head, and my stomach knotted. “This must be important to you.”

“Will you help me or not, Elizabeth?”

“Perhaps.” She cleared her throat, her eyes bloodshot as she tilted her head. “Some girl came by earlier. She said she was your betrothed.”

I rolled my eyes up. “Penelope,” I seethed. “What did she do to you?”

“Just warned me to stay away from you.”

I huffed. I hadn’t paid her any attention for a while now, avoiding her whenever I could. I was rather hoping that problem would be over soon. Once I was in power, she’d be gone. Back to Asland, thrown off a cliff, it didn’t matter to me. “I’ll make sure she doesn’t come back here.”

She nodded then slowed her breathing. “So you need my help,” she said. “I’d be happy to, if you set my sister free.”

“You don’t want her free in this kingdom.”

She rolled her eyes. “Then send her home. You know what I meant.”

“I can’t do that.”

She shrugged. “Then read them yourself.”

“I don’t have time!”

“Then set her free.”

She grabbed her dagger as I stood, storming toward the chair. Her gulp loud in my ears. My defenses fell away, and I sighed. She was afraid of me. I should’ve been glad, but I didn’t feel an ounce of satisfaction from it. “Put it away.” I took a step back. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Why?”

We both stared at each other for an uncomfortably long time. I didn’t know why, and her penetrating gaze only made me feel more naked. I hated it. I hated her for making me feel this way. “I don’t know!” I finally snapped. “Fine.” I relented. “I’ll get your sister out of here.”

Her lips parted. “Safely?”

“I’ll send her home.” I gritted my teeth, staring at the pile of books. It was a good thing she didn’t know there were several more I planned on bringing in. Who knew what else she’d ask for in return? “Safely,” I added. “Do we have an agreement?”

“How do I know you won’t just kill her?”

“I give you my word.”

“Is that supposed to count for something?”

Yes, it fucking is. I never gave my word.“What can I do to prove it?”

She paused for a moment, then climbed her brown eyes to meet mine. “Let me go home too.”

I don’t know why my heart skipped a beat, or a sudden wave of nausea overcame me, but I agreed anyway. “Find out what I need to know. You’ll both be on a ship back to Salvius.”

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