Page 175 of Scourged
She caught Andrian’s subtle smirk out of the corner of her eye, something close to pride shimmering in his gaze and down their bond.
Sebastian shook his head, lips tight. “It’s just …” He breathed a heavy sigh. “It feels like a trap. You must see that.”
“Of course it’s a trap.” He blinked with shock. “But that’s not a good enough reason to stay behind. To not do what I can for them. They were taken because ofme.”
Sebastian’s jaw still worked, but he said nothing.
“I have a question.” Drystan’s clear voice rang through the room as he leaned his hands on the back of the couch. “Did anyone else catch that the messenger boy said that a City Guard named Ryland is who let him into the palace tonight?”
“Yes,” Andrian responded, his eyes flashing. “And I’m going to fuckingkillhim.”
Mariah didn’t object. She only met his stare, feeling his anger.
This was a man Andrian had grown up with. Had regarded as a brother for over twenty-one years. Mariah didn’t know Ryland—not beyond the few meetings they’d had and the trip they’d made into the market district. His deceit stung, but the pain of it was mild, inconsequential. For Andrian, though, and the rest of her Armature, this betrayal meant something else entirely.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he has left the city. Regardless, we need to find him and talk to him.” Everyone around the room murmured their agreement to Mariah’s words.
“I’ll find him.” Feran crossed his arms across his chest. “Tracking down animals is something I’m good at.”
Mariah nodded. “Good. Can you do it in two days?”
Feran’s answering grin was savage. “Respectfully, M, I think I’ll have him back by nightfall tomorrow.” He chuckled. “Ryland is many things, but the smartest of us … he is not.”
“Then it’s settled.” Sebastian rose to his feet. Ciana watched him stand, her brows twisted together. “We’ll leave in three days, in the morning.” He glanced down at Mariah. “Who all is to go with you, My Queen?”
His rigidity would have bothered her had it not been for her numbness—her anger and guilt.
“All of you. I need you all close. We’re stronger when we’re all together.” It was the truth; everything felt whole like all the pieces of her soul finally fit together when they were near. The thought of going into a place like Khento, a place haunted by the darkest of her memories, without them … She couldn’t stomach it.
She turned her attention to the women of her court. “Kiira and Rylla, you’ll both remain here in Verith. As will you, Ciana. Stay with Delaynie and her mother. Keep the palace safe until we return.”
All three women nodded. Kiira and Rylla’s eyes hardened and flashed, reflective like a cat.
Mariah turned to her first friend, the golden girl who had taught her that a life of responsibility and power might not be so bad after all. Ciana’s amber eyes were rimmed with tears, her lips quivering as she held back a sob.
Mariah gave her a gentle smile and felt something other than the emptiness of anger and guilt. She extended her hand toCiana. Gripped her friend’s fingers with her own. “I need you to promise me something, Cee.”
Ciana sniffed, a single tear falling from her eye. It landed on their clasped hands, rolling off their skin.
“Anything, Mariah. You know that.”
Mariah drew in a breath, raising her chin. “If things go poorly—if you get word that things have gone poorly—you need to get out of here. If I’m gone, and theallumefails again … the wards will fall, and you won’t be protected here. You need to promise me that you’ll get everyone out—Delaynie, Mikael, Brie, Ryenne’s ladies, Liliane. Everyone who might have sympathy for me. Get them out and get them somewhere safe.”
Ciana’s eyes widened. “That won’t happen. I know it won’t.”
“Of course it won’t. But …” Mariah’s voice turned pleading. “Just promise me, Ciana. Take care of them. Get them out.”
Ciana opened her mouth as if she had more to say, but snapped it closed. It took a few moments, the mind behind her eyes working, before she nodded.
“I will. I promise,” Ciana said, her voice nearly a whisper. She cleared her throat. “If I do, where should I go?”
Mariah stared blankly.
She hadn’t thought that far.
“To Kreah.” Kiira stepped forward. She still wore her silver-gold gown, styled after Mariah’s own. Her deep brown eyes glowed behind gold dusting on her eyelids, her skin warm against the lightness of her dress. “If we have to flee, we should go to Kreah.”
Mariah straightened. “Kreah is a long way away.”