32. THIRTY-TWO
THIRTY-TWO
Darius
Beads of sweat drip down the back of my neck and seep into the collar of my shirt. The unyielding sun watches over our departure from high in the sky, leaving no shadows for the crowd to hide under.
It’s a miserable experience until a cool breeze comes out of nowhere. Mina’s soft whisper is an answered prayer. The assembly relaxes as it washes over them, cutting the tension of our final task—picking a mayor.
“It pains us both to leave Brastrova so soon after this tragedy. Two days is hardly enough time to properly restore what was broken, and I know that a great deal of work lies ahead,” I say.
Lord Duponte’s candidate stands at the front of his fellow citizens, wearing a confident smile, unaware of the bomb Mina suggested. Lady Natalie’s appointment is a gamble. Now let’s see if the people accept it.
“We only feel comfortable leaving because we know that the new mayor is more than capable of overseeing the restoration in our absence. Lady Natalie, step forward,” I command.
She’s waiting with the other ladies, dressed in mourning black. She doesn’t look depressed, though; rather, the death of her father fuels her steps forward.
Lord Baueman’s eyes narrow, catching on to the change much quicker than his counterpart.
Lady Natalie curtsies before us.
“Your father was a faithful and competent mayor. May he rest in peace knowing that the city he loved so much now rests in your hands. Congratulations on your appointment.”
Any applause seems to be coming from the younger women in the crowd. Mina’s efforts won them over the past few days, but the older generation will take some time to convince. A few outright yell their protest.
Mina and I step back, giving Lady Natalie one final nod of encouragement. She takes a deep breath, then turns to face her people.
Mayor Natalie keeps her head high as the man closest to us shouts an obscenity. I expect her voice to shake, but her confidence grows with each word. “I expect many of you are surprised and upset by my appointment. Brastrova has a long, proud history of keeping to tradition.”
“Then refuse!” someone near the back shouts.
She tenses but continues on as if he never spoke. “I didn’t want this appointment at first. Who am I to stand where my father stood? Compared to him, I’m underqualified in all but one aspect. My love of this city.”
More grumblings filter through the crowd.
“Let her speak!” an older couple shouts, quieting most of the noise. They own the largest tavern in the city and hold a lot of respect, as theirs will be the only drinking establishment open after tonight.
“Thank you.” She nods at them both. “The emperor and queen are leaving behind a qualified team and plans to restore our home. What they need now is a mayor who knows and loves Brastrova as fiercely as my father did. To ensure the plans reflect our needs.
“All I ask is a chance to prove myself. If, at the end of the restoration, you feel I am unworthy of the job, then we’ll hold a vote. The emperor will approve the final results, but you all will have a say in whether I continue or am replaced.”
My appointment can be enforced easily, but she promised them a way out: a time frame to adjust to her presence in a position of power. Even the most vocal among them seem pacified by her plan. Mina’s confidence in Natalie wasn’t misplaced.
“If that’s still not acceptable, then plead your case to the emperor now. Otherwise, let’s get back to work so that we can cool our sweat at the tavern reopening this evening!”
She certainly knows how to motivate her people. Cheers break out from a healthy majority. Any naysayers will be kept in line by the guards we’re leaving behind. Our reinforcements are half a day’s ride from here, but we have enough men should another random attack happen.
Mayor Natalie turns to us and curtsies. All of Brastrova bows as we mount our horses and head toward the caravan packed and waiting outside the gates.
Mina glances back only once, her smile bittersweet. Alexi reported that she and Natalie weren’t that close, but I know she cares for each of her ladies.
I reach over and grab the reins of her horse, guiding them closer. “She’ll be fine,” I remind her in a low voice.
“I have no doubt about that.” Mina’s eyes are misty, but she manages to push back any tears. This is the second time she’s had to ride away from a city scarred by violence.
“You’ve done everything you can for these people.” Mina glances over, confused until the true meaning of my words sinks in. “It’s not the same.”
Mina shakes her head with a sad smile. “You always see right through everything.”
The frustration I’ve kept buried rears its ugly head. “I wish that were true.”
Mina glances back at our caravan, wise to be wary. I can feel Lord Duponte’s glare boring into the back of my head. I have no doubt he’ll call a meeting tonight to express his disapproval.
“You’re scowling.”
“This is just my face.”
Mina cuts me a look. This is hardly the place to discuss my suspicions, but I doubt we’ll find a better time. I glance around to make sure no one is close enough to eavesdrop. The nearest horse is Staefan's a few paces ahead.
“What do you think of the ambush?”
Mina studies the open fields around us. “I think their timing was incredibly lucky.” Her tone suggests otherwise.
I nod. “Unfortunately, there are too many suspects and not enough evidence.”
“We can remove one from the list.” Mina tightens her grip on the reins. “Zala wouldn’t have failed.”
That we can agree on. The only people with enough information and influence to pull off an ambush like this are my council and commanders. Whoever planned this covered their tracks well, but they won’t be so lucky a second time.
“Until we figure out where the threats are coming from, I want you guarded at all times. No more running off alone.”
“Even if you have me guarded, there will always be a new danger lurking around the corner. It’s how the world works.” Mina raises her chin, glaring through a smile. “I can handle myself.”
My pulse spikes as she trots forward to join Staefan. I thought telling her about my suspicions would encourage her cooperation, but she’s as defiant as ever.
How can one woman be so damn frustrating? And why the hell do I find it so alluring?
I never expected to like having Mina around, but every hard-won battle with her by my side is a sweeter victory. Even when we’re arguing and want to kill each other, my chest tightens with this strange sense of amusement.
Mina glances back, her vicious little smirk drawing my thoughts to earlier. She surprised us both by kissing me without prompting or wagers. She wanted to kiss me. Perhaps in gratitude, but a willing participant all the same.
Fuck if that didn’t inflate my ego more than winning a war.