Chapter 10 #3
“What words can be spoken in this place that could be trusted?” I turned my focus to Briar then, willing her to understand what I was saying.
Her gaze was hard as stone, every muscle in her body locked.
Just standing likely hurt her, and neither my words nor my presence was bringing her comfort.
“What happened in that garden was unprecedented deception, and great loss has come about because of it.” My mind spun as I struggled to come up with a statement that would fool Colm and soothe Briar.
“Someone was trying to rig the bridal competition, but Fate cannot be denied. Nor will my father be denied justice.”
Colm cleared his throat and started to offer another objection, but I held his gaze and cut him off again.
“My people deserve closure. If she comes before them looking like an unhealthy sack of bones, all scraped and bruised, then seeing the devastation that will come from the Shadow Fae sentencing will be far less impactful. The same is true of her mind. If, in those final moments, she is capable of providing a true and honest confession, it will do far more for the people if it is clear she is physically whole rather than her rundown appearance creating the lingering doubt that she was forced to confess under torture. No, the truth of her guilt is known. And justice will be served.”
The faintest hint of a sob escaped Briar’s lips, and I steeled myself to avoid looking at her. Thalen’s expression wavered, and his brow creased deeper.
Colm scowled as well, though his eyebrow arched in a way that suggested he was intrigued. “So you do intend to execute her publicly and painfully?”
The words soured on my tongue, but I could prepare this first part of my plan imminently upon my return.
I would have Colm make the ideal execution for himself, and he’d be none the wiser until it was too late.
“Preparations are already underway. The bridal competition will resume its last test within the week, and the wedding shall happen along with all other formalities. So as far as I am concerned, the first act of my new bride and the queen of the Shadow Fae will be to preside over the execution of the assassin and any others involved. Seems a fitting way to conclude the wedding and prepare for the celebration. Perhaps we’ll even hold the execution during the celebration. ”
“Your bride will participate in the execution or simply watch?” Colm’s eyes brightened as he canted his head.
“If she wishes. I haven’t yet settled on the method. Something appropriate that lies within her talents, if she wishes it. My queen will have my full support in this matter.”
“Assuming one of the two top contenders of the competition is the final winner, then either one would certainly happily and ferociously destroy the assassin,” Colm said in a far milder tone than I expected.
A cruel smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth.
The plan was working. At least this phase of it.
“I have not had the pleasure of meeting either yet, but I am certain Fate will choose well.”
Briar’s nostrils flared as if she smelled something especially horrid. Her eyes widened briefly.
What was that about? I scowled. Something in Colm’s statement had caused a reaction. Perhaps just distaste or mistrust. Either way, Colm was falling into my trap, proving he had some sort of vested interest.
Colm continued, “May I ask what execution methods are being considered?”
I twitched my shoulders as I considered this question.
Perhaps I could maneuver things even more to my advantage.
“I am considering the possibilities. The Bleeding Bloom, the Thirteen Mutilations, the Iron Coffin. Perhaps a new one. Force the assassin to become a beast, and let her be hunted for all to see, followed by something appropriate.” My stomach churned as if I were speaking of Briar’s death, even though my plan was the furthest thing from it.
One of the guards chuckled while the other grunted.
A slow, cruel smile spread over Colm’s mouth.
“Oh how deliciously archaic. Your great-grandfather was the last to inflict the Bleeding Bloom and the Thirteen Mutilations on a traitor, I believe. I didn’t see it myself, of course, but I have heard of both.
Those dark crystals blossoming from the accused’s veins, eyes, and mouth?
Excruciating. Perhaps you could make that one of the Thirteen Mutilations?
I believe you have the option to choose which horrors are visited upon the guilty. ”
Despite my distaste, I gave a curt nod. Time to set the plan in place and bait the trap.
“A distinct possibility, though my final choice will be made upon learning what my bride prefers. I realize that I have asked a great deal of you, and that you are exceptionally skilled in interrogation and torture. But perhaps I can offer you this concession. I want my father’s murderer to suffer beyond reason and for that suffering to be done in a public display to serve as a warning.
Would you be willing to assist me in ensuring the public punishment and execution are appropriate for this task? ”
Colm’s eyes widened, and he hesitated a breath. Then he bowed his head and tapped the claws of his steepled hands together. “It would be an honor, Your Highness.”
“Excellent. I will expect you to come to the palace at your earliest opportunity since I’m sure your guards can handle her in your absence. I’ll assign a guard to you to ensure you receive all you require, and I will instruct my own interrogator and executioner to cooperate with you fully.
“I would also appreciate a list of all procedures performed upon her and by whom, to commemorate it in the record. The assassin and all allies will be made an example that will ring out for all of time. You needn’t worry about torturing Briar further.” I forced myself to look at her.
When I saw how she was looking at me now, her jaw tight and her eyes watery, my stomach somersaulted. My mouth went dry, and my throat thickened.
I masked the tremor in my voice with a sneer.
“Without her knowledge of the exact suffering that awaits, her imagination will torment her well beyond anything that could be done.” And soon after this, I would press him to make an additional concession and let her be moved to the Shadow Kingdom, or at least to better quarters.
But he had to be handled with care, or else he might move her to a different prison and further obstruct the rescue.
Colm’s nostrils flared, and he scoffed. “I do not fully agree, but I am aware that the suffering of the Thirteen Mutilations is all the greater the healthier the victim is. As far as those who are involved, that will be added to the record. It is our privilege to be able to participate in justice and to provide support in this most difficult of times.” His cruel satisfaction and entitled smugness were nearly unbearable.
I drew my shadows back in, including the one that was trying to curl alongside Briar’s shadow and hold her. They’d been creeping closer to her without my notice. The curling, claw-like tendrils looked ominous, and she did not yet know that they wanted to comfort her as much as I did.
“Is there anything else you require, Your Highness?” Colm’s posture relaxed, and the warmest smile I’d ever seen on his face curved his almost nonexistent lips.
“One more thing before I take my leave.” I drew in a steadying breath and fixed my gaze once more on Briar. Her face had gone pale, and her lips trembled ever so slightly. More tears brimmed in her eyes.
All I could hope was that Briar would understand why I had to do this—if not now, then in time.
I wanted her to know that I would burn everything down, walk away from my kingdom, do whatever it took for her to be by my side for eternity.
But if I played this wrong, she would die horrifically in this place.
I had to get her out of here without letting them hurt her more.
I would free her within a day or two, and I’d grovel happily for the rest of my existence if she’d allow it.
“Understand that I will not rest until justice is served. My father’s murder will be avenged, and all who have done harm in this plot shall pay tenfold.
You said that I knew you, but I ask now whether you know me .
If you truly consider my words, I’ll believe that you do, and that you know I am disgusted and enraged at what has transpired. ”
Briar flinched but didn’t look away, though she blinked faster.
A few tears rolled down her cheeks. One day, she might think back on this and realize what I was actually saying, but today, my heart broke at the betrayal and grief shining in her eyes.
I forced myself to draw in my shadows and straighten my wings.
I strode toward the door, Thalen close behind. We had to get out of here before I lost all control. Soon, Briar. Soon. I swear it. Soon, I will make all this right.
The soft rustle of fabric stirred the air, and then her voice reached me in a tone more soft and broken than I had ever heard it. “Vad…”
I shouldn’t have stopped. I needed to keep going, but my feet refused to obey. Fate, what was she going to say? I couldn't let her break me.