CHAPTER TWO ISI #2
“Have there been more attacks?” I kept my voice carefully concerned, not too interested. A worried princess asking about her realm’s safety.
“Several. They raid our supply caravans. Attack our patrols. Spread their poisonous ideas about magic.” His hands flexed and released at his sides. “They’re much too organized, and that makes them dangerous.”
“We should increase our defenses,” I said. “Perhaps fortify the southern border?”
“Don’t worry yourself about it.” His expression softened. “I’m glad you’re home. The realm has been unsettled in your absence. We need to show stability. Unity.” He gestured for me to walk with him toward the windows overlooking the gardens. “I dream of your sister sometimes. Do you?”
“Every night.” I thought of Addie constantly. Of finding her. Of saving her.
He stared out at the gardens where she and I used to play. “I wonder if she’s at peace. If the dead feel anything at all.”
Addie’s not dead, I wanted to scream. You locked her in your dungeon, you monster.
I bit back the words. “I hope she’s found peace.”
His voice sharpened. “The rebels who killed her will pay. When we march on Syllavar, it will be in her name. I will find justice for my murdered daughter.”
“When do you plan to leave?”
“After the Day of Mercy we’ll hold in two weeks. You’ll preside on that day as always. We have twenty-three individuals who’ve shown signs of magic since your departure. They’ve been contained in the dungeons.”
“Why the dungeons?” He’d never incarcerated any of them before.
“Some tried to run.”
Were people finally figuring out that this was murder, not mercy?
“An ally suggested I contain them,” he added.
“What ally?”
His gaze clouded for such a brief moment, I might’ve missed it if I was looking away. “Don’t bother yourself about such things.”
My magic jerked away from my leash, and the torch flames closest to us swayed.
Father frowned at the sconces. “It’s drafty in here. A window must be cracked open.”
I forced myself to breathe, to keep my expression bland and agreeable. Inside, I screamed. Twenty-three people, and I was expected to stand on that platform dressed in a robe and white mask and watch them die.
Unless I could save Addie and find a way to free them.
I had two weeks.
“Is your army nearly ready to march?” I pushed to sound frightened.
He turned to look at me, his eyes searching my face again for something I was terrified he’d find.
“That’s not your concern, Amarissa. Military matters are beyond your understanding.
” His hand landed on my shoulder again. “As the Lady of Mercy, it’s your duty to show our people that we haven’t forgotten our principles even in the face of war. ”
He meant the mask I’d worn for sixteen years. The role that had slowly crushed me until I’d forgotten who Amarissa was beneath it.
“You must be exhausted from your journey.” His voice turned gentle. He pulled me into an embrace, his arms wrapping around me like chains disguised as comfort. “We’ll speak more in the morning. For now, rest. Recover your strength.”
Easing back, he kissed my forehead.
My skin crawled.
Every place he touched felt cold.
I wanted to shove him away, run back to Syllavar, and never look back.
Instead, I smiled and played the role he’d expect of me. “Thank you, Father. It’s good to be home.”
He released me and waved toward a guard I’d never seen before, a tall man with cold eyes and a scar bisecting his left cheek. “This is Victor. Given the rebel threats and your own impulsive behavior recently, I think a bodyguard is necessary.”
Victor strode forward, his gaze fixed on me. I found no deference in his eyes, only a chilling, flat assessment. His face took on a satisfied slant that had nothing to do with duty. This man was someone who liked having power over people, and my father had just given him control over me.
Pherin’s tail lashed against my nape, her warning clear.
Something dark and final settled in my chest like a stone hitting the bottom of a well. This wasn’t security. It was a leash. Victor would follow me into every corner. He’d study my every breath and do all he could to expose my thoughts. The castle walls weren’t my prison. He was.
My careful plan shattered. How could I search the castle for Addie with this man shadowing my every step, reporting my actions to my father?
Kill now? Pherin asked.
If you shift, they’ll not only kill you, but they’ll also kill me.
Not kill us. I destroy them all!
We can’t act yet. Please.
She grumbled again.
My father’s hand landed on my arm. “Victor will watch over you now.”
I forced myself to meet his gaze.
“Thank you.” My voice came out a soft echo of the girl I used to be. “I understand.”
Every curtsy would be a fuck you.
“Good.” His smile showed complete satisfaction. He saw his broken little bird returned to her cage. He had no idea he was staring at a hawk. “Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for your permanent detail.” He released my arm and turned back toward his throne. “Go. Rest.”
I pivoted and walked toward the massive doors, my spine straight, my steps steady.
The torches flickered as I passed, flames bending toward me as if even the fire recognized something wild that refused to be caged.
Let my father think he’d caught his broken bird. He had no idea I’d learned to fly.
Behind me, a second set of footfalls joined the echo of mine, perfectly in sync.
My shadow had a name, and it was Victor.
I was a prisoner in a fortress with only two weeks to tear it all down.