Chapter 29
Ryland jumps down and gently lowers me to the ground from his horse. He keeps his hand on my elbow to steady me, which I’m thankful for. The waves of pain are less eviscerating now; it’s more of a constant burning ache.
‘Can I come inside with you?’ he asks. ‘It should be me asking the Commander for your hand.’
My stomach flutters wildly. It’s still so shocking to hear that. We’re doing this. I’m going to marry him – this man who’s thrown himself in my path and earned my trust. More than my trust.
I’m giving him my heart.
Except – ‘You can’t come with me.’ I lower my gaze.
‘I plan to appeal to every ounce of favouritism Atlas has for me. I’ll lie, tell him whatever he needs to hear to gain his blessing – that I’ll spy on you, your settlement, your neighbours.
But if you come, he may be … irritated. It won’t go in our favour if you’re there. ’
The wrinkle on his forehead tells me he still doesn’t like it. ‘Okay. I’ll wait for you here.’
I exhale, then kiss him, pulling him firmly against me. I’ve second-guessed which path to marriage will cause the least damage, but I want Ryland to know – to feel – that I’m not second-guessing my choice to marry him.
His chest rumbles with a sound that has my knees wilting. His hands linger on my waist, hesitant to let me go.
‘I’ll be as quick as I can,’ I assure him. ‘We’ll be back to saying our vows in no time.’
Sweat beads on my brow as pain strikes like lightning with every step.
My first order of business is to change into a new uniform shirt, which I do in my bedroom.
Ryland’s jacket would only distract Atlas from the topic at hand – that is if I can even pry his attention from Agatha’s bombs.
Somehow, I’ll need to control the conversation like never before.
As I make my way to Atlas, I rehearse persuasive arguments on how a marriage to Ryland will be beneficial. How it will create a lasting partnership for trade. Something far stronger than any deal –
A figure steps out from the disarming room, blocking my path. I jerk to a stop.
Soren’s nostrils flare, taking me in.
My heart beats like it’s been clubbed with a bat. Was he waiting for me? I knew we’d meet again, but it’s only been hours since he attacked me. ‘What do you want?’
He glances behind me at the people clearing dishes in the dining hall, then leans in. ‘Going to the High Command?’
‘That’s where I work.’ I force my chin higher and fight the urge to back up. ‘Are you afraid of what I’ll say to the Commander, Soren?’
‘No. Not really.’
His tone betrays him. Something sad and perhaps repentant even flickers in his eyes.
Good. I hope he feels awful. I hope he never sleeps again.
He studies my resolve, then invades my space further. ‘I’m not the one who should be afraid,’ he whispers.
His words shove me under a tide of dread. ‘So, you came to threaten me?’
‘I came to say I’m looking forward to that promotion.’ Then he slides past me.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him where to shove his promotion. Instead, I speed off and push through the doors of the High Command, ignoring the guard there to announce me.
Only once I’m alone and hidden in the hallway do I stop, shoulders collapsing. This is my life now, isn’t it? Threats from Soren? Intimidation around any corner? My legs wobble under me, my exhaustion and pain nothing but heavy anchors, their chains wound too tightly around my throat.
‘They have everything that you could ever want, from what I can tell.’
My head lifts. Who is Atlas meeting with?
‘All from the old world.’
I recognise the voice. Rufus, Ryland’s father. Alarm buzzes over my skin. Ryland feared he would sell him out to Atlas. Is that what’s happening here?
I strain to listen, but the speaking is muffled.
‘Of course they do,’ Rufus says. ‘Although I’ve only ever seen it from outside their electric fence.’
‘They have an electric fence?’ Atlas’s voice is much louder now.
Shut up, Rufus. I lurch forward, wincing as I rush to interrupt them. Although, how I’ll distract Atlas now, I don’t know.
‘They have more than that,’ Rufus says. ‘They have magic – the real kind.’
A curse slips past my lips.
‘You get your daughter married to my son, and you’ll see what I’m talking about.’
A few steps before the exit of the hallway, my feet stop.
‘What kind of magic?’ Atlas asks.
‘The healing kind. The seeing-into-each-other’s-head kind.
Of course, he can only use it on the woman he marries, but it works both ways.
Unfortunately, that’s all I know, but this is the easiest way to get any information you want from Ryland.
Not to mention, he’s in love with your daughter.
He’s already talked to me about getting a ring. ’
A dumbfounded laugh bursts from Atlas. Coatl joins in. I bite my lip, torn. Rufus is saying too much. But I also wonder if this is perfect.
They go back and forth, discussing how Ryland could have real magic and where it came from. I only let it continue because Rufus admits he doesn’t know. But in every response from Atlas, I hear the unquenchable thirst to investigate whether it’s true.
God’s breath. This just might work. Thanks to Rufus, Atlas is going to think a wedding is his idea.
Of course, he’ll expect me to commit more espionage and information gathering, but it’ll be like every time I’m tasked with spying for him – I’ll give him nothing.
He may even grant me his blessing to leave with Ryland.
‘What else do you know?’ Atlas demands. ‘Can this magic be used in warfare?’
And – that’s enough. ‘I hear you were looking for me,’ I say loudly, as I make my appearance. There’s now a patchwork of floorboards covering up the hole left by Agatha’s bomb.
Atlas sits up. ‘Ah, Marian! We’ve missed you.’
‘I’m sorry. Things took longer than I’d hoped, but …
’ It’s difficult not to choke on my next words.
‘Soren handled the situation perfectly. Our concerns about those men are now resolved. As I thought, they’re innocent.
That said, there’s something else I must address with you.
’ I glance at Coatl. ‘Alone. It’s very important. ’
‘Not now.’ Atlas flaps his hand. ‘I’ve been speaking with Rufus. Did you know he’s Ryland’s father?’
‘That’s actually what I was coming to tell you.’
He smiles, absolutely delighted. ‘Yes. Well, I’ve just come up with the most brilliant idea.’