Chapter Twenty-One #4
They move as one to peel back the excess fabric and reveal the embroidered outline of a sun whose rays cast outward while a bolt of gold lightning blasts down its center.
My chest constricts with the intent behind this combination, while Varic acts as if he is honored by the signet featuring the image of the magic which killed his friend.
Both symbols connect to his level of power, the last I would think to attribute to him.
He is so much more than the strength of his magic.
“The sun represents immense power, as I have appointed the most powerful force sorcerer on the Continent to lead Imperial Grand Witch Tasch’s detail.” His Majesty projects his voice over the crowd’s cheers.
I wind my figurative fists around my magic to keep from unleashing every bit of fear he has ever instilled in me straight into his heart now that his statement confirms all that we’ve suspected—that his wish has been to brag about the leader of my Guard being the most powerful force sorcerer.
Yet there is no reason for him to be so disrespectful to both Hendry and his memory.
Because while his statement is true, it could have been handled with more tact than he chose to use.
Publicly bringing attention to the reason he kept Varic and the rest of us separated—forcing Varic to live without knowing the other Anomalies, all while treating Hendry with such cruelty after the immense power Varic possesses—became known across the Continent.
“Whereas the lightning bolt represents his strongest form of magic, as well as that of his strength in leadership, which he will continue to prove in his new role serving the Dragons, Ampara Deicra, and our Imperial Grand Witch Tasch.”
Cheers pierce my eardrums as my insides writhe with disgust. I scratch the inside of my palms as they itch with the wish to take this cretin out of existence. Yet this is Varic’s moment, and his respectful bow pulls me from my need for vengeance just long enough to bring me back to the present.
“Now, Sergeant Varic will present himself to the unbound Dragons,” the Emperor says by mistake.
“Imperial Lead Guard Varic,” Lorn leans in to correct under his breath.
“Exactly as I said,” His Majesty argues while I study him, uncertain if he failed to recognize he stated a title Varic hasn’t held for the last two years or not.
“Imperial Lead Guard Varic will present himself, unshielded and unarmed, to every Dragon yet to bond with a sorcerer, so they might assess a possible connection in a way only the Dragons understand, until one should deem him a match.” His Majesty coughs, then shakily takes the glass of water promptly offered by a servant, guzzling half before passing it back.
“In the event none identify him as a match, the Elder Dragons will deliberate to determine the next course of action.” Emperor Aldritch extends his palm to Varic, who steps forward at the same time as Imperial Guard Roy takes his place on my left.
I spare a glance at Roy’s bright green eyes, which flick over to me just as quickly as they leave.
A sense of loss comes over me the farther away Varic strides in the direction of the tall gray boulder jutting from the ground.
Conflicting thoughts and feelings war within me, yearning for him to experience this, while also wishing he were the one standing beside me.
That strange tugging sensation I feel toward him calls to me, begging me to join him as guilt winds its way around my abdomen, sprouting roots that dig deep like a fast-growing tree.
Here he is, reaping one of the only rewards of being bound to me. How dare I wish he were here on this stage when he is finally being given something in return for his service to this Godsdamned Empire.
Applause rises as Varic waves to the annoyingly adoring crowd, upon which I narrow my eyes at everyone blushing and grinning so wide, they apparently do not feel the need to hide their attraction to the sorcerer smiling before them.
An itching sensation expands from the center of my palms the moment a particularly attentive blonde witch tucks her hair behind her ears, and I forcibly pull on the tendrils of disgust my magic attempted to send to her.
Yet my power fights, refusing to return, almost as if it has a mind of its own and wants to modify the emotions of those who want him.
Which would be a waste of my magic, because no matter how hard they yearn for him, they can never have him. No one can.
Because he is mine. I am the only living being who can lay claim to him, even after he blood-bonds with a Dragon. Because his vow binds him to my side for the rest of our lives. Unable to leave me, no matter what he may wish as time progresses. A truth which is oddly satisfying in its selfishness.
“It is time to begin the assessment!” Emperor Aldritch announces.
Varic shifts his attention away from his audience to smile at me, cheeks rising high as his wavy brown hair falls over his face. My heart swells from all the joy he sends, allowing it to enchant me as he intends, despite needing to focus more on the Emperor before he notices.