I’d never witnessed anyone—let alone a woman—sentenced to more than ten lashes. Fifteen was a severe punishment. Twenty was a statement. That, combined with the Skorn, was a cruel message wrapped in the guise of justice.
I shouldn’t have expected anything less.
Yet, I bristled with anger. Not one voice among the crowd crying out at the injustice. All these people so easily cowered in terror to Seth. I’d already suffered by losing my baby sister, and yet again, I was receiving more punishment. Where is their mercy?
Seth lifted his hands, settling the crowd. I hated that they listened to him immediately. Hated that once, I would have been like them—looking to Seth for leadership after his father’s death. A handsome, dynamic, and natural choice.
Their devotion to him grew by the day … alongside my hatred.
Blood still dripped from Seth’s nose but the satisfaction it had given me had faded.
Even Rykr had remained silent. For a moment, I’d believed we were in this together—that, for now, he’d stand beside me. He’d acknowledged me as his wife, a show of solidarity I hadn’t expected.
But I was alone.
Summoning what strength I had left, I strode toward the flogging post, refusing to let the fear show on my face.
“Do your worst, Seth,” I said, my voice clear and steady. “If pain is the price for giving you what you deserve, then I’ll pay it gladly.”
If they wanted to break me, they’d have to try harder than this.
Chapter 8
Rykr
The Viori were fucking savages.
As Seren stopped in front of the thick rectangular flogging post, head held high, I gritted my teeth.
The woman might have broken their laws, but she’d tried to be honorable. Even if it means a cage I don’t want.
Despite my limited mobility, I pulled my shirt back over my head. “I’ll take her punishment.” My voice was calm as I dragged the shirt to my wrists, leaving my torso bare once more. “Let me take her place.”
Seren whirled, her eyes wide. “No, don’t?—”
Seth, still looming on the platform, scowled. “Tempting, but that would hardly serve justice.”
I held his gaze. “I don’t claim to know Viori law but in Lirien a man can take a woman’s beating. You can flog me yourself if you’d like.” Then in a voice only he could hear, I added, “Besides. We both know this isn’t about justice. Is it?”
The smug confidence in Seth’s face flickered.
I didn’t relish the thought of this man beating me, but Seren had saved my life. If Seth accepted my offer, my debt to her would be paid.
His dark eyes filled with temptation.
He wasn’t just considering my offer—he was calculating. Weighing something beyond the immediate scene. The cruel smirk that tugged at the corner of his mouth didn’t reach his cold eyes. He wanted my blood spilled. This was his chance. A public display of dominance.
At last, he nodded. “I accept your offer.” His voice carried through the silent crowd.
With measured, unhurried precision, he unclasped the brooch of his cloak. He wanted me to feel every second before the first lash fell. His every movement was deliberate, designed to keep all eyes on him—on his authority.
He gripped my elbow, tighter than necessary, as he led me to the post, past Seren. Not a word passed between us, but I could sense the satisfaction rolling off him like a storm brewing on the horizon.
Seren’s whisper reached me, “You don’t have to do this?—”
“It’s done. Stay out of it.”
For a heartbeat, Seren froze. Then she narrowed her eyes at me, her annoyance at my order clear. Her voice was louder as she said, “He had no right to offer himself.”
