“And now I suppose you also know why I do not trust your king. Riordan reminds me too much of Michail,” Castor sighed. “Idealistic and forceful.”
“And yet you wanted your other daughter with him?”
“When he was young and before he revealed himself to be so much like Michail. But… You are stronger and more measured than either of my daughters. My sincere hope is that the two of you will find a balance that will bring about the change you want to see without the need for senseless violence,” Castor admitted.
“Is that why you take such interest in me?” I asked.
“It is. Believe me if you wish, but my primary concern will always be the kingdom. I also want a better world for everyone, but I am simply not prepared to put my family on the chopping block for it.”
I was quiet as I tried to absorb the massive deluge of information that he had suddenly dumped on me. It was uncharacteristic of him to be transparent; the man seemed to thrive on vague warnings and veiled insults. So there was still a possibility he was trying to manipulate me.
But… I could not shake a nagging sense that he was telling me the truth.
“Why did you lie to Sofia about him? You said that he assaulted her mother,” I recalled.
“I said he ruined and brutalized her. And that is true,” Castor insisted. “Her heart and mind were never the same after he waskilled and their bond was severed. I had not even known at the time that Ktínos were able to bond like that or I might not have…”
Castor trailed off with a sigh and finished his drink just as I caught sight of Sofia who was guiding Riordan and Orion toward us through the crowd. The looks on all of their faces when they saw Castor next to me might have been comical if I were not about to be questioned.
“I believe that is my cue,” said Castor as he turned to bow to me. Then he made a hasty departure before they could reach my position.
“Amira,” Riordan greeted me, his voice reserved as he bent to kiss my forehead and then glanced up at Ares with narrowed eyes. “What did Castor want?”
“What he usually wants. Updates on the Rookery.”
I cut a quick glance to Sofia so she would understand the significance of that statement and saw her shift on her feet with discomfort.
“Is that so?” Riordan asked, but his eyes were still on Ares standing ramrod straight just behind me. It occurred to me that he had probably overheard the entire exchange, but he was doing his best not to betray it.
“Did you decide what to do about Mionlach?” I asked, looking at Orion who was also staring at me curiously.
“We did. I can fill you in later,” Riordan offered as he turned to look at the room with a sigh of resignation.
“Shall I bring another guest?” Sofia asked us.
“I suppose,” Riordan agreed with a determined nod that made him look like he was preparing to go into battle rather than engage with the other nobles.
“Will we have time to dance?” I asked Sofia before she could go. I had worked hard since the coronation to learn to dance and was eager to show off.
“Of course,” Sofia assured me, her eyes distant as she appeared to make some mental calculations. “If you will allow meto bring a couple of people to meet the king, then you will be free to do as you wish!”
Are you going to tell me the truth of your developing association with Castor?Riordan asked through our bond once he finally got me alone on the dance floor.
I had expected this question and was prepared for it.
I would love to,I reassured him, my arms clenching around his neck as I brought my face closer to his chest so I did not have to hide my expression.But you dislike him so much I am afraid you will be biased about it.
“Biased?” he repeated in confusion.
I cannot explain it but… I just have this feeling.
What feeling is that?Riordan prompted me with a hint of amusement in his mental tone.
You can laugh, but it is the exact same intuition that told me not to use my magic during the battle at Erétria! That saved my life, and the whole city, so I think I would like to keep listening to it!I defended myself.
Riordan was quiet for a moment while we continued to dance smoothly around the room.
“I wonder…” he mused, trailing off.
