Page 46 of Revealing Fate

Felíne waited for him to explain.

“Very well,” Saul said, upon realizing she would not be dissuaded. “You would be required to face an adversary of the Conclave’s choosing. If you survive, you will have proven yourself and retain the right to keep your secrets. The few who choose the physical trial often find that willingly facing death and escaping its clutches solidifies any wavering loyalties.”

If she survived? “What kind of adversary?”

“The undisclosed kind.”

Fine. “Would I be permitted a weapon?”

Saul inclined his head. “Yes. One of your choosing.”

“How long do I have to survive?” Gods, this was surreal. Felíne couldn’t believe she was having this conversation.

“It is different for everyone,” Saul said. His downturned chestnut eyes assessed her. “For you? I think ten minutes against a single adversary would suffice. Though the decision requires the Conclave’s approval.”

Felíne hesitated. She was at a serious disadvantage. But she couldn’t reveal her identity. Integris was out of the question. She had minimal skill with her only weapon, but she was relatively quick on her feet. She could survive ten minutes. Couldn’t she?

“What did Kal choose?” The question escaped her unbidden.

“The physical trial.”

Of course, he did. “How long did he have to survive?”

“Three days,” Saul answered, and Felíne balked. “Though I wish he had chosen the verbal inquiry. We wasted many lives testing Kal’s loyalty.”

Divine mercy.

“I suppose we are better for it,” Saul mused. “Meress gained an invaluable ally in Kalevar Kaine.” His patient gaze rested upon Felíne once more. “As I said, I recommend the verbal inquiry. Answer the Conclave’s questions, and you will be free to go. Surely, whatever secrets you harbor cannot be worth potentially forfeiting your life?”

Oh, how little he knew. If Felíne handed over her identity to the leaders of the Cozened, her life would be forfeit anyway. She’d never return home, and they would all be doomed regardless. Stubborn courage steeled her spine, infusing her with a fool’s confidence. “I choose the physical trial,” Felíne said.

Saul sighed but bowed his head in resignation. “Very well.”

Chapter 19

CHANGES

“HOW WAS YOUR OUTING, DEAREST?”

Imogen studied a crack in the stone wall to avoid looking Vulgren in the eyes. “Fine,” she replied.

He hummed, hands clasped behind his back. “Nothing interesting to report?”

She did glance at him then. Lieutenant Gore stood at the entrance to Vulgren’s office, and Imogen felt his attention sharpen.

“No,” she said calmly.

Vulgren hummed again and stepped to his desk. He lifted a sheaf of parchment and peered at whatever was written on it. “I apologize that your time here has thus far been uneventful, Elder Imogen. I know how eager you are to continue your duties to the Prima and your queen.”

Imogen would have relaxed at the change in topic, but it was impossible to find calm in Vulgren’s presence. Lieutenant Gore, at least, seemed to settle at his post, confident that Imogen stayed true to her word and did not report his lapse in attention at the tavern. She closed the door, closing herself off from the young guard.

“My dearest mothers seem to have unintentionally synchronized their fertile cycles,” he continued. “Fortunately, our newest mother has a cycle approaching. I’d like you to spend some time with her. Ready her to service my Primordial Male.”

Imogen fought to maintain a neutral expression. Karrick wasn’t his. He’d never belong to such filth as Vulgren. Never belong to anyone.

“I can have you escorted to her chamber. We’ve increased the mothers’ comforts, dearest. I think you’ll be pleased with their new quarters.”

“And what of the Primordial Male?” she demanded, unable to stop the question. “Why have his comforts not been assured?”