Page 104 of Queen of War and Ruin

Hands? I shiver as I realize what the king of Vsenrog is talking about.

My torture. My public punishment for the prince my wife murdered to save my worthless life.

“No,” Varitan replies, in a way that makes me think he’s smiling.

“Good, good,” Malrik says. “It’s poetic, isn’t it? The hand that stabbed the prince, you know?”

“It’s lovely,” Varitan responds.

I hear the rustle of cloth, the pat-pat-pat of polished leather shoes on stone. Someone is walking toward me.

“We’ll leave here as soon as he’s stable,” Malrik says. “It shouldn’t take more than a few days. He’s always been quick to recover.”

“Yes,” Varitan says.

His cold voice is much closer now. Gods, he must be standing right next to me. I don’t dare try to open my eyes.

“One more thing,” Varitan adds. “If it’s not too much trouble.”

“Of course,” Malrik answers.

“We should bring the woman.”

Malrik laughs again. “Shit,” he spits. “As if losing his hands isn’t going to be torture enough? Making him travel with the woman who broke his heart?”

“Just in case,” Varitan purrs. “If he doesn’t behave, we can punish her as well.”

Malrik chuckles. Gods, he must be in an insufferably good mood.

“Couldn’t have said it better myself,” Malrik says. “Do you need anything else for tonight’s demonstration?”

“No, thank you,” Varitan replies. “I’m quite looking forward to it.”

“Oh, as am I,” Malrik says. “They’ll never forget it.”

Malrik chuckles again, low and deep. There’s the sound of footsteps, then a door opening. Closing.

And then there’s nothing but the sound of Varitan’s breathing, in and out, right above me.

“Snake,” Varitan finally says. “That’s what they called you, isn’t it?”

I don’t reply. I’m not sure I could speak even if I wanted to. My body still feels like it’s been wrapped in thick cloth and packed away somewhere.

“You’re fighting my magic,” Varitan continues. “I don’t think you realize all the ways in which your life here could get worse.”

He pauses. I pull in a breath, then exhale.

“Keep fighting the sleep magic,” Varitan finally says, “and you will find out.”

Something touches my arm, hot and heavy and crawling with foul magic. Sleep sinks its claws into me and drags me down.

And I discover I can scream after all.

Chapter 54

Lilias

TRYING TO PROTECT THE SNAKE