Page 20 of Blood Curse

Bryony closed the door. Harrowmere set a white ward across it at the touch of her palm.

“He stays there until we decide how to dispose of him,” she said.

“Burning works,” Mara offered.

“Tomorrow,” Bryony said. “Tonight he gets a locked door and none of our attention.”

I couldn’t have improved on it.

Lenora left for the armoury with the dagger halves. She didn’t ask whether Bryony needed company or try to steer her towards bed. She took the danger we had given her and dealt with it.

Mara watched her go, then faced me across the damaged throne room.

“Are you taking it back?” she asked.

Her glance went to the throne.

“The Crown has already named Bryony,” I said.

Her glance stayed on me. Too much history hid inside the idea of taking anything back.

“I’ll stand beside her,” I said. “If the court needs a king, it has one. But I’m not rebuilding Adrian’s court.”

Mara folded her arms. “Good.”

I had expected a challenge. “Good?”

“Adrian’s court was built from fear, favours and people too frightened to leave.”

“Mine wasn’t perfect before him.”

“It had better wine.”

“A stirring defence of my reign.”

Her expression softened, but only briefly. “What are you offering the ones who come?”

Bryony moved to my side. She didn’t take the throne. Neither did I.

“A choice,” I said. “They can enter as guests. They can hear what happened. They can leave again if this isn’t the court they want.”

“And if they expect the old laws?”

“Then they’ll be disappointed.” Bryony’s voice was tired, direct and entirely her own. “Humans don’t become property here. Blood isn’t payment. Nobody kneels because a cursed piece of metal wants them to.”

Mara studied her for a long moment. “That will upset several traditionalists.”

“Excellent,” Bryony said.

Heat moved through me, sharp and clean. Even half dead on her feet, she could make me want her with one word.

Mara noticed. Of course she did.

“A century trapped in the dark,” she said, “and this is what finally improves your judgement.”

Bryony looked up at me. “She can stay.”

“Your mercy overwhelms me,” Mara said.