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I could kill Merden right now, right here. But it was the same old fucking story - without completing the Trials, I’d never unlock the Ancient Magic for my people.
Sure, I’d found some of the spells for myself in theBook of Ice, and Khione was bringing the power like a boss. But it was just for me.
If I kept all the magic and power for myself, I was no better than Merden.
Saori Sang would be no better.
I saw the mist curling in the corners of the room, watching for my decision. My ancestors were in there. Cherise was watching me.
I dropped my hand, the whip brushing against my skirts.
Merden smiled in triumph, seeing the decision on my face.
“I’m taking time away. Stay or... actually, just stay. All the competitors are to stay here until the next Trial,” Merden announced as though she had a full ballroom audience.
I turned back to my father, wishing our family had been different. Wishinghe’dbeen different. “Either you stay and help the Queendom, or I’ll kill you when I’m Queen,” I threatened, both Kana and Khione meaning every word.
I’d lost my love for my father a long time ago. He’d betrayed my mother, he’d betrayed me, and now he was about to turn his back on his entire Queendom. He was no King, just another blood slave for Merden to command.
Girard’s face set in a stubborn mask, and I knew he was leaving with her.
“Come along, Girard. She’ll never be Queen,” Merden sneered, brushing past the moaning guards on the floor and flouncing right out the door.
Kas and Rush looked at me warily as I let them leave, withdrawing my ice magic from the guards so they could scurry away too.
“K... are you sure?” Kas ventured.
I sagged, coiling my whip and replacing it on my belt. “No. But I can’t kill her, you know that. And maybe it will be better this way. We can help more people without her standing in the way.”
“This is your palace now, love,” Rush said softly, and my world shifted. He was fucking right.
Who would truly challenge me? With Merden gone to the Vault in the mountains, the palace was mine to command. I may not have a Queen’s crown or a throne, but I could access some of the power to protect.
“We can help the people - let them inside the palace walls,” Kas said quickly, and my heart beat faster. Of course. This was what Cherise had meant. I threw my arms around Kas’s neck and planted a sloppy kiss on his lips. He grinned and gave me a searing one in return.
“Good to seeyou, Kana,” he whispered, and I felt my cheeks flush.
“Love you, thief. Let’s go save some city.”
