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Chapter 19
Desfan
Desfanwasn’tsureifit was a good idea to interrogate Liam Kaelin right now, considering Karim’s personal upheaval, but his friend insisted he wanted the distraction. And he didnotwant to talk about his mother,orabout what had happened between him and Razan in the garden. Desfan had asked—twice.
Desfan led the way into the holding room in the upper prison with Karim and Bennick Markam right behind him.
Liam was already there, his wrists and ankles both shackled. He sat in a chair across a scarred wooden table, facing the door. Three guards stood behind him, and two more were in the corridor just outside. Considering who their prisoner was, it didn’t seem excessive.
The Rydenic prince looked worse for wear. He was usually well-groomed and composed, but after spending weeks in the dungeon, his features were sharper. His brown hair was longer, and his facial hair had grown from artful stubble to full beard. Desfan had made sure he was fed well, but he hadn’t been given comforts, and his worn and dirty clothing showed that.
“You’re looking a little less cocky than usual,” Desfan said. “I do hope you haven’t been too bored down here. I’m afraid I’ve been too busy to visit. While your days may feel endless, mine fill all too quickly.”
Liam’s expression was almost neutral, though there was an edge in his brown eyes that Desfan had never seen before. “Where is my brother?”
Desfan pulled out the chair across from Liam, letting it grate loudly on the stone floor. He sat, and Karim and Bennick flanked him. He didn’t look, but he assumed their expressions were appropriately intimidating. “Is the Shadow of Ryden feeling brotherly affection?” Desfan asked dryly.
Liam’s jaw flexed, so quickly Desfan would have missed it if he’d blinked.
Desfan leaned forward, allowing menace to darken his words. “Let me assure you, I can relate.”
Liam settled back in his chair, his chains rattling softly. “You know about Meerah, then.”
“Well deduced.” No part of his fury was feigned as he glared at the Rydenic prince.
Liam’s response was to sigh. “If you expect me to apologize for not telling you about your sister, you’ll be disappointed.”
“Don’t worry. I don’t expect that sort of humanity from you.” Desfan’s gaze narrowed. “Your crimes are many and varied, but when you burn in hell, I hope you suffer the most for what you’ve done to her.”
“I wasn’t her captor.”
“No. But you kept her from me. And I swear to the fates, if she dies because of that message you sent, I will annihilate you.”
Liam stared at him unblinking. “I suppose you’ve been talking tooneof your Kaelin prisoners, at least.”
It was a less direct way of asking about Grayson, but Desfan could sense Liam was anxious to know about his brother.
He could use that.
He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. “This meeting could determine the rest of your life. I suggest you think carefully on how much you’d like to cooperate with me.”
“As entertaining as your threats are,” Liam said, “I would appreciate you coming to the point.”
Ah, there was a hint of Liam’s arrogance. He hadn’t lost his confidence after his time as a prisoner, but he wasn’t as calm as he pretended to be. Evidence of that fact came from his first question about Grayson; the words had leapt out of him, unchecked.
He was checking himself now, but Desfan doubted his hold was strong.
Desfan almost smiled. “Grayson was quite willing to talk. He doesn’t seem to feel any loyalty to you.”
One eyebrow lifted. “Is that supposed to surprise me? Or is the goal to make me angry enough to turn on him?”
“Does it make you angry?”
“No.” And, fates, he truly looked unaffected. “We’re Kaelins. Betrayal runs in our veins just as much as sheer evil and selfishness. You may need to try a different tactic, Serjah.” His eyes widened, with just an edge of mocking. “Oh—excuse me, you’re probably wearing a new crown these days, aren’t you? Congratulations, Serjan. May you enjoy your rule—regardless of how short it will be.”
“Who do you expect will kill me?”
“I’m not sure I’d dare hazard a guess; you have many enemies, and while they have varying abilities, men can surprise you. Like Amil Havim, for instance. I’m surprised he managed to rally such an attack against you. He brought in Devendran rebels and Mortisians against the alliance, and he managed to attack you, empty a considerable number of your prison cells, and raid your treasury—all in one devastating blow.” He gave the barest hint of a smile. “Your guards talk.”
