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She wonders what will happen when he Ascends, and he tells her he will ensure loyalty in both realms.
Kolis lets her out after breakfast. They walk, with Elias guarding them. Sera asks if it’ll be night anytime soon, and he tells her it will be in about a week, explaining that it’s only night once per month. When she seems shocked she’s been in Dalos for so long, Kolis tells her that she slept for several days after her escape attempt.
She asks Kolis how many live within the City of the Gods, and he tells her there aren’t many left. When she asks what happened, he tells her they’re dead at the hands of the Fates. He admits that he had a hand in some of the death, too.
When Sera sees all the alcoves, Kolis notices the look on her face and asks about it. She replies that it’s just a lot of sex. He wonders if it bothers her, and she says it doesn’t. Still sensing her confusion, he explains that being near Death makes the living want to live.
They get to the Council Hall, and he notices her nervousness. She says it’s the crowd. He tells her she needn’t worry. When she says she knows, it makes him happy that she’s coming to trust him.
Kolis takes the throne, and Callum brings in a floor pillow for Sera. A server brings around a tray, and Kolis tells Sera to have a drink.
He notices Keella and says he hasn’t seen her in a while. She says she’s come because of Sera and knows who she is. Kolis tells her she should; after all, she knows who she really is. He then asks if she knew about Sotoria before the coronation.
Keella addresses Sera using her Shadowlands title and asks about Nyktos. Kolis gets irritated and says the Primal-killer is where he should be. Keella then inquires if he did it to protect his Consort. Kolis doesn’t really answer but says his nephew’s actions could have had lasting consequences.
Keella says another has risen. It should be celebrated and seen as a blessing. Then she asks if Kolis is going to stop what he’s doing since it goes against tradition and honor.
He tells her that he didn’t sanction the coronation. Turning to Kyn, he asks if he gave permission, and Kyn backs him up.
Keella asks if Sera will be released when Nyktos is, and Kolis tells her she’s not going back to him at all. When the Primal asks if she is there of her own free will, Kolis suggests she ask Sera herself. Sera says she’s in Dalos by choice.
Noticing an exchange between one of the servants and a god, Sera asks if the Chosen have free will. He says they’ve had nearly all their choices made for them all their lives, then looks at the couple and says it appears as if the servant is enjoying herself. Sera disagrees. He tells her that where they couldn’t be touched or spoken to in the mortal realm, they can in Dalos. He says Sera views them as victims, whereas he sees those starved for what’s been forbidden. He tells her that the Chosen have opportunities in Dalos. They can shed their veils or Ascend.
He reveals that the couple’s names are Orval and Malka, and they are known to each other. She asks what would happen if they weren’t, and Kolis asks her if it matters. She emphatically says it does, and he points out another couple. He mentions the servant’s name is Jacinta and tells her the god is Evander. He then adds that Evander is turned on by pain. Looking at Sera, he asks her what she would do if she could. She says she’d kill him and then asks what Kolis would do to her. He tells her he wouldn’t do anything.
Sera stands abruptly and asks for a weapon. Kolis calls for Elias, and the god hands over one of his daggers.
Amused, Kolis watches her walk up to Jacinta and Evander, grab the god by the hair, and tell the woman to leave. Then, she strikes.
And the screaming starts.
Kolis orders his people to remove Jacinta and Evander’s body. When Naberius moves toward Sera, Kolis tells him to stand down.
Sera returns to the dais, and Kolis asks her why she thinks she knew what was going on. She clearly starts to say that he told her, so he interrupts and says he merely asked her what she would do. He never said that Evander was forcing Jacinta.
Sera argues that she saw the tears on Jacinta’s face, and Kolis asks her if they were tears of pain or pleasure. He goes on to say that she only hears what she wants to hear and thinks about herself. Just like his nephew. Just like his brother. She argues some more and then asks whose Court Evander belonged to. Kolis tells her he was from the Thyia Plains.
Which means he got a little retribution on Keella for questioning him, too.
Attes calls to Kolis, telling him it’s time to start court. He orders Sera to sit. He talks to two gods and decides he’s had enough of disrespect. He kills the god who accused another of cheating and refused to show his King what he’s due.
Sera appears displeased and asks if this is really how he wants them to spend time together. He tells her he’s multitasking. He wants to be with her, but he has things to do. She adds that she never expected this when she asked for time out of the cage, and he asks what she means. She tells him that he’s only shown her death. He questions more, and she mentions Evander. He says that’s on her, and she breaks down the errors in that statement, then adds that he killed a god for calling another a cheat.
He says it’s about maintaining control and balance. She questions that, and he says every action has a reaction. Disrespect is met with an appropriate response: death. She asks if she is to be sentenced to death, and he tells her she’s different. He won’t punish her.
And he won’t. Unless she makes him.
He tells her to stand and come to him, ordering her to sit on his lap. He continues with what he was saying, repeating that he won’t punish her but will rethink their deals. He asks if she understands. When she says she does, he tells her he’s capable of more than just death.
He wishes people would see that.
I can’t imagine how they could…
Veses addresses Kolis, and he beckons her forward. They talk for a bit.
Kolis asks Veses if she recognizes Sera. The Primal says she isn’t sure, and Sera calls her out as a liar. She tells Kolis they met in the Shadowlands.
He finds that very interesting, since the Primal never told him that.
