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“I can take myself,” I retort. “I’ll take Shoal, and be back in a bit.”
Doryn’s brows furrow.
“I’m just going to wash,” I say, purposely not softening my voice. I even roll my eyes.
“All right. I’ll join you when we’re done.” His heated gaze is full of promise.
I wish I could be there for him to fulfill them all.
Astride the fastest horse I’ve ever heard of, I ride, aiming for the valley as anyone would expect me to, then turning south, heading straight back to the tower that has been my home for the last few years.
43
CALDORYN
We wrap up the meeting and immediately jump to action. I’m not completely recovered yet, but there’s no time to waste. As soon as Lark has assessed the number of soldiers able to follow us, we march on the tower. Going alone would be faster, but the den of spies is a fortified keep. If we can’t break into it, we might need to lay a siege on it for a time. The army on the east border will join us there, but I can take a few soldiers now.
I head to the lake on horseback, desperate for a moment with my lady of pleasure before I go south. I won’t let her come along this time, beg as she might, however useful she could be. It’s her friends, her acquaintances, her colleagues we’re going to either kill or put in chains. It’s hard enough for Alrion, although he was never on their side. I don’t want her to see it. I don’t want her to experience anything that distressing again if I can help it. I’m the only one allowed to hurt her, and only in ways she relishes, a delicious bite at a time.
I’m by the lakeside in minutes, and I frown, my eyes not seeing anyone despite the full view of the landscape. No sign of her horse, or her clothes disturb the quiet peace of the lake in the soft moonlight.
She could be on her way back. If we’ve taken a different route, I might not have come across her. Yet, despite the reasonable explanation that immediately comes to mind, my stomach churns uneasily. Of course she could be perfectly safe back in the camp. But what if she isn’t?
44
RHEA
It’s nighttime again when I approach the gates. Someone opens them before me without even asking for passwords, and I slip into the courtyard of the fortified guard tower the Kind King’s spies have claimed.
“Rhea! That’s Rhea!”
“Isn’t she—”
“Didn’t she try to kill—”
"She's still alive, then…"
"—but the others?"
Ignoring the chatter, I don't stop to talk to anyone. I tie my horse in front of the keep and storm inside.I climb the steps two at a time, heading straight to Doplov's office.
The door’s closed, which means he’s either absent or busy, but I push it open all the same.
Ilrek Doplov is sprawled out on his chair, feet propped up on his large desk, sipping wine from an elegant goblet, looking rather pleased with himself.
“Rhea.” A smile curves at the corners of his lips as he stands, pouring another glass. “A pleasant surprise. When we heard nothing from the north, I didn’t know whether to fear the worst or hope for the best.”
He strolls to me and offers me the glass.
The familiar office feels strange, like a ghost from my past, a memory of a long-bygone time. It doesn’t make sense; I was there not even ten days ago. But back then I was someone else, something else. I don’t fit in here anymore. The Rhea he knew was subservient, withdrawn, and never ever asked any questions, not even to herself. Now all I have are questions.
I ignore the wine. “I came as soon as I could. We were wrong, Doplov. The night king isn’t responsible for the attacks on our village. I saw it with my own eyes—it wasn’t him.” I want to say more, but a voice at the back of my mind cautions me to leave it at that for now.
I remember how I immediately rejected the notion of our king being the monster behind all those horrors just days ago. He’d likely have the same reaction. And if he pushes me for proof, I’ll have none. I didn’t see the one wielding the dark magic from the other side of the valley. I know it was Alev of Xion because Doryn told me it was the king, and I now believe him.
I just need Doplov to trust me enough to order an evacuation of the tower. I can make him look for the proof we need later. He’s the spymaster of Allea; uncovering hidden truth is his purview.
“Interesting.” My superior is completely unbothered, and not even a little bit surprised.
