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“But that isn’t my only order of business,” Varzorn said, gesturing towards Theron with a wave of his hand. “My nephew, Theron, will be reinstated as Field Marshal of the Niothe and Warden of the West, effective immediately. It’s been too long since our ranks were guided by his leadership.”
A collective gasp ran through the room, and Theron’s jaw slackened. My heart pounded in my chest as everyone began whispering again among themselves.
Theron inclined his head, accepting the position, while his mother glared daggers at him. Varzorn looked away, speaking to another noble I didn’t recognize, and Theron stirred beside me.
“Let’s go,” he growled, taking hold of my arm. “We need to finish our conversation. “
“Fine,” I snapped, ready to leave when Xadrian stepped forward.
“Theron,” he nodded to Theron, who sighed, pausing. “I’m glad to see you well, my lady.”
“Thank you?” I said, glancing between the two men, attempting to figure out the strange energy that seemed to pass through them.
“Xadrian provided the antidote to the poison Theodas used on you,” Theron explained grudgingly.
“Oh. Thank you.”
Xadrian looked at me expectantly and I stood at a loss, unsure of what else to say. I wanted to argue with Theron more, not deal with this confusing elf.
He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could get a word out, Varzorn approached.
“Xadrian,” the Emperor said, his voice deep and powerful. “No doubt congratulating your new commander?”
Standing so close to the emperor made my skin crawl. Xadrian bowed low, his voice slightly louder than usual as he answered. “Your Highness, I simply wished to congratulate Theron for his spectacular performance in the arena,” he said, keeping his gaze low.
“It was quite entertaining.” He grinned wickedly. “I must admit my surprise when I saw how well your concubine fought. An interesting choice to keep such a dangerous creature close.” His eyes flickered toward me briefly before returning to Xadrian who took the hint and excused himself.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Theron said, drawing the Emperor’s attention back to him. “I am grateful for my reinstatement, but my concubine is the only danger I plan on keeping. I don’t trust Theodas and want the snake out of the Niothe.”
Varzorn smiled slyly at his sister before he surveyed Theron once more. “Excellent. As Lord Marshal, I give you leave to make that your first order of business.” What game was he playing?
Varzorn glanced at Rhazien once more before turning back towards Theron and motioning for him to follow.
“Come closer,” he said gruffly, beckoning Theron forward with an authoritative wave of his hand. “Rhazien will remain my heir—at least for now. If you do well as Lord Marshal, we can revisit the question at a later date... Come attend me in Athain once you’ve settled in. We have much to discuss.” His voice trailed off, and he looked away, leaving Theron standing in stunned silence.
The implication was clear; if Theron proved himself a successful leader, then perhaps Varzorn would reconsider Rhazien’s status as heir.
Varzorn had directed his attention towards me. His intense gaze made me feel like an ant under a magnifying glass as he spoke slowly as he studied me. “You look so very familiar. Strange.” He turned back to Theron. “Don’t make me regret this.”
Theron dipped his head and Varzorn patted his cheek as if he was a child and a shudder ran through him. I looked up to find Nyana watching the interaction; her face a mask of barely concealed anger.
I watched as Theodas and Nyana’s eyes locked onto each other, a silent conversation passing between them. I could almost feel the energy crackling in the air as they silently hatched a plan. Theodas took a step closer to Nyana, their faces inches away as he whispered something to her. She smiled and nodded, barely perceptible to anyone else but clear to me she’d agreed to whatever scheme Theodas had brewing in his mind.
“Come on,” Theron said, tugging me toward the door.
“Kael, wait!” I turned to see Xadrian, trying to reach me in the crowd, but it moved in the opposite direction, dragging him away. So quickly that I couldn’t even be sure I saw it, Xadrian flashed the rebel hand sign to me. My breath caught in my throat. There’s no way. How could he be—Theron took advantage of my distraction, pulling me away and back to our suite.
Chapter 30
Kael
Iwasstillreelingfrom the events in the throne room as I entered Theron’s suite. There was no way that Xadrian was part of the rebellion, was there? It had to be some kind of trick. I cast my mind back, thinking of all the strange moments that I’d run into him, landing on the night that I’d freed Gavril and the others. What if he’d been outside on his way to free them as well? Theron slammed the door shut behind us, his face twisted with anger, interrupting my thoughts.
“What the hell was that?” I demanded, spoiling for a fight. Still angry and embarrassed that I’d allowed myself to be tricked by him. “I thought you’d be happy. Finally getting out of this fucking desert, right?” I said, venom dripping from my words.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” He growled.
I didn’t back down, matching his fury with my own. “You’re a liar,” I spat. “You said you wanted to run away with me, but the moment you got reinstated, you came running back to the emperor with your tail between your legs.”
