Jovita sneered. “Your mother told me you never even consummated.”
“We didn’t.”
“How sad.” She didn’t sound the least bit sad about it.
“I went to find her. I thought she …” He set his mouth in a hard line. “I thought she loved me.”
“What gave you that idea? The fact that she killed your actual fiancée? Or was it when she refused to have sex with you?”
Cas ignored the flicker of anger in his chest. “I know I’m an idiot, Jovita. No need to rub it in.”
“Sorry,” she said, and almost sounded sincere.
“She was going to let Olivia kill me. She laughed at me. We barely got out of there alive.”
“I could have told you that was what would happen,” Jovita said. “If you’d talked to me about Emelina I could have explained that the Ruined don’t love humans. Even useless ones.”
Cas knew so much more about the Ruined than her. Her ignorance of them, her absolute certainty that they were nothing but evil, was her biggest weakness. It hadn’t even occurred to her that he was working with Em. The thought wasn’t in the realm of possibility for her.
“I think our days of talking about things is over,” Cas said.
Jovita crossed her arms over her chest. “It would be better for you if we could work together.”
“Better for me?” He laughed.
“Just because you have the title of king doesn’t mean you have any power. I hope you know that. Most of the hunters and soldiers here still take orders from me.”
“Really? Even after you sent a bunch of them to their deaths? How sure are you of their loyalty?”
“Sure enough.”
“Fine. They can all stay with you here after I reclaim the castle. You won’t be welcome there.”
“You’ll die if you try to retake the castle.”
“That will work out just as you’d hoped.”
She stomped to the door. “I didn’t poison you, Cas.”
“Then find out who did. I’m sure the two of you will be the best of friends.”
She threw a furious look over her shoulder and slammed the door shut.
TWENTY-SIX
AREN LED THE party of warriors and Ruined out of Sacred Rock at dawn. He rode in front, Iria behind him. Clara and Santino brought up the rear. No other Ruined had volunteered for the mission, so Aren had to spend some time convincing them. Neither had very strong powers, but Olivia had forbidden any other powerful Ruined from going.
They were traveling east, to the coast of Vallos, then following it up into Lera. They passed several farms with long rows of crops just outside of Sacred Rock, but they disappeared as they neared the coast. The air grew colder, and he buttoned his coat and pulled on his gloves.
Aren had been to this area once, months ago, when he was on the run with Em. The long, overgrown grass was easy to hide in. He stepped carefully, scanning the area to make sure Vallos soldiers hadn’t followed them and had the same idea.
They stopped at the base of a hill as the sun began to set. They didn’t want to risk building a fire, so they ate dried meat they’d brought with them. Clara and Santino looked like they were going to eat by themselves, away from the warriors, but Aren shook his head and pointed for them to sit with the rest of the group. Dinner was eaten mostly in silence.
“Come on,” Iria said after they were finished. She jumped to her feet and held her hand out to him.
He let her pull him to his feet. A few warriors were clearing sticks and rocks from the dirt and placing blankets down. “What are they doing?”
“Group sleep,” she said. “We do it when it’s cold. Body heat helps everyone sleep better.”
“Are we included in this group sleep?” He gestured to the other Ruined.
“Unless you’d rather shiver all night.” She looked at Clara. “Unless she can make it warm?”
“Not for an extended period of time. It’s not a smart use of her power.”
“Then come on.” She walked to the sleeping area and plopped down. He hesitated.
“Are we all supposed to sleep together?” Clara asked, wrinkling her nose.
“It’s up to you,” Aren said. “We’re welcome, apparently.”
“I’m fine over here,” Santino said. Clara nodded in agreement.
Aren looked back at Iria. Some of the warriors had started to sit down, but there was no one on either side of her yet. He wanted to sit next to her more than he was willing to admit.
“Your choice,” he said to the Ruined, trying to sound casual. “I think it’ll be warmer over there.”
He walked away from them, toward Iria. He wanted to be warm. Right. That was exactly why he was doing this.
“The others don’t want to?” she asked as he sat down next to her.
“No.”
She reached down and grabbed the blanket at her feet, shaking the dust out. She threw it open, letting it fall over them. Aren scooted onto his back without a word.
The other warriors filed in, until there were people on either side of him and Iria. The snoring started almost immediately.
He couldn’t sleep. Every time he closed his eyes they popped back open. He could sense the presence of every human around him, but one in particular. It was like Iria was emitting a signal that his body couldn’t ignore. He could practically feel her heartbeat in his own chest.
The man next to Aren turned suddenly, his arm flopping onto Aren’s chest. He tossed it back. A soft giggle came from beside him. Iria was on her side, grinning at him. He rolled over to face her.
“This is weird,” he whispered.
“But it’s warmer, right?”
“I guess.”
“Ruined don’t huddle for warmth?”
“Not in a big group like this.” An image of Damian formed in front of him, and his voice was strained when he spoke again. “I did with Damian and Em sometimes.”
“What was …” She trailed off, biting her lip. “Do you mind if I ask what that time was like? After the castle burned?”
The guy on the other side of Aren rolled over, nudging him. He scooted a little closer to Iria.
“It was mostly about survival,” he said quietly. “At the time Damian didn’t know if his parents were dead or alive—they’d been traveling—and Em and I knew ours were dead. During the day we were just trying to stay alive. But at night … night was bad sometimes. Night is when you have time to think.”
“Did you ever consider coming north to Olso? Looking for me or other families you knew?”
“I suggested it, actually. But then the hunters came in force and no one showed up to help. We figured the warriors decided we were on our own.” He didn’t try to keep the bitterness from his voice.
Her dark eyes held his, full of sadness and regret. “I’m sorry, Aren. I’m so sorry. I should have fought harder. My parents should have fought harder. We should have tried to help in any way we could.”
He hadn’t realized he wanted an apology, but as soon as she said it, something inside him sighed in relief. “Thanks, Iria,” he said softly. His hand brushed against her fingers. He didn’t move. “Did you fight? You didn’t tell me that.”
She nodded. “We tried talking to the king and his advisers so many times. We got a group of warriors together to back us up. But we could have done more. I convinced myself it wasn’t actually that bad, that you could defend yourselves.”
“You’re here now. Most of us really appreciate it.” He paused. “I really appreciate it.”
A small smile crossed her lips. She had pretty, full lips, and if he leaned forward a little, he could kiss her. It had been too long since he’d kissed a girl.
He quickly closed his eyes. Even if he was going to throw caution to the wind and make out with a warrior, this was certainly not the time or place. He could feel the man next to him breathing. Clara and Santino were probably watching the warriors instead of sleeping.
Iria’s heartbeat slowed a little as
she fell asleep. Hers was stronger than anyone’s. He rolled onto his back, trying to let it lull him into sleep.
Something brushed against his arm, and he looked over to see her curled up right next him, so close her forehead tickled his skin. Her breath warmed his skin through his clothes.
He scooted a tiny bit closer to her. For warmth, he told himself.
He closed his eyes and sleep came almost immediately.
TWENTY-SEVEN
EM LIFTED HER hand to wave at the newly arrived warriors. August had requested a hundred, but only fifty arrived, with a note from the king about more joining later. Fifty was enough, for now. Aren would probably return from the north with more.
“It’s a good group they sent,” August said as the warriors spread out to erect more tents. “I think you’ll be pleased.”
Pleased wasn’t the word she would have used, but she nodded anyway.
“It’ll be good to have them since Aren left,” August said. He obviously wanted her to gush about how wonderful his warriors were.
“It will,” she said.
“Not that I mind Aren protecting my warriors during the journey. How did you convince him?”
“I didn’t. He volunteered.”
“I’ll have to thank him when he returns.”
“Sure.” Whatever Aren’s reasons for going, she knew it was not to make August happy. In fact, she suspected it was more about him getting away from Olivia.
“Are you hungry? I think our dinner is ready.”
She nodded, trying not to let out a huge sigh. August had killed a deer during the morning hunt, and he’d excitedly invited himself over to dinner. Just the two of us, he’d said. She couldn’t think of a good reason to say no.
She wasn’t ready to say anything at all to August yet. She desperately wanted to take the conversation with Ivanna as an excuse to decline his proposal immediately, but she feared he would take all of his warriors and leave. She wasn’t sure the Ruined were strong enough to stand on their own yet.
She also wasn’t sure it was smart to decline his proposal at all. Even if he did plan to dispose of her after a few years, that was a few years the Ruined could use to get back on their feet. Besides, she’d like to see him try to harm her. She’d seen him fight. He was no match for her.
Em and August walked to her apartment and found it empty except for one warrior in the kitchen. Olivia had made herself scarce, as Em had requested.
The warrior placed their plates on the table and August dismissed him. The meat and beans were better food than she’d had in weeks, and she tried not to look too enthusiastic as she ate it.
She sat back in her chair as she finished chewing the last bite. August had his head rested against his fist, a little smile on his face as he watched her. The knife she’d used to cut her meat sat on the edge of her plate. She rested one finger on the handle. She’d never been very good at knife-throwing, but August was close enough to be an easy target.
“Tell me what you want,” he said.
I want you to leave? She took a sip of water. “What do you mean?”
“What do you want for the Ruined? What do you want to accomplish? What had you originally planned to do after you left Lera and rescued Olivia?”
“I planned to go back to Ruina and rebuild our life. I wanted the Ruined to be able to live in peace, without being hunted and killed.”
“And after that?”
“I don’t know.”
“Did you have plans to marry? Do you want children?”
“I’m well aware we’ll be expected to produce children,” she said, her chest tightening. She wished she’d been able to finish what she started with Cas. She could still feel his hands on her, his breath on her skin.
“That’s not what I asked. Do you want children?”
“Yes,” she said. “Not immediately, but I would very much like children.” Even little warrior children would be nice. A family.
Of course, August would be part of it. She tried not to wince.
“You?” she asked, only to be polite.
He shrugged. “Always expected of me, so I figured I would.” He screwed up his face. “They’re a bit gross when they’re young, though. I think I’ll like them better when they can talk and swing a sword.”
He sounded like he’d be the sort of parent Em’s father was. He’d been nice enough, but always seemed confused as to what to do with his children. Em could barely remember any conversations of importance with her father, because he so often avoided being alone with her and Olivia.
“Who were you going to marry if I didn’t show up?” August asked suddenly.
She looked at him in confusion. “What?”
“As the eldest queen, you must have been expected to marry soon. Did you have anyone in mind?”
“No. Marriage wasn’t the highest priority. We’re in the middle of a war.”
“I was just wondering …” He turned his water glass around in his hands. “You and Aren are like brother and sister. There aren’t that many other eligible Ruined men. Maybe it’s good I showed up.” He chuckled like he was joking, but Em caught his meaning. She was supposed to be grateful he was willing to marry her.
She was feeling a strong emotion at the moment, but she was pretty sure it wasn’t gratitude.
The door banged open and Olivia jumped inside, spreading her arms wide. “I’m here! Run for your lives!”
Em turned, the sight of her sister dissolving her anger. “What are you doing?”
“I’m practicing my entrances. I want to have a good one. Wait.” She spread her arms again. “I’m here! Fear me.”
“That was terrible,” Em said. “It makes me fear you less.”
“I’ll work on it.” Olivia pointed at August. “He looks kind of scared, though.”
Em turned to August. He did seem uncomfortable now that Olivia had entered the room.
“Thank you for dinner,” Em said, getting up from the table. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”
August took the hint and stood. “Good night, Em. Olivia.” He nodded at her as he walked out of the door.
“Did I wait too long?” Olivia asked after the door closed.
“No, good timing,” Em said, flopping down on the couch. “He was starting to talk about children.”
“Ew.” Olivia sat down next to her. “You don’t have to marry him, you know. I don’t want you to.”
“I know you don’t. But we need the warriors.”
“No we don’t.”
“Yes, we do. At the very least, we can’t fight them and Lera.”
“He’s just using you, though.”
“And I’m not doing the same to him? You think I want to marry August because I like him? I like his army.”
“You don’t need his army.”
Em sighed. She’d never convince Olivia of this. Every time they argued they just circled back around to the same point.
Olivia patted Em’s arm. “You won’t need to marry him. I promise.”
“That’s not really up to you.”
“Don’t worry, sister. I promise, you won’t have to marry him.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean the Ruined will be so strong that you won’t have to marry him. I suppose you still could, if you wanted, but that would be an odd choice.”
“We’re not strong enough right now. I know you want us to be, but—”
“I’m training some of the Ruined to use their powers without exhausting themselves. I just need a little more time. You can get rid of him soon.”
“I don’t want you to worry about this, Liv. Marrying him wouldn’t be the worst thing. I’m being dramatic. He’s not bad to look at. And he’s been kind to me, I guess.”
“Even if you do end up marrying him, I could get you out of it. If he turns out to be horrible, I’ll just take his head off!”
“Thanks, sister,” Em said with a laugh.
“Anytime.” Her eyes brightened. “I’ve got it.
” She spread her arms. “I’m here! Hold on to your heads!”
“Worst one yet.”
TWENTY-EIGHT
CAS EDGED OUT of his bedroom and into the hallway. The fortress was dark and quiet, a lone candle flickering at the end of the hallway.
Galo met him at the stairs and they descended them silently. A laugh came from the parlor, and they kept to the shadows. Jovita and a few hunters were in there, like they were every night.
They walked through the kitchen and into the small dining room. Violet and Mateo were already there, along with Blanca and a guard whose name Cas had forgotten.
“This is Ric,” Galo said as the guard jumped to his feet.
“Your Majesty,” Ric said.
“Thanks for coming,” Cas said. He took a seat at the table and everyone followed, Galo sliding into the chair next to him.
“We’re dividing the guard into three parts,” Galo said. He nodded at Mateo and Ric. “We’re going to assess each member and find out who is solidly with you, who is solidly with Jovita, and who is on the fence. We can make lists, if you’d like.”
“No, it’s better not to put anything in writing. Galo, why don’t you spend time each day pointing out guards so I can learn their names. I’ll memorize their faces.”
“Sure,” Galo said. “Blanca?”
“Almost all of the staff is with you,” she said. “There are a few who were swayed by Jovita saying you’d lost your mind. I need some time to figure out just how loyal they are.” She smiled, the creases around her eyes moving. “And most of the advisers treat me like I’m invisible. I can tell you that General Amaro is not happy that you were poisoned. She’s barely speaking to Jovita. I think we can turn her to your side.”
“Excellent,” Cas said.
“Julieta’s hard to read. And I’m still working on the other advisers.”
“I spoke with Pedro yesterday,” Violet said, referring to the governor of the western province. “He basically said he follows me, and the southern province.”
“We need to make sure you maintain your hold on the southern province,” Cas said. “I want us to take a trip there and meet some of the people.”