do not lock me in. A very positive sign that eases my nerves once again.
It is then, upon sitting, that I realize how inexplicably heavy my eyelids are. How my stiff body aches. I’ve finally let down my guard.
But I can’t. Not yet. At least, I’ll have to jump back into character full force the moment Raevald enters.
Until then, I scoot back into the chair. Take in the room.
The space is mostly empty. Not at all in line with the unapologetic grandeur of what I saw of the palace during the winding walk here. There isn’t a window or hourglass or art hanging. Just four walls. I’d have thought it a prison cell save the decorative molding along the ceiling, the delicate light fixture hanging down into the middle of the room, and the pristine golden-embroidered upholstery my filthy clothes are tarnishing.
I decide that allowing myself to relax is a bad idea and the pit in my gut has expanded up and into my chest; everything feels all wrong. I stand to go to the door. Right as Raevald enters.
Without a word, the High Regent strides toward the chair opposite me, lifts his coattails with a flourish, and sits. Two guards flank the doorway, not taking their sights off me, as if I might attack.
Heir turned assassin for the Night.
Raevald just stares at me with his muddy gray eyes.
I stare back, both of us daring the other to speak first.
Until I decide to beat him to it. If I am going to act the part, I’d better start now. I sit back down. Inhale a deep breath.
“The Night executed two of my fellow soldiers. I was next but managed to escape.” Glancing down at my torn and bloodied clothes, scuffing the stubble along my jaw, I wait for him to acknowledge how obviously true my story must be based on my appearance. Silently, I thank the Sun I wasn’t taken to be cleaned up. Raevald doesn’t utter a word. “I’ve been foolish,” I blurt. This gets his attention. Of course he wants me to grovel. “I was blinded by Veda’s lies. I had no idea she was involved with the Night.” I push out my own lies as if they were bitter truths. “And now that I’ve seen how cruel they are, all I want is to serve Bellona as heir. Learn from you. Earn your trust.” The emotion in my voice, the way that last word cracked with passion, shocks even me.
Expression like stone, the High Regent finally breaks his silence. “Welcome back, Mr. Denali. We’ve been praying for your safe return.” He looks me up and down. Glances at one of the guards and motions toward me. “Clean him up. Make quick work of it.”
Raevald stands. Then leaves.
That is it.
I suppose it could have been worse.
That was several long hours ago.
Since then the day’s gone by in a blur.
I’ve showered, been seen by the royal doctor, had my hair cut, been given a crisp new uniform, been granted permission to write a letter to my parents, and sat before an artist to capture my likeness in preparation for newly printed THE HEIR RETURNS! posters.
All of it over the top but not surprising.
Except that I’m now in the High Regent’s personal wing of the palace. A place few are granted access to.
I sit in an overly stuffed leather chair, surrounded by an elegant sitting room. Fresh sunrise flowers rest on the table to my side, as, yet again, I wait for the man in charge. Vesper bells clang from outside, signaling that the Sun has just gone down. I’ve been allowed zero contact with the outside world but have been promised an eventual reunion with my parents.
I stand when Raevald enters, a small entourage on his tail. He greets me with a nod, then sits in the other chair, a marble side table between us. I sit as well as he motions his guards at ease against the far wall.
Raevald leans forward. “Never a moment to myself.”
I risk a half smile. Was that a joke?
He chuckles under his breath. Apparently, it was.
Not missing a beat, I allow a small laugh to humor him.
He meets my eyes, then leans back into the chair, further studying me. “There will be a ceremony, an Offering in your honor, in gratitude to the Sun for your safe return.”
“I’m honored.” I nod. I don’t want to nod. I don’t want to see another person Offered as long as I live. But I remind myself