Sword in the Stars (Once & Future #2) - Cori McCarthy Page 0,100
her own clothes underneath. Gwen pulled the dress on. It was too long at the hem and far too tight in the bodice, but that only created a stunning amount of cleavage. When Ari stood again, Gwen’s hands slid up her forearms to her shoulders and chest in a way that left Ari prickling with the best nerves. “Ready?”
“With you? Always.”
They wove their fingers together and stepped out of the tent—to a waiting crowd.
Apparently Gwen’s fortune-telling subject wasn’t great at keeping secrets because a host of Lionelians were waiting, most of them wearing half medieval gear, half Mercer work uniforms.
And they weren’t alone.
Ari’s parents were there. They held hands and nodded proudly. Ari passed them as they started a procession toward the sword, reaching out to clasp hands with Captain Mom. Thank the celestial gods they’d made it this far. She tried to tell them with her eyes that it would be okay, they had a plan.
Mom winked.
The fortune-teller returned to Gwen’s side and handed her something small that Gwen swiftly slipped into her pocket. Ari went to ask, but Gwen just shook her head. The group formed a protective circle around Ari and Gwen, escorting them to the sword.
Val radioed in, rushed and whispering. “Mercer’s definitely onto something! They’re gathering in ranks!”
Together, and growing in number with each shouted hail, the Lionelian resistance made their way to the center of the park where a host of armed associates barred the path. “Let them through! Let them try the Sword in the Stars!” people shouted until the crowd became a small riot.
Ari kept her hand in Gwen’s as the associates scrambled, motioning to each other, radioing for help. Just behind them, beyond the circle, Ari saw the glittering hilt of the sword that was either a gift from their child or the most tempting trap ever laid.
And then Terra, the new Mercer Administrator, appeared, parting the crowd in her matronly gown. Ari could feel the chalice tucked in her pocket. What would happen if she could get Terra to drink from it?
What question would Terra have to ask?
Terra smiled. “Ara Azar and the former Queen of Lionel, welcome. What an interesting choice to come to us and be condemned to death, but then, public executions do match our medieval theme, don’t they?”
Boos and angry shouts rippled through the crowd.
“We will try our hand at the sword,” Ari said, turning her eyes on Gwen. “Both of us. If we fail, you can kill us.”
The crowd quieted with a snap.
Terra appeared annoyed. She flipped a hand at them. “Go on then. Try your luck.”
Ari didn’t like her willingness. It felt almost like she knew something. The girls entered the ring of dozens of heat gun–toting associates. They approached the flat, worn piece of the moon that bore the blade, and for a few moments, the charade fell away.
Ari felt herself smile as she looked over the golden hilt and silverish handle. It reminded her of the blue cast to her armor in Camelot. Her eyes took in each letter of Kairos. She looked at Gwen and found her smiling too, brown eyes bright. “You first.”
Gwen slid her fingers over the handle. She gripped it tightly, and Ari swore it moved at her touch. But when Gwen pulled, the blade stayed, firm and tight in the soft, ashy lunar soil. Gwen stepped back, exhaling with slight disappointment. “Told you,” she whispered. “Kai made this for you.”
Ari didn’t stand on ceremony. She took the handle and went to raise the sword as if it were Excalibur—and it didn’t budge.
The crowd began to roil with disappointment. Ari thought she heard Val cry out. She closed her eyes and cursed, tugging once more with both hands, to no avail. This time when she looked over, Gwen’s eyes were dark with fear.
Terra came forward with such a simpering smile that Ari felt a lash of hatred. This woman might be playing her role differently than the first Administrator, but in the end, they were the same monster. “What a pity. But I do like the neatness of our bargain. Would you like to be hanged, or perhaps the firing squad? Not exactly period appropriate, but who cares.”
All at once, the dozens of Mercer associates surrounding them aimed their weapons. Ari stepped back and into Gwen. Her leg bumped the hilt of the sword, and she could have sworn it moved.
“Wait. A moment to say good-bye,” Ari said with as much confidence as she could muster.