The Fae King's Dream (Between Dawn and Dusk #2) - Jamie Schlosser Page 0,78
she tilts her head to the prisoners. “What if they’re able to use their powers even after they’ve been spiked?”
I shake my head. “No chance. In addition to that and the shackles, I also have iron nets. They’ll be completely incapacitated.”
“And in a lot of pain?”
“Unimaginable amounts,” I confirm. “It’ll be the equivalent of being burned alive for days.”
Several seconds of silence hang between us before she looks down. “I don’t think I want to be here for this. I’m sorry.” I’m about to tell her it’s okay when she rushes on, “I’ve already seen what iron can do to a heart. Your heart, to be more specific. I don’t need more imagery to go with it.”
“You’re right. You shouldn’t be here.” This place is too disgusting for Whitley, and I regret asking her to stick around. I reach for her, and she links our fingers. “You’ve witnessed my violence before, but this is different. This isn’t self-defense. This is suffering caused by my hand, and I’d prefer it if you thought of me as the gallant hero for a little while longer.”
Stepping close, Whitley gazes up at me with complete adoration. “You’ll always be my gallant hero, no matter what.”
Kirian comes over as I wash my hands in a barrel of rainwater on the top deck. “It’s done?”
I nod, my eyes fixed on the blood tainting the water in a random pattern of dancing swirls. As far as executions go, it was as uncomplicated as it could possibly get. The men didn’t even feel any pain.
That is, until they woke up. “They’re in a world of misery right now.”
“You did the right thing,” Kirian reassures me.
“I know.” Using a brush, I scrub under my fingernails and over my knuckles until the skin is raw.
“Mercy isn’t possible in these cases.”
“I agree.”
He’s quiet for a few seconds. “I never should’ve let Gia live. I owe you an apology for my weakness. My mistake caused you trouble back at the citadel. If I ever get the chance to end her, I won’t hesitate.”
I glance at my cousin, observing the remorse on his face to match his tone. I’m still weirded out that I can see him now. Because of his dreams, I’ve always known what he looks like. It’s just strange to be interacting with him face-to-face.
“How’s Isla?” I change the subject, letting him off the hook.
“The usual. Traumatized but pretending she’s fine.”
Poor kid’s been through the wringer. “Was she in love with Tibbs?”
“No, but I overheard her telling Quinn she felt like he was her only chance at marriage and happiness. Although they weren’t fated, she thought it was a sign that he had three and a half more years of service to you, while she has the same amount of time until she’s old enough to marry.”
“She’s young, and she’ll find someone else. Maybe even her fated mate, as destiny would prefer. Tibbs can never be replaced, but life will go on.”
“The hard truth of being a warrior.” Kirian tosses me a towel and I look out at the sky as I dry my hands.
We’re so close to Dawn and Dusk territory now. There’s a constant warm glow on the horizon. Too bad Whitley’s not here to see it, but I can’t blame her for wanting to turn in early. It’s been a shitty day. I plan to join her in bed as soon as I’ve made arrangements for Tibbs.
“Tibbult was a great soldier, and his death is a massive loss,” I say. “At dawn, we’ll give him a proper funeral. The fire will look nice against the sky.”
“Linus already offered up the spare rowboat.”
“Does that mean he’s forgiven me for last night?”
Kirian cracks a smile. “Probably not.”
Kai joins us, with Dermott at his side. “I’ll wrap Tibbult’s body, your majesty. And Dermott volunteered to clean up the mess in the dungeon.”
“Good men.” I clap them on the shoulder, and they head off to complete their tasks.
They should be rewarded. Tibbult’s family, too. Everyone who’s assisted me during this mission will get a noble title and a handsome payment.
“I’m surprised King Zander hasn’t found us yet.” Kirian searches the sky. “The sprite Tibbs sent would’ve gotten to him by now.”
I shrug. “Maybe he didn’t feel like helping.”
He pins me with a glare. “You’ve got to get it out of your head that he’s the enemy.”
“My feelings are neutral,” I defend. “I have no reason to trust him. Until he’s earned my favor, he’s just another Day Realm citizen.”