Kingdoms and Chaos (King's Dark Tidings, #4)

by Kel Kade

“If the Maker denies his counsel when it is requested, then how can one be held accountable for making the wrong choice?”

“I will be the judge of that. You were invited here to teach and to serve me. Do as I say and answer the question.” Kessa pursed her lips and frowned at the young king. “King Privoth, you do not understand how an invitation is supposed to work.” She glanced from Wesson to Rezkin. “With an invitation, the recipient has the option to refuse.”

“Well, I’m … I’m going to do … something.” With feigned confidence she said, “I haven’t decided yet, but it will be great.” Xa entered the room just then and smirked at Frisha’s attempt to stand up for herself. Malcius nodded toward the Jeng’ri and asked Rezkin, “Why do you keep assigning him to watch the ladies? Is he a eunuch?” The assassin’s grin fell, and he drew a blade.

Yserria tugged at the torque. “You stole this from the neck of the leader of the Adana’Ro?” She tugged at it again, but it would not budge. Rezkin told her, “Stop pulling at it, or you will hurt yourself. It is enchanted not to come off unless removed by the person who clasped it shut.” “But you removed it from the great mother,” Wesson observed as he stood to examine the torque. “And you would have to have done it quickly, or she would have noticed.” “She was rather distracted,” Rezkin replied. Malcius seemed even more frustrated when he said, “I recall that you were nude. Why were you so close to the woman, and how was she distracted?” “Lord Malcius!” Mage Threll exclaimed. He appeared slightly abashed, until she looked at Rezkin and said, “Where did you hide it?”

He looked at Malena. “Do not listen to him. He has lost his mind.” Tam pointed to his head. “I haven’t lost my mind,” he hissed. “There is a hole in it. They put it there while I was on Cael.” The others shared a knowing look. Malena’s face fell, and tears welled in her eyes. Tam leaned forward to grasp her hand. “I’m not mad, and I’m not lying. When we escape, I will take you there.” Her smile did not reach her eyes. “Thank you,” she said, as she patted his hand. “That is kind.” By her patronizing tone, Tam knew she did not believe him.