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July 22 - July 23, 2023
all his mind wanted to show him were visions of her. Lara.
The Traitor Queen of Ithicana.
The King of Maridrina. Lara’s father. His enemy.
“You are as your kingdom was, Your Majesty. Feral.”
“If I might ask, who killed Marylyn?” “I did.” The lie slipped out before Aren could question why
“Let me tell you a story. A story about a girl raised in the desert with her beloved sisters. A girl who, upon hearing that her own father intended to kill her and ten of her sisters, chose not to save herself but to risk herself to save their lives. Chose not to flee into a certain future but to condemn herself to a dark fate. All to save those precious lives.”
There had only been one choice: his life or Marylyn’s.
“I made my daughter a promise, Your Majesty”—his voice was full of mockery—“I promised that if she ever betrayed me, I’d have her killed in the worst of ways. And I always keep my promises.”
Maridrinian bastard blue.
“Even now, after all she’s cost Ithicana, you lie for her. You love her.”
she will come for you. And when she does, I will cut her down.”
Run, Lara. And don’t ever look back.
“I’ve never left Ithicana, you know. Not once.”
“What’s the rest of the plan?”
Where was she? Where had she gone? Was she even still alive?
“Let her go!” he screamed. “Lara!”
“Please! Please don’t hurt her.”
“He knows that I’ll come for Aren. He won’t give up the chance at seeing me dead.”
“Can’t bring back the dead.” “Best you hope otherwise,”
“Aren knew.” And had loved her, in spite of it. “Aye. And look where it got him.”
And it was time Lara called in her due.
“Kiss my ass.”
He dreamed of Midwatch. Of the hot springs in the courtyard. Of Lara. Of teaching her to float on her back,
“I’ll never let you go.”
Sarhina, at least, had moved on. Had gotten married. Was pregnant. Had made a life for herself.
Scars from burns. “We all have them. Even Marylyn.”
Ensel smiled. “I thought I’d caught myself a wraith. Little did I know that I’d caught myself something far more dangerous.”
“no matter the risk. I don’t want my child growing up with this legacy, Lara. I want them to be proud of their mother. And their aunties.”
It’s time the Veliant sisters had a little reunion.”
Eighteen Ithicanians dead in the attempt to rescue their king. In the attempt to rescue him.
Which left Aren with only one alternative: to take himself out of the equation.
“Keris.”
The inadequate heir.”
“Eight older brothers who fit the mold, all dead, and now my father is stuck trying to weasel his way out of naming me heir without breaking one of his own laws.
“Lara.” Keris rubbed his chin. “She’s my sister, you know.”
“Not my half sister. We have the same mother, too.”
Lara’s mother was dead.
Gorrick. His friend since childhood and one of the few remaining of Aren’s bodyguards.
Lara added, “You got your piece. Try it again and I’ll break your wrist.”
the Veliant sisters had very good aim.
“I’m going to kill him. I’m going to cut out his goddamned heart.”
“Maybe,” Aren said between sit-ups. “I just don’t want to start looking like you.”
She’s not coming.
I love you, Lara’s voice whispered in his head. “Liar,” he muttered back at her.
A wolf in sheep’s clothing, much like his sister. Aren wondered if Silas knew.
My bed is made.”
God, but there was no mistaking him as anything other than Lara’s flesh and blood.
I’m in love with him
“Finally!” Keris clapped his hands, and as if on cue, the musicians began to accompany the dancing children,
“The Maridrinian people don’t want the bridge.”
“I imagine this is how parents feel when their child learns to speak,” Keris said. “It’s tremendously satisfying to see this display of intelligence from you, Your Grace.”
I need him.
