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Cold but true. “Do you know who was behind it?”

“No, but I have no doubt we’ll find out in time,” Arrik said. “My point was that I expected our plans to be thrown into the air because of it, but his death has actually worked in our favor. Everyone is acting recklessly. The rebellion plans to attack the port in the capital, for example. It will serve as an excellent distraction for…other things.”

“What?” she barked. Vienne had never mentioned anything like that.

The prince laughed. “It will be a good distraction for my father.” He reached out and laid his huge hand over the top of Wren’s. “If you’re willing, I need you to return to your aunt…” His jaw clenched. “…and that…good for nothing Vadonese spy. They cannot know we’re working together.” His thumb brushed her skin. “Can you do that?”

She had no desire to see Rowen, but that wasn’t an option. “I don’t imagine anyone will doubt that I fled today out of shock.” It was true, after all. “Will anyone get hurt during their attack? The people at the port, I mean. I don’t want any innocent people to suffer simply so you can use the attack as a cover to deal with your father.”

He studied her and squeezed her hand before letting go. “Even now, you can’t help but worry about others before yourself. You don’tneedto worry,” he reassured her. “I’ll evacuate those in the port in the blast radius before the rebellion can hurt anyone.”

The prince stood and held a hand out.

Wren stared at it. Their relationship had shifted today. She wasn’t sure if it was for the better. If she sided with him and everything went south, there would be no redemption.

“I’m trusting you,” she stated, placing her hand in his.

He helped Wren stand and stared down at her. “As I’m trusting you, wife.”

Wren believed him.

Despite the fact everyone else was lying to her, or trying to manipulate her, or trying to use her, she trusted Arrik.

Her husband was a beast.

But he was turning out to be perhaps not nearly as monstrous as she’d once thought.

32

WREN

It took Wren longer than it should have to get back to the temple.

Each step felt like stepping closer to the edge.

The edge of madness.

She was a warrior, not a spy.

Heavy of heart, Wren returned to the tower. She hesitated as she reached the landing and inhaled deeply to steady herself.

The door to the small chamber opened up and her aunt stepped out onto the landing, her hazel eyes sympathetic, expression painted with relief. Wren didn’t want her sympathy. She wanted the truth. She was so bloody tired of secrets.

“I’m glad you came back,” Vienne said.

“I almost didn’t.”

Her aunt pursed her lips and nodded. “That’s understandable. What changed your mind?”

“I have no other place to go.” It was partly truthful.

“Come,” Vienne insisted, wrapping an arm around Wren’s shoulders and bringing her inside the room. “There’s much to speak of.”

“Are you going to be honest with me?” she asked, pulling away from her aunt. Wren ignored the tall male near the window. She couldn’t deal with Rowen quite yet. Bram nodded to her but she dismissed him. He could wait too. She gave Ever a small nod, which the woman returned and then went back to picking at her nails.

Several other men and women were packed into the room. They watched her like she was dangerous. Her skin crawled at all the attention. It was like she was part of a menagerie. A small part of Wren wanted to bare her teeth at them and growl.

“I am.” Vienne squeezed Wren’s hand and smiled. “We have some details to finalize. Together.”