Page 148 of Thorns and Echoes

Castien closed his eyes.

As the servants approached the Queen and her Escorts, Satryani continued, “How simple everything will be when obedience is unquestioned. I will never forgive Nadraken, but this gift earns them a moment of reprieve.”

The boxes contained vials of yellow liquid. A servant extended one to Darius.

Duchess Satryani said, “Drink. Kneel. Pledge your loyalty to me. Then you may live.”

The other servant offered a vial to the Queen. She stared until the woman lifted her head.

Young. Blank expression. No claws.

Green eyes.

Behind the tranced woman, Castien finally met her gaze. In his eyes was a plea. He shook his head slightly.

The Queen accepted the vial. One by one, her Escorts followed her lead.

Kneel to Satryani or watch Castien die.

A year ago, she would have made the right choice. The necessary sacrifice. But the darkness screaming inside her would always choose him.

Anais removed the cork.

None of them had taken the cure. Octavius hadn't reported Zara’s condition yet. The cure might not work.

Lady Satryani drew herself to her full height and tugged on the leash, pulling Castien up with her. Her claws closed around his neck. “Drink. Drink or kill me, child – but he will die first. The choice should be simple. Any worthy Queen would have ended me the moment she stepped into this room. But you let your heart guide you, your emotions rule you. Drink! Drantar will be better served under my command.”

The nation would fall apart under her command, and all the people would suffer.

Anais lifted the vial to her lips.

“No!” Castien shouted, lunging for her.

Claws bit into his neck. Yanking her whip, Satryani held him back. “Stop fighting. What's wrong with you? Dose him again.”

Her claws moved to his jaw, prying his mouth open. He strained against the whip as a servant approached with a vial.

A drop of liquid hit her lips. “Don't hurt him.”

Satryani hissed, “Then drink, you fool!”

Anais downed the bitter liquid. The lady's eyes lit with triumph.

Darius raised his like a wine glass.

Octavius scowled as he swallowed.

Beside her, Jerome hesitated. The Queen nodded. Her captain drank.

Satryani’s eyes flicked from Escort to Escort – the steward, general, and spymaster.

Only Madeline was absent. Spared.

Duchess Satryani removed her claws from Castien's face. “Kneel.”

Silence rolled like a thick fog over her senses. Sounds, colors, scents detached. She knew she should resist, she knew she had wanted to resist, but not why. There was no reason. For anything. She blinked.

Darius fell first, his knees crashing to the floor. He didn't make a sound.