Page 49 of A Crown of Tears and Treason (The Curse of Silver Secrets and Cruel Shadows #1)

Chapter

Forty-Nine

EVIE

T he crisp breeze made a mess of my hair and dried my face, but I didn’t care. Zorin was as restless as me, galloping so fast we almost flew across the field.

Past the towering trees, with their swinging vines and rainbow flowers.

Over the quick and cold streams in which the golden fish swam like arrows.

Through the grove, as a flock of jeweled-toned birds erupted into the air out of Zorin’s way.

Nothing and no one could stop us. Not in these stolen moments at the outskirts of the Capital’s menacing walls, where I could pretend danger wasn’t waiting at every polished corner and in every sickly-sweet smile.

As Zorin slowed, nearing the decadent stables Zandyr had set up for him in the grove my beautiful nazdran had picked out himself, reality creeped back in.

I was getting married in four days. Four short days that seemed like an eternity.

Into a Clan that had been the Protectorate’s enemy since Dria Vegheara herself had walked these lands.

To the Blood Brotherhood prince they called The Dragon I’d been raised to hate and fear.

And I had to write him a bloody letter about my feelings .

Zorrin trotted proudly up to the stable, constructed out of deep mahogany, with feeding troughs filled to the brim.

“Someone’s living like a prince.” I patted his side and jumped off, feeling the sting in my reddening palms from the reigns I wasn’t used to gripping. “What’s the final verdict–saddle or not?”

Adara had mentioned a saddle would help in battle so Zorin and I tried it. The black leather contrasted against his shimmering coat; it had that tangy, new tanning smell, its lines still too crisp and biting.

Zorin swished his tail and flicked his head back, as if he wanted to rip the saddle off with his teeth. I laughed and unbuckled him. “Yeah, I’m not super thrilled about it, either.”

My backside hurt in ways I wasn’t in a hurry to get accustomed to. “Maybe we’ll like it better next time.”

Zorin huffed, lips flapping. That was a no as clear as if he’d spoken it plainly. I loved having an opinionated horse.

I patted his long neck, scratching the spot right next to his ear that he loved. His left front hoof hit the dirt as he angled his head for more.

“I wish you’d come into Phoenix Peak.” I scratched harder. “I worry about you here all alone.”

On cue, another set of hooves approached us. More cautious. More graceful. I turned to see Madrya approaching, beautiful mane flowing in the wind like she commanded it. She stopped a good distance away, waiting for me to leave.

“Ah. You’re not alone. I’m glad.” A slow smile spread over my face. “Someone’s also been making friends, huh?”

Zorin huffed again, feigning ignorance. Poorly, too, because I saw the way he watched Madrya from the corner of his eye.

“Fine, I know when I’m not wanted.” I chuckled and ruffled his mane before leaving them to whatever nazdrans did when us humans weren’t around to inconvenience them. “Just make sure you get enough sleep tonight. We have a long journey tomorrow.”

All the way to the Fiery Plains, west of the Capital, which sounded just…charming.

We had to pass one of the most important pre-wedding rituals–when Zandyr and I would be split up, and he’d have to find me. Since my family couldn’t visit the Capital yet, Adara, Goose, and Leesa would accompany me on the short trip.

“The Fiery Plains get their name from the fields of marigold, stretching as far as the eye can see,” Adara had explained. “Only farmers and priests out there. Flat as a lake, no ambush spots, and the Dragon can find you before the sun sets. You’ll be safe.”

I should be, it was half a day’s journey.

I was more concerned about another tradition–the letter. I’d placed Zandyr’s in the breast pocket of my own armor. It sat very close to my heart, and I felt it bend and crinkle as I rushed up the secret path Zandyr had shown me on that night when Zorin had returned.

I still wanted to rip the envelope open, but I refrained; I’d learned to control more than my powers in Phoenix Peak. But how could I possibly write my own, when I had no clue how I felt about Zandyr?

Tall, gorgeous, sexy. Powerful, cunning, great fighter, with the grace of a feline and the mind of an assassin.

All great words that fit him perfectly, but they were nothing but objective. Anyone could notice the strength radiating off him.

We were about to spend the rest of our lives–long, long lives, according to the Oracle–together, and I needed to dig deeper.

But whenever I did, I got flustered and my heart began to beat too fast, butterflies scattered in my belly, and I felt too hot in my own skin. My mind went to places it had no business going to. I saw the same cuddles and laughter filling the room as we lounged in bed in the morning sun.

I felt the need to be close to him. I couldn’t sleep without him by my side, not anymore, and I enjoyed the barest hint of him at the barrier of my mind more than I should have.

I felt safe and seen . Understood. Even liked, for all the small oddities I’d been taught to hate about myself.

But there was still a hint of…something. A doubt. That if I opened up, he’d have the power to wreck me.

How could I put that to paper?

I didn’t figure out a solution on the long path to Phoenix Peak, as I squeezed through the small wall gap Zandyr had magicked to open for me when I visited Zorin. Another one of our little secrets.

I hadn’t even had to ask–for the opening, the saddle, anything. I simply mentioned I wanted to do something and Zandyr made everything happen.

I was so focused on the words I would write, I almost didn’t notice the figure waiting at the edge of my road, leading to my house.

Almost .

My shoulders instantly tensed as Valuta’s overflowing dress creaked my way; the blood-red fabric must have been starched beyond comfort. Three dozen guards stood behind her, spears gleaming. Owyn wasn’t among them, thank the gods.

The weight of my switchblade, tucked inside my bracelet, felt heavy and grounding, and the pocket of power inside of me sizzled.

“I went to visit you at your residence, but your servant said you were gone.” Her glassy eyes slashed over my armor, lingering on the blood vials. “The traitor with the knives. She was rather rude, you know.”

Valuta should have been happy Adara hadn’t thrown one of her knives after her. “Adara is not my servant, nor a traitor.”

Valuta fluttered her bony hand in the air as if it didn’t matter. She didn’t take her eyes off the vials, though. “I see the prince doesn’t shy away from protecting you.”

Danger , all my senses blared.

“Why would he? The Protectorate would have his head if he didn’t show me the respect our contract demands.”

Good, good. Keep it logical and detached. Make it sound like a simple Clan transaction.

“They could certainly try, I suppose,” Valuta said. “I understand Silas doesn’t care all that much for blood. Or combat. Or victories.”

The scheming piece of–

“He has just taken the throne, he has plenty of time to prove himself. Are you in a hurry for a Clan war?”

Valuta’s eyes narrowed as she angled her body so that the guards wouldn’t see her face.

“Of course not,” she said, voice rising so that her entire audience could hear. “How could you suggest I, the grand advisor, would ever want my people slaughtered by your kind? We would win–the Blood Brotherhood’s might is renowned–but I would not risk it.”

“ Our people. In four days. And I’m glad we’re in agreement, I wish a Clan war even less than you. That’s why I’m here and that’s why Zandyr is marrying me.”

Detached. Aloof. More courteous than this snake deserved. But I wouldn’t let her twist my words.

“Yes, a gift from the gods.” Valuta prowled closer. “Though I am surprised you’re still here. So resilient.”

I shrugged, even as my insides constricted. “All that Vegheara blood.”

And pure stubbornness to not be felled by creatures such as her and Banu.

“Yes, quite menacing.” The glint in her eyes was a warning that slithered all the way to my frantic heart. Menacing, menace–it wasn’t exactly a grand leap. She knew . She probably didn’t know everything, but she knew something . “One has to wonder if your particular skills are better suited elsewhere.”

Danger, danger, danger .

The snake was getting ready to strike.

“Oh?” I asked, feigning naivete and hoping I pulled it off. “I’m flattered you’ve noticed my abilities. I wonder when you had the time, what with the many, many responsibilities you have as an advisor.”

Valuta’s face narrowed as she stopped a breath away from me; she must’ve taken a bath in perfume, because she reeked of honey and vanilla. “One of my main responsibilities is managing this Clan toward its betterment. Even when the throne doesn’t see the proper way forward. The safe way. I am here to observe and guide.”

She spied and twisted reality, but sure.

“Are you implying the king and queen don’t know what is best for our Clan?” I asked with a gasp, raising my voice as well. We both could play to our audience. I couldn’t lie, not to save my life, but I was a fast learner.

Valuta’s already thin lips tightened until they vanished.

“Listen to me, girl,” she whispered harshly. “I’m done playing. Name your price.”

My eyebrows flew toward my wind-swept hair. “Price?”

A hot coil of fury roiled inside of me. To think I could be bribed away from Zandyr awoke a fiery being that wanted to roar in Valuta’s face until she cowered.

There was no separating us.

I blinked against the intense emotion ravaging through me. That was new.

“Yes, yes,” Valuta said impatiently. “You were about to marry one heir for riches, now I’m giving you the same option to not marry ours. We have an island off the coast, completely secluded. You could stay there for a year or two, until everyone forgets your name once more, and then rebuild whatever life you want with the gold we’ll give you to vanish from Phoenix Peak without a trace. More than you or your servants can carry.”

I was left speechless, staring at her. Instead of a threat, she was offering me a deal? She also thought I’d wanted to marry Fabrian. For riches, of all things. Curious.

This didn’t feel right. But there was a desperation in her eyes, fighting not to be shown. Perhaps I hadn’t been the only one rattled by the Oracle’s words.

Zandyr believed the prophecy meant I wouldn’t be assassinated. Perhaps Valuta thought the same.

She mistook my pause, though, and a slow, sleazy smile appeared on her face, which surely had been beautiful at one point. “You can live however you want. No more rituals that scare you, no more rules you don’t understand–” She’d been watching me too closely. How? “You can exist in your own little world, with your own little glimmers of happiness. That you decide. Nobody else.”

My heart thudded. Could I? Should I? Right here, where Valuta and dozens of eyes watched me?

I gulped.

“Yes, that’s it,” Valuta hissed, satisfied. A curious wind blew around us, a tangy taste on the tip of my tongue as she leaned closer, whispering right next to my ear. “You won’t have to play to anyone else’s whims.”

Just as my thoughts turned hazy, the pocket of power inside of me pulsed in warning. Magic. She was using her wretched powers on me.

I gulped again, standing perfectly still as my own power heated my chest.

Protect me, protect me, protect me .

But it sounded so good, all the sweet words dripping from her mouth.

“You get to decide your own fate and I can make it happen,” she said, her voice now a lullaby, singing to my senses. “No more fearing for your life. Ever . But if you don’t accept, you will never be safe in Phoenix Peak.”

Ah, there was the threat. My chest heated up even more, the blood in the vials swirling around.

I licked my lips. Stay strong, you can do it .

“How do I know that I can trust you?” I whispered.

“How can you not trust me, Evie? I only ever wanted what was best for you,” Valuta went on and, gods above, her voice started to resemble my mother’s. “I did everything in my power to keep you away from the Blood Brotherhood. So the prince could never find you. Now listen to me and go. Disappear.”

“How–how do I know the prince won’t come looking for me?”

“We will hide you well, even from his most keen trackers. And we will make sure he has other things to preoccupy him after you’re gone. You will be free.”

“I–” I sucked in gulp of air after gulp of air, but it still didn’t feel like enough; my power would cook me alive if I didn’t stop this sham of a negotiation and release it. “I need to think about it.”

Valuta hummed low in her throat. “Until when?”

“The night before the wedding. Make good on your promise of riches, and we’ll talk.”

“We have an agreement,” Valuta purred, pulling back with a mean glimmer slicing through her gaze. “I knew I could reason with you. After all, who would want to live their life constantly looking over their shoulder? The night before the wedding, I’ll send my guards. Ready a carriage and leave it outside your fence, near the end of the path. You will have safe passage outside of Phoenix Peak.”

I nodded, body numb and overheated, and watched her leave in all her silken glory. Only when the crackle of her dress vanished did I move. My power receded back into its little pocket, draining my energy along the way.

Valuta’s syrupy voice haunted me all the way back to the house. I barged in, sweat dripping from my forehead, even as my limbs felt icy.

I pushed past the numbness threatening to consume me.

“Goose! Leesa!” I called out, frantic. “Meet me in the library. We have work to do.”