Page 106 of A Queen’s Game (Aithyr Uprising #1)
Chapter Sixty-Eight
Valeriya
W yltam was hiding more than just mages. That afternoon, after tea with Tryda, she returned to the suite, slamming the door to her room so Wyltam would think she paid him little attention. Instead, she hid in their shared living room, waiting to see what Wyltam does when he thought he was alone.
Not having been on a scouting mission since her days in Reyila, her legs ached from staying crouched behind the couch.
Back when she still trained, she could sit unmoving for hours before the stiffness set into her limbs.
With only twenty minutes passed, her knees begged for a new position as her feet felt like pins and needles.
As she went to shift, the indistinct murmur of Wyltam’s voice carried from down the hall. Muffled, she inched closer to hear.
“Patrol the streets around the restaurant and watch the carriage,” Wyltam said. “I have Marietta and Elyse guarded; I’ll know if something goes wrong.”
Valeriya’s stomach sank. Remembering overhearing their conversation about going into the city, she was confused to why they would need extra guards. Was there an attack on Marietta? Her heart stilled in her chest.
“Can do, sir,” said a throaty voice, so like Katya’s that it unnerved her. Her former lover kept creeping into her mind at the most unfortunate moments.
“Watch the Chorys Dasian. Make sure he doesn’t do anything too unexpected. They’re hiding something.” Wyltam paused. “You’re dismissed.”
Valeriya hurried to her hiding spot as she thought the visitor would exit, but no one left the room.
Her mind raced. Wyltam was suspicious of Az and the fool was alone with Keyain.
Gyrsh had reassured her the situation was covered.
Who decided ‘having it covered’ meant leaving Az unsupervised with that group after the incident in the Central Garden?
Valeriya knew who just to ask.
After changing into a sleek black gown of silk and lace, the neckline dipping to her naval at the center, Valeriya made her way to the Noble’s Section. Someone needed to answer for the oversight on Az. Just how foolish were they to leave him alone?
Voices and silvery music carried into the hall from a common room, golden light from inside spilling onto the floor.
On occasion she would join these get-togethers, reveling in the gossip and making the nobles sweat.
Her favorite way to pass the time was toying with the noblemen.
However, she wouldn’t do as such tonight; there were more important things to take care of.
A dozen light globes lit the common room, hanging above the groups of bodies with the cloying scent of floral perfume clotting the air.
Nobles stood in clusters, drinking various shades of alcohol from crystal glasses.
In the corner, she spotted her target encircled by the younger available females of court.
As she approached, swiping a glass of whiskey from a passing servant, her target caught her eye, his lips twitching down at the corners.
He dressed in all black finery, one arm draped across a lady with long black hair.
The other girls vied for Sylas’s attention, none more than a blonde at his shoulder.
Valeriya gave him a subtle nod as she walked past, not wishing to make it obvious to whom she needed to speak. Instead, she settled on an easier target, one who stopped flirting with a younger lady the moment she stepped into the room.
With his handsome-as-ever smile, Gyrsh approached Valeriya and offered a deep bow. “My Queen, what an honor for your unexpected presence this evening.”
“Hello Gyrsh,” she said, extending her hand.
The minister brought his delicate lips to her knuckles before she snatched it back.
“The evening grew too quiet for me, and it was between coming to this get-together or going out for a night in the city.” Unease flashed across his face before it settled back into his usual calm confidence.
“Then I’m lucky you chose this get-together.”
“Luckier than you understand,” she said with a fake smile.
As tempted as she was to leave the palace and track the Az situation, she thought it’d be best to check in first. “Perhaps you could introduce me to some of your contacts from Chorys Dasi?” She let her gaze drift to Sylas, who still held his position with the group of ladies.
“Have you met Lord Sylas?” he asked, taking her arm, his shirt silky on her skin. “Quite a nice male.”
“Haven’t met him, but I hear he’s quite levelheaded.”
“One of his many talents.”
Valeriya held her smirk as the corner of Gyrsh’s mouth lifted, guiding her through the throng of people. Conversations stopped as she passed, the partiers presenting a quick bow or curtsy before returning to their groups.
As they approached Sylas, he dropped into a low bow. “Queen Valeriya, a pleasure to have you join us.” The surrounding ladies curtsied, a few offering their greetings, yet she ignored them.
“May I introduce Lord Sylas Tygenbrook, Emissary to Chorys Dasi?” Gyrsh said.
“Wonderful to meet you,” Valeriya said with a quirk of her lip. “Is it true you’re an avid reader?”
Sylas blinked, his expression calming. “That would be true.”
Gyrsh cleared his throat. “Ladies, perhaps I can introduce you to my other contact from Chorys Dasi. Come, let Lord Sylas meet our Queen.”
With a few reluctant glances in Gyrsh’s direction, and one of relief from Sylas, the ladies followed Gyrsh across the room, leaving Valeriya alone with Sylas. The last time she was alone with him was years ago, before her sister married Auryon.
“Have you read the book about a strong-headed bull loose in a village?” she asked, keeping her expression pleasant though she seethed inside. “When the farmers failed to keep an eye on it, it rampaged and did irreparable damage.”
“I think I did read that one,” Sylas said, pausing to sip his clear liquor. “Except the bull never rampaged and was not left unsupervised. The farmer’s neighbors kept it calm.”
“Funny, I’ve recently heard differently.”
“Which version of the book did you read?” he asked with a slight raise to his brow.
“One by a writer who was more interested in the girl accompanying the bull instead of the bull itself.” She paused, smiling at a pair of nobles who passed before continuing. “Some say he had a vested interest in her future.”
Sylas paused, his eyes glancing to the other Chorys Dasians. “Didn’t know that writer knew the tale to begin with, but I assure you that isn’t the story I’m talking about.”
“How sure?”
“Positive.” His unwavering gaze was as confident as his words.
“Even if I tell you that the writer is rather guarded about the story?”
Sylas met her stare, comprehending what she meant. “Even then. The story still remains as the bull getting loose in the village and it returning with no damage dealt.”
Valeriya narrowed her eyes. “I’ll have to take your word on it.” Sylas seemed too calm about Az, but he of all people would know best. She did have one other question she wanted to ask. “That writer I mentioned, have you heard about his other stories on magic?”
Sylas slid his gaze across the room. “Now those stories I have read. The girl with the bull is in one of those, and the writer uses his own proficiency to reveal her magical prowess.”
If Sylas already knew Wyltam was capable of magic, who else knew? Was Valeriya the last to know? “I know about the girl,” she said before taking a hefty swig of her drink. “I only recently found out about writer’s proficiency with magic.”
“Perhaps you aren’t as well read as you thought, Valeriya,” he said, giving a knowing look, mouth hidden behind his glass. “The girl’s competency for magic was what caught the bull’s attention.”
Valeriya raised her brows at that. It explained why Az tried so hard for the girl.
Sylas frowned as he lowered his glass. “But now I fear the girl will stay in the village, which will keep the bull there as well. We’re hoping for the girl to return with the bull to its rightful owner.”
That was their end game with Elyse? For her to bring Az home to his sister? “I’m sure the girl’s father is thrilled to hear that.”
“Partially, though he’s more interested in the owner’s reward for the girl. If the girl leads the bull home, the plan is to test her magical abilities.”
A chill raced through Valeriya. That wasn’t part of the plan. Elyse was to stay in Satiros, to be a staple in her court after Wyltam was removed. Az’s sister couldn’t just take Elyse away from her. “You can’t be serious.”
“I am.” Sylas threw back the remainder of his drink. “The girl will become another bull in her pen.”
Nystanya didn’t share that information, and if she wasn’t aware, then Valeriya promised she would be soon. The Chorys Dasians’ deviation from the plan did not bode well—what else was Valeriya missing? What was her sister missing?
“I know that look,” Sylas said. “The girl will be fine.”
“Perhaps the girl should stay home,” she offered, failing to hide the bite in her voice. “That was original to the story, anyway.”
“You are no writer.” Sylas gave her a serious look, his lips barely moving as he spoke. “You control none of this story. It’s out of your hands now.”
Blood roared in her ears as Sylas bowed and took his leave. They intended to cut her out—cutting Nystanya and Reyila out. Chorys Dasi was betraying them. Her sister needed to know—immediately.