Page 83 of A Queen’s Game (Aithyr Uprising #1)

“Fine,” he said, shrugging. “You’re lucky I’m such a gracious and honorable king.”

With a dramatic eye roll that earned a laugh from him, Marietta thought of her next question. “You said you did not slaughter the people of Olkia, so what happened during the attack?”

The King’s gaze drifted out towards the fountain.

“While the majority of the army stormed the western side of the city, the attack was just a distraction. We deployed discrete teams to capture the leaders of Olkia and the Exisotis. When the city guard realized what happened, we offered mercy if they set down their weapons. Very few fought back.”

She searched his face, looking for dishonesty, for Queen Valeriya had said it was a slaughter. If that was truly what happened, did the Queen lie?

“Which city-state in Enomenos is your favorite?” King Wyltam asked, pulling Marietta from her thoughts.

She laughed, surprised at his question. “That’s your next question?”

“Indulge my curiosity,” he said, leaning in to her. At that distance, Marietta could see his eyes weren’t solid black but flecked with chips of amber. “Perhaps the deal was also to know you better as well.”

She forced her gaze onto her lap. “Well, Kentro is the heart of Enomenos and has the best nightlife. The best music troupes frequent their taverns. Avato to the north has the most curious people, mainly miners, who spend their days underground.” With a coy glance, she turned to the King.

“Remaining underground most days changes a person.”

“I can imagine,” he murmured, amusement lighting his eyes.

“Then Rotamu offers the best ale by far—my top suppliers came from the river city-state. But the beaches in Notos are to die for, right on the coast of Evgeni Sea. I was planning a trip to visit my parents there before…” Marietta hesitated, swallowing hard before continuing.

“It still doesn’t compare to the love I have for Olkia.

For the array of shops and curious creators that make its vibrant markets. ”

“Like you with your bakery,” he said, drawing her gaze. “Or Tilan with his smithy.”

Marietta didn’t dare breathe. “How do you know that?”

He chuckled, his hand falling on her leg. “Ah, you haven’t answered my question. Which city is your favorite?”

Gods, Keyain said no one was aware of Tilan, of her bakery. “Olkia,” she answered in a shaky voice. “It’s my home, my community. And you attacked it. You hurt the people I care about.”

“No wonder you hate Keyain,” he said with a raised brow. “Though he swears he loves you, he still attacked your home city-state and killed your husband.”

Her face blanched. “Keyain said you didn’t know. How do you know about the bakery? About Tilan?”

“Keyain told me of Tilan, though through my sources, I learned you married the human willingly. Keyain made sure to leave that part out.” He paused, glancing at her ankle. “He also hid that you left your traveling business to start a bakery.”

The Queen knew that information. Was she playing Marietta a fool, feeding everything she said to the King?

The cold touch of his fingers fell on her ankle. “What are you doing?” she hissed.

“I’m only checking, I promise.” He lifted her ankle, the fabric of her skirt falling to the sides.

He turned back to her, his brows furrowing. “Are you feeling alright? You’re breathing quite heavy,” he said. “And your eyes are dilated.”

Marietta went to snap the fabric over herself, but the King caught her hand, leaning close to her. “Do I make you nervous, Marietta?” His deep voice and the closeness of his face made heat creep across her cheeks.

She hated it, hated that a smirk crept onto his lips.

“If not nerves, then what is it?” he asked.

“Perhaps I’m a bit flush,” she answered, refusing to break eye contact as she swallowed hard. A full smile came to his lips. It was wonderful and frightening, and Marietta couldn’t look away.

“You are very fun to tease,” he murmured, his gaze dropping to her mouth.

Then she heard the approaching footsteps and the hushed voices that followed. Elyse came into view first, stopping at the sight of Marietta with her leg on the King’s lap. Her face blanched as Keyain appeared next to her.

Marietta leaned away from the King, and he sat up straighter, pulling back from her face. For once, she was at a loss for words.

Keyain stood, mouth tightened to a line. He took in her dress, the slit that revealed her thighs. His nose flared when he saw her leg, the King’s hand caressing her ankle. His features darkened as he glared at him, grinding out, “Hello, Wyltam. Marietta, my love.”

She went to shift her leg from his lap, but the King’s hand stayed true. “Keyain, Elyse, what a lovely surprise.” His face settled back into its icy demeanor, its warmth and humor disappearing. “Care to join us?”

“Why?” Keyain said, his gaze locked onto the King’s hand.

“Marietta injured her ankle. I was being a dutiful king and making sure it rested before she placed weight on it. Isn’t that right, Marietta?”

With wide eyes focused on Keyain, she nodded her head, avoiding Elyse’s uncomfortable expression.

“I’ll take her if she’s injured,” Keyain said through the grind of his jaw.

“Nonsense. Either join us or continue your walk.” He gestured to the path they walked on with his unoccupied hand.

Elyse was the first to answer. “As much as I would love to join you, my King, I have plans this afternoon. Keyain was just escorting me.” She glanced at Keyain as he took a deep breath.

“A shame. Carry on then.” He waved a dismissal.

Elyse started walking away, glancing back at Keyain, who remained rooted in place, glaring at the hand on Marietta’s ankle. She cleared her throat. He tore his eyes away and stormed off.

“Perhaps that was too far,” she said after a moment, unable to breathe.

“I disagree,” he said, releasing her ankle. “Elevating it helped; the swelling has gone down. Though I didn’t mean for it to appear so scandalous.”

The ice in his expression melted into an amused smile. Marietta hated how easily he could shift into and out of his mask. She hated it even more that he removed it for her.

With a sigh, she shifted her leg, setting it down in front of her. She tested a bit of weight, and though it was uncomfortable, walking was an option. She stood, favoring her uninjured leg.

“I told you it would work,” King Wyltam said.

Marietta shot him a glare as she hobbled away. “It’d be best if I go find Keyain.”

“You can’t chase after him every time he’s angry.”

She flipped her dark hair over her shoulder, looking back at him. “I’m not chasing after Keyain; I know him and his anger. He’s going to take it out on Amryth, and I’d rather not have my friend receive the brunt of his rage, Your Grace.”

“You have a kind heart.” He paused, considering his words. “Keyain never deserved to hold such a heart.”

His words froze her in place as regret settled into the pit of her stomach. “That’s why I took it back.” Her voice was only a whisper, unsure if the King could even hear her.

After a moment, he said, “You’re dismissed, Lady Marietta.”

It shook her from her thoughts. Though she already stood to leave, King Wyltam saw it fitting to dismiss her. Irritated, she sighed, earning a chuckle from him.

A storm cloud was a correct depiction of him—dark, beautiful, and unpredictable. The smiles that broke through were lightning in her chest, his laugh a rolling thunder that caused her heart to skip a beat.

As she left the King sitting on the bench, she cursed herself for being so foolish. He was the King. A murderer. He stood for everything she wanted to tear down. She should hate him—should despise his very being.

Yet, she didn’t.