Page 110 of Blackheart

“Come on, Jocelynn. You and I both know what your shows truly are. Don’t play the princess for a fool.”

Her shadows shot up to her neck, rolling off her collarbones like steam. “Riven, you know nothing about my show, especially now. You have not been here for three years. Things have changed. Princess Elora, if you tell me what message you want the capital to hear, I will prove to you the difference I can make.”

Was she trying to convince me or herself? Either way, I would not turn away an audience. The people of Castivian needed to know the truth about what transpired within the Waywards, and what freedoms had been taken from the Dark Natured.

“I’ll tell you everything I know over… afternoon tea?” I offered. We had already sat for morning tea, but it was clear Lady Jocelynn could lounge on the terrace at any hour. Thankfully, the weather was lovely, with scattered clouds drifting across a pale cerulean sky.

“Perfect.”

“I’ll have to see this show for myself.” Riven gave her no mercy, aiming skeptical eyes at her.

Lady Jocelynn’s shadows swirled out farther, threatening Riven, but he didn’t flinch. “Princess Elora needs an escort anyhow, as she has already promised to come. Don't forget to dress appropriately for the theater, Captain.”

I shifted my heated face away. Had she just set me up on a date? Surely there were other Blademen that could escort me.

“Of course, Lady Jocelynn.” Riven’s disdain for Jocelynn’s show, or maybe just the woman in general, was as clear as a Stonesender’s tears.

Their issues were not my problem. If this idea worked, we could find ways to host her show up north, too, and to the east and west. If we rallied enough of the Castivian people, Delaina wouldn’t be able to take this freedom away, nor would Saffron likely have the men to stand against us.

For those odds, I’d do whatever needed to be done, whether it be lifting a sword a thousand times, or forcing a smile for the theater.

Chapter 34

Black Roses

“Only a bastard would not want any for himself.”

—Lord Draven Wrenavia, as heard in the House of Sterling

My head poundedby the time afternoon tea was over. Recalling the past three years, pushing myself to open up—it was more difficult than I’d expected.

Lady Jocelynn wanted every unpleasant detail she could squeeze out of me. The more disturbing, the more interested she was. She promised it was important for the people to know.

When our tea session finished, Lady Jocelynn dismissed her crows and excused herself. She had much to do before the show.

With a weight on my mind heavier than any sword, I left the terrace and made my way back. I could have requested an escort, but in truth, I wanted nothing more than to be alone.

From the high perch of the Silver Circle, the city below bustled with life. There were still hours before sunset, but music played, orbs of light bounced around in the streets, and people crowded through lantern-lit walkways. Smoke escaped chimneys as family dinners were being prepared.

My shoulders sagged. I wanted to scream.“Enjoy it, it might not last forever!”

I scaled the charcoal steps to Xavian’s—our home. The wordhomewas not yet a comfortable one. It never had been. How could home be so many places and yet none at all?

The foyer was empty. Streaks of light peeked through the dark curtains and onto the hardwood floors. Thick blankets were strewn about the long, grey couch, evidence that Xavian had been there at some point today. He often lounged with paperwork while snacking on platters of meat and cheese.

He was not here now, though, unless he had retired to his bedroom early. He may still have been at the House of Sterling, or had plans down in the capital.

Exhausted and hollow, up the steps I went, down the hall and into my bedroom. I undressed and threw on a loose, white nightgown, and for the first time in a very long time, I took a nap before nightfall.

I dreamt of bladebreathers. A real dream, with my own voice. Singer in my hand, Amzee and I soared over the coast of Lyonscliff, fit to wage war on Queen Delaina.

“Ready to win this thing?” Amzee called from Zephy’s back.

Win.

We could win.

My eyes flew open. It was so obvious what could aid us in the battles to come.