Page 144 of Scorched Earth

“It was a close thing at times.” Killian gripped Finn’s shoulders and then pulled him into a tight embrace. “Gods, it’s good to see you here. Are you well?”

“Living like the king I am.”

Killian grinned. “I’m looking forward to hearing your stories and telling you my own, but I need to speak with Malahi now. What has happened with Lydia needs my focus. I’ll find you later?”

Finn shrugged, then looked away. “I’ll find you.”

Killian pushed through the doors, a wave of laughter and the scent of wine washing over him. The High Lords all stood about with glasses in their hands, servants circulating with trays of food, and guards stationed like pieces of furniture around the large room. Malahi stood with Seldrid and Adra off to one side, Agrippa at her elbow. His expression was bland to anyone who didn’t know him, but to Killian, it was obvious that everyone in the room was lucky to still be alive.

At the sight of Killian, Adra started toward him, the Gamdeshian woman a froth of bright pink silk and gold. While his brother always looked ridiculous in his extravagant clothing, the Gamdeshian woman looked like a work of art. Nearly as short as Malahi, she had to stand on her tip toes as she caught both sides of his head, pulling him down to kiss him firmly on the cheek. “I am so relieved that you are alive,” she said. “Let’s keep it that way. Do not lose your temper.”

“No promises,” he muttered under his breath, then added, “It’s good to see you well.”

Adra gave a soft laugh as though he’d told her something witty, then murmured, “Malahi has told me of your need for aid from the librarians in Revat. I will send word to my uncle on the next shipdetailing your requests, as well as the urgency of the situation. I’ll choose my most trusted messenger.”

“Thank you, though it may be that Malahi serves the role of messenger.” He could feel eyes on him and Adra, the men in the room not hiding their curiosity. “A conversation better suited to a location with fewer ears.”

“Of course.” She giggled and batted eyelashes so long they brushed the tops of her cheeks, the consummate courtier given she’d been raised in the Sultan’s palace in Revat. From across the room, Seldrid called out, “Adra, love, you know it hurts my feelings when you flirt with Killian. He already makes me feel woefully inadequate whenever he walks into the same room.”

Looping her arm through his, Adra tugged Killian in Malahi’s direction. “I have eyes only for you, my darling.”

“Itishard to miss you, Lord Calorian.” Agrippa examined Seldrid’s clothing. “I should really consult your tailor. That’s a splendid coat.”

“People have a habit of underestimating men in bright colors,” his brother replied. “Whereas if you walk around wearing black, as Killian does, everyone immediately suspects you are a threat.”

“Clever.” Agrippa crossed his arms. “How is Lydia holding up?”

“Trying to see her way forward.” Killian fixed his anger on Malahi. “You should have asked her first. She trusted you and you betrayed her confidence.”

Malahi’s voice was tired. “If I hadn’t done it then, rest assured, Hacken would have seen himself voted king on those very steps. I know it wasn’t fair, but do not pretend it wasn’t the right choice for Mudamora.”

Malahi always chose Mudamora, no matter the cost to those around her. No matter the cost to herself. It might have made her a good queen, but gods help him, it made Malahi a poor friend indeed.

“It’s done, so what I think doesn’t matter much at this point.” Out of the corner of his eye, Killian saw Hacken approaching. “We need to go somewhere to talk. Lydia thinks you two should head to Revat immediately.”

“Agreed,” Malahi said. “I have no power here. At least in Revat I might be able to do some good.”

They all fell silent as Hacken stopped before them. “Where is Kitaryia?”

“You know how women are, brother,” Killian answered, notbothering to turn around. “Never quick to get ready. I suggest you be patient.”

“Mind your tone.” His brother’s gaze darkened. “Your value here is limited, and do not think for a heartbeat that I won’t send you to join the front lines if you cause trouble. You’ve always been a tool to be used by those in power, Killian, and that hasn’t changed. Remember that the markedserve.”

“The Marked are also to be respected,” Malahi snapped. “We were chosen by the Six, Hacken, whereas you demand respect for no reason other than that you were bornfirst.And lest you forget, the woman you bent the knee to is also marked.”

The room went silent.

“I haven’t forgotten.” Hacken gave Killian a slow smile. “And I have no doubt that Kitaryia will serve well.”

Killian’s temper snapped. With no thought for the consequences, he struck, his fist connecting with his brother’s cheekbone and sending Hacken staggering.

Then Agrippa and Seldrid were on him, hauling him backward.

“He’s baiting you,” Seldrid hissed as they struggled. Killian only shoved him away. But as he did, Agrippa’s foot caught Killian’s ankle, sending him staggering. Both men leapt on him, pushing him to the floor.

“Don’t give him a reason to send you away,” Agrippa hissed into Killian’s ear. “Lydia needs you.”

His friend’s words made sense, but Killian couldn’t hear them through the noise of his rage at what his brother intended. Not only to use Lydia as a puppet, but to…