Page 237 of Scorched Earth

A sharp whistle cut the air. “A boat approaches.”

Teriana’s heart skipped, certain it was Lydia, but as she peered over the rail into the shadows of the sea below, it was to see Agrippa looking up at her. “Drop a ladder.”

Her curiosity grew as she noted the giant in the boat with him. “Let’s see what he wants.”

The ex-legionnaire scampered up the ladder with ease, landing with a soft thud on steady feet despite the rocking deck. She was struck by how, even with years separating him from the Thirty-Seventh, he still looked like one of them. Something about the way he moved.

“Finn told me about your speech, and it was a good one,” Agrippa said. “And it’s a good plan. But it’s not going to work.”

Teriana parted her lips to argue, but he didn’t give her a chance.

“You need more allies. Allies who understand the enemy better than the Gamdeshians or Arinoquians ever will. Allies who already understand what it means to lose to the Empire but who fight back all the same.”

“Who do you suggest?”

Agrippa drew in a deep breath. “You need Bardeen.”

Frustration filled Teriana, because she didn’t have time for this. “I’d do a great deal to form an alliance with the rebels. But not only do I not have time to forge new alliances, I have no connection to them. All I know about their leader is that she fights with a Thirty-Seventh gladius.”

A smile rose on Agrippa’s lips. “I knew she’d rise to the top. She was destined for it.”

“You know her?”

“I’d bet every coin to my name that the Bardenese rebel leader’s name is Silvara, and that gladius she carries is mine. Find her, Teriana, and you’ll have a fighting chance of making this work, because however much the West hates the Empire, Bardeen’s wrath is tenfold as fierce. And they know everything there is to know about fighting the legions.”

This hadn’t been part of Teriana’s plans, her ambition limited to uniting the Southern Continent and the Maarin doing the rest. But if she could rally the provinces that already resisted the Senate in the East… “You think she’ll speak to me?”

“Silvara’s vendetta against Marcus is personal.” Agrippa’s smile was grim. “But to reach her in time, you’re going to need full sails. Which is convenient, because I have a friend who needs to escape.” He motioned to the giant standing behind him. “So how about you both help each other out.”

91LYDIA

After Agrippa departed tokill two birds with one stone,as he described it, she was left standing with Killian and Finn in awkward silence.

“Teriana asked me to tell you good-bye,” Finn finally said. “The Maarin intended to meet on the water to finalize her plans, and she didn’t want them to do so without her.”

Not a full day back together and they’d already been separated again. Lydia sat down on the sofa, pressing her hands to her eyes because her friend was who she needed right now to help calm the chaos of emotion in her chest. Slowly mastering her composure, she lowered her hands. “That makes sense. In truth, I’m not certain howmuch liberty Helene intends to give me. She needs me to secure this contract with the Cel, and to play along, I’ll likely have to remain imprisoned in my room until we’ve played this as far as it can go.”

Finn wrinkled his nose, then said, “Well, at least you know that Teriana is getting things done while you’re stuck here drinking lemonade and resting up.”

She gave the boy a flat stare, and Finn laughed. “Sorry, Lydia. I know you’d rather be out there doing good works and the like, but hopefully you’ll be able to endure your imprisonment in Seldrid’s fancy house, with a full belly and servants to do your bidding.”

“Finn…” Killian’s tone was exasperated. “Enough. Why don’t you go to bed? It’s late.”

Finn snorted. “Nighttime is when I hold court, Killian. Sleep is for the day.” He bowed low. “On that note, my subjects await.”

“Be careful,” Lydia warned. “I do not want to save you twice.”

Finn only laughed and disappeared out the door.

Killian wavered in the tension between them then abruptly said, “There’s something I need to do. Stay here.”

Lydia’s stomach hollowed as he disappeared, because she’d hoped that they might resolve their argument. Might find a way to dispel the tension between them, but instead, Killian seemed content to allow the gulf to grow wider.

Tears burning in her eyes, she circled the luxurious room. Trailing fingers over the velvet cushions and silk coverlets, examining the oil portraits of seascapes, and sipping at water made sharp with lemons.Go to bed,she told herself.Get some rest.

Except the thought of getting into the massive bed alone only made her feel worse. This was her first night back in Serlania, her first night back with Killian, and she did not want to spend it away from him.

Tap.