Page 180 of Scorched Earth (Dark Shores #4)

TERIANA

Teriana anchored the Quincense south of Celendrial with strict orders for the ship to flee if the navy came into sight, and even stricter instructions that no one was to follow her into the city.

Yet as she entered the gates, hair and face concealed by a scarf, it was clear that the Maarin were the least of the Empire’s concerns.

For it was apparently an empire no longer, the Senate having officially declared Celendor a republic.

Yet even that news paled in comparison to the fervor over the executions that were planned for later that day.

Because she didn’t know who else to go to, Teriana sought out Lydia’s father.

“Teriana!” Shock radiated across his face when the servants brought her into the villa, but it was swiftly replaced with anger.

“Have you lost your blasted mind coming to Celendrial, girl? No matter the reasons and no matter the outcomes, you still led an attack on Celendor and there are countless people in this city who’d happily see you dead. ”

“I know.” Teriana was shaking, the weight of all the gossip she’d heard since she’d entered the city pushing her to the breaking point. “But I need to see him.”

His expression didn’t soften. “Marcus is to be executed today, Teriana. He pleaded guilty of all charges, not the least being Lydia’s murder.”

“Lydia’s not dead, you know that.”

“I know. But it doesn’t change what he did.”

It hurt to breathe. “I know that,” she whispered. “I know everything he did, but…”

“But…?” Senator Valerius’s eyes were cold. “This is justice, Teriana. After all that you’ve personally endured, you should see today as a victory. You should be lifting a glass with your people on the safety of your ship, far out to sea. Not standing in my household weeping for the villain.”

He wasn’t wrong, but the tears spilled down her cheeks. “Please, Appius. On my life, I will never ask for anything again. I just need to see him. Please.”

Lydia’s father stared her down for a long time, but then looked away. “As you like. But after you say your good-byes, you need to leave Celendrial. If you have any wisdom in your heart, you’ll never look back.”