Page 90 of This Dark Descent
“Each rider is permitted to change horses once, but only if their previous mount is dead or physically incapacitated,” Rezek recited with all the glee of a child given a new toy. “And seeing as Gren’s horse isn’t likely to survive the night, then it is well within the laws of the race for Darius to lend him a new one.”
Panic clawed loose inside her, but it was Ari who spoke. “Your Highness, what if he’s hurt? The race can be brutal.”
Darius waved a dismissive hand. “A horse that can’t survive the Illinir is not a fit mount for a prince.”
“All the more reason to test his merit,” Rezek said silkily.
The prince still hadn’t looked away from her, his lips pressed into a frown. “And I intend to do just that, cousin. Your rider will have my horse. See what he can do.”
Mikira gaped at him, another refusal rising. Iri couldn’t race in the Illinir. He was too kindhearted, too soft. And with someone like Gren on his back? It made her sick to imagine. There had to be a way around this. She could not watch him die. She could not lose more of her family to people who did not care for the cost of their lives.
An arm looped through hers, pulling her flush against a warm body. “I think Miss Rusel could do with a moment of fresh air,” Reid said lightly.
The prince pursed his lips. “Indeed. Good evening, Miss Rusel.”
But Mikira couldn’t move. Walking away felt like damning Iri, like leaving him to the wolves to be devoured. She had thought selling him had broken her, that the worst of it was over, but she should have known by now that when it came to people like the prince, like Rezek, there was always something worse to come.
This was what came of playing their games.
Somehow, Mikira performed a mechanical bow. Then Reid was pulling her away through too many people. More than one tried to stop them, to speak to her, but Reid elbowed them out of the way and drew her from the throng, just as her throat began to burn and the air grew too thick.
They emerged into a clear space near a wall of balconies. Mikira tore free of Reid’s hand, rounding on him. “I didn’t need to be rescued! I can handle myself.”
“Punching the prince in the face is treason,” he replied. “And you’re welcome.”
She shook her head. Suddenly her dress felt too tight, the air too thin. She struck out for one of the small balconies and pushed open the doors, stumbling out into the gathering dusk.
Clasping the railing, Mikira let her head hang as she caught her breath, her mind spinning with thoughts she didn’t want. About her father somewhere in these halls, about the final race only days from now, about the ring in her boot burning against her leg.
There was no doubt in her mind that Gren’s horse was fine, which meant Rezek was going to kill it. Kill it and replace it with Iri. It was a smart move. Gren’s horse had been enchanted for strength and endurance, but the final race relied on ethereal enchantments. Iri’s speed and ability to sense danger would be invaluable.
“Oh, Iri…” she whispered.
Reid shifted at her back. “I… I’ll go get you some water.” Then he was gone, leaving her blessedly alone.
Or so she thought.
“Did you know that surrounding a room in balconies like this is actually the Kinnish style?” She didn’t look up as Talyana leaned against the railing beside her. “The Kelbras always have enjoyed taking things that don’t belong to them.”
Mikira leaned over the railing, hanging her head. “Not interested in a lesson right now, Tal.”
“Really?” Talyana tilted her head. “You used to love them. Do you remember the nights we spent on the floor of your father’s study, listening to him talk of far-off places?” She scanned the horizon as though she could see them, if only she looked hard enough.
There had been a time when all Talyana wanted was to explore the world. She’d tell Mikira about distant places she wanted to visit, things she wanted to discover—what had kept her here, tied to this job she’d never wanted?
“I remember,” Mikira said softly. She faced Talyana. “What are you doing here, Tal?”
“Just because I’m out of the race doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the free food.”
Mikira shook her head. “Not here.Here.” She gestured at the city. “You never liked Veradell. Why come back?”
Talyana was unusually solemn as she replied, “I had some unfinished business.” Her fingers traced the curve of Mikira’s face, careful of the healing cut across the bridge of her nose.
A hush descended through Mikira. She thought only of the warmth of Talyana’s skin against her own, felt herself leaning into it. The last few weeks had been a mess of danger, impossibility, and confusion, but in that moment, it all slid away, and she wondered what her life would be like if all she had to worry about in the world was if she was in love with her best friend or a boy made of shadows.
Then a rasping voice cut through the still air, jarring her back to the present. She recoiled, clenching the railing and looking for Rezek, but it was only a nobleman deep in conversation with someone on his arm.
“Have you thought any more about what I asked?” Talyana’s expression was all too knowing.
