Page 55 of Venom Sweeter than Honey
A fraction of hope gleams in Lucen’s eyes.
“I won’t pretend to know your father, but logic would say I can promise you that if he wanted you dead, you’d be dead. You’re his heir. The only one that I know of. It would make sense that he wants to manipulate you. That he’s keeping an eye on you until he might one day use you.”
The wheels of my mind turn.
I don’t want his throne.
I want freedom.
It’s all I’ve ever wanted.
Where can I hide?
For some godsforsaken reason, my mind first leaps to Azrael, but that’s obviously out of the question. The male has asoulboundand absolutely no loyalty to her.
I despise the fact that, despite my logic, I can’t seem to stop myself from asking.
“Does Azrael work for him? Does he know about all of this?”
Jealousy burns Lucen’s gaze.
“No. Azrael doesn’t know, nor does he work for your father. He’s just about the only person in the underbelly of this wretched continent who’s immune to your father’s malevolence.”
I feel a modicum of relief at his words. Perhaps because I am looking for any sign that at least some fraction of the kindness I’ve been shown was real.
Thatsomethingwas real.
A whisper in the back of my mind stills my thoughts—like I’m forgetting something, but I can’t place what.
“Did my father conspire against my mother? Did he have something to do with my mother’s death?”
Lucen slowly shakes his head. “I have no idea... Your father divulges nothing of his plans or machinations to anyone outside of hisden.Though it wouldn’t surprise me in the least.”
Despite my unease and growing suspicion, the urge to flee supersedes it.
“Remove the ring.”
I offer my hand. His fingers grasp it, and once more, magic prickles over my skin. Its absence is the relief of removing a noose from around my neck.
The urge torunis powerful enough to have my magic whorling around my hands, staining my fingertips. I shake them out as I begin to pace.
I could try to open a portal and seek refuge in another realm, but my portal magic is still spotty at best, and I’d haveno currency, no resources, no familiarity with any customs, thus increasing my likelihood of falling prey to some malevolent benefactor. No, that won’t do.
A distant continent, perhaps. My father sunk his claws into many places beyond Sinsól, but since he lost the war he waged a decade ago, it’s unlikely he has anyone who’s remained loyal to him outside of his city.
“If you’re going to hide, Raia..."
My gaze snaps to Lucen’s.
I know, but where?
I don’t dare ask aloud. The last person I’d want to know where I was going is Lucen.
Still, he discerns the logical direction of my thoughts.
“Go somewhere far. Somewhere... small. Just don’t forget your vow.”
If I weren’t so busy panicking, I’d snarl.
