Page 46 of Sands of Atonement

“Sarcasm doesn’t suit you, Cas.” The childhood nickname just slipped out of my mouth, and I bit the inside of my cheek. Slowly, I forced myself to look up and see his reaction.

Though we were mostly enemies growing up, there were moments when it didn’t feel like it. He became a friend to me when our families were together. When we were younger, we’d all play—except for Ezra. He was too much of a rule-stickler to join in. Ezra wouldn’t hesitate to remind Casimir who we were and keep his distance. As we grew older, Casimir and I talked about philosophy, world history, liberation, music, dance, and so much more. I had given him a nickname, teasing him that saying ‘Casimir’ was a tongue twister.

His eyes softened, and though he was sitting next to me, he seemed to be far away.

“I’m sorry if it’s the only way I can cope with the fact that my betrothed came back from the dead to kill me—for no reason.”

My mouth curved slightly.

“It wasn’t for no reason. I saw you and Ezra. Though I believe you weren’t part of it, I do wholeheartedly believe Ezra was. You both snuck off right before the explosion. I heard what you both said, and why is it that I’m not the only one who thinks your family had something to do with it? Why do half of the countries around here believe that your family is involved in my family’s deaths? I mean, why wouldn’t they be? We’ve been enemies for generations! I’m not the only one, and I’m not crazy!”

“I’m not saying you’re crazy—you’re just wrong. We spoke with Kavid already and settled everything. He knows my family and I weren’t part of this, and we can’t help the rumors, however disturbing they may be.” Casimir was quiet for a moment and then said, “And we didn’t sneak off for the explosion.”

“Then explain it to me and stop going around in circles. It’s driving me crazy!”

“You just said you’re not crazy.” His voice turned flat.

“I’m going to kill you, Casimir—I mean it this time!”

Casimir laughed, and I couldn’t help breaking into a chuckle beside him, too.

“All right, all right! Relax, woman.” He took another moment, staring into the fire. “Ezra and I had been fooling around with some—actually, I don’t need to explain myself to you!”

I rolled my eyes.

“With what? With women, really, Casimir? My God, I knew you were such a flirt, but at our engagement celebration?”

“No! That was not what I was going to say! You put words in my mouth. You always have.” Casimir shook his head, though he was amused. “Back then, Ezra did more things with me. We would party together, do drugs—reckless behaviors for young princes, mostly because I had a way of persuading him, and we’d even visit places we shouldn’t have been visiting.”

He looked distant again, but I didn’t interrupt him.

“Anyway, that night. We were experimenting with smoking some new toxin a friend had given me. We couldn’t resist trying it, and we had snuck off to the back to smoke it right when everything exploded, and that’s why we weren’t harmed by it.”

Everything was quiet except for the crackling sound of the firewood.

I didn’t believe it for one moment. He was saving Ezra’s story because he would follow his brother through anything.

“We thought you were dead,” he said, and the column of his throat moved. “I never thought I’d see you again.”

I stared at my open palms.

“After everything, we were all so lost. Some had blamed us. Some mourned with us. They were dark times, and I don’t think anyone knew how to navigate it all. We searched and searched for you—everywhere.” His eyes went distant. “There was not a place we did not look.”

My heart grew heavy, wondering if everything he said was real or not.

Clearing my throat, I whispered, “Cas, if what you say is true, then give me my freedom. It’s that simple.”

There was a moment of silence, and I could feel his gaze heavy on me.

“Although I have good standing that my brother loves me—possibly the only person he loves—and would do just about anything for me, even he would kill me if I let you go.”

The blood in my veins warmed.

“Will you go to him and ask for some of my freedom at the very least? This prison chamber is an insult, and you know it.”

And I didn’t feel like sneaking out of this chamber every time I wanted to leave.

Casimir looked hesitant, biting his inner cheek. “I’ll talk to him tomorrow, but I won’t promise anything. My brother… he’s difficult. It’s hard to change his mind.”