Page 118 of Queen’s Gambit

‘Then we’ll bring the rest back. The Council of Mages…’

‘They won’t help. That’s why they wanted me put down in the first place. Can’t you see? I became everything they feared. I can’t return to Dagome. They’ll kill me… they’ll kill Tova…’ I didn’t want to run, but what choice did I have? Vivamancers were purged for a reason.

Rey didn’t speak, and I fidgeted until he broke his silence.

‘I’ll deal with the mages. Tova is alive; that’s what matters. I know it’s hard for both of you now, but even if he doesn’t get his memories back, he’ll learn to love you again. Soon that stubborn dwarf will call you his Drah’sa, and I’ll have to live with it.’ Rey’s eye roll and attempt at humour almost brought a smile to my lips. He reached up and stroked the corner of my mouth. ‘No one, not a single soul, will speak ill of the woman who saved the kingdom.’

He was trying, but there’d be a punishment for cheating the Veil out of its soul. The loss of Tova’s memories couldn’t be the only cost.

‘Did Irsha find you?’ I asked. Rey nodded.

‘He and the Prefect. Why the Prefect, though? Why save the Tangrian?’ I reached out and stroked the dark stubble that shaded his cheeks.

‘Because of a peach tree,’ I said, scrambling to stand. ‘Please help me up. I need to see them. What about the others? The creatures—I asked them to return to their realms. Did they leave? Please tell me no one’s hunting them.’

Rey sighed and took my hand. ‘They disappeared when you entered the portal. Only your bies remains, sleeping by the city walls. I ordered my men to feed it.’

Standing was a challenge. My Aether was restored, much faster than I’d expected, but my knees buckled the moment I put weight on my feet. Rey caught me and pressed me to his chest.

‘The healer said it’ll take a few days for you to recover. Excessive spellcasting and srebrec poisoning are bad for your health,’ he said, wrapping his arm around my waist. ‘I’ll let you see whomever you want if you eat breakfast.’

Rey led me to the table, and when I settled, he knelt beside me and pressed his forehead to my knees. ‘Never again, my light. When you disappeared into that fucking portal, Cinared almost burned the castle down. I thought I’d lost you. Promise you won’t leave us again.’

I stroked his raven hair, but the promise he wanted wouldn’t pass my lips. I had debts to pay, and after what I’d done, they would come due sooner, not later.

‘Let’s eat. Then take me to Siras,’ I said, and Reynard frowned.

‘Roksana, what are you planning now?’

‘To pay my debts… then, maybe love you forever? Let’s eat.’

Rey’s nostrils flared. He grasped my hand, squeezing it a little too tight, then turned and called for the servants.

After the meal, he helped me dress in a plain but freshly washed kirtle.

‘I want to see Irsha first, then Siras,’ I said, looping my arm with his as we strolled down the stairs.

‘You haven’t asked about Tivala.’ Rey’s comment took me aback.

‘I assumed you killed him.’

My king’s mouth twitched into a menacing smile. ‘Oh, I want to, so fucking much, but he is yours to punish. Though I’d be eternally grateful if you’d allow me to watch you end his cursed life.’

‘Where is he now?’ The anger was a welcome sensation amid the overwhelming misery.

‘In the dungeons. Chained to the wall like a rabid dog.’ Rey smirked. ‘We found him in a hidden room, but Niersen gave him away, howling at a bookshelf. It took several men to open the hidden door, but there’s no task too difficult when it’s for their queen.’

I swallowed hard. The pleasure of having my tormentor in a dark, damp dungeon was overwhelming, almost frightening. Yet I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

‘Leave him there. Give him time to think, to hope. Maybe let the guards whisper you’re considering keeping his punishment light if he swears fealty,’ I said.

Rey’s eyes widened. ‘Sure, but why?’

‘Because I want him broken. Not by pain or you. By me.’

Rey took my hand, placing a kiss on the knuckles. ‘As you wish, but don’t forget I have my own grievances to air.’

From the guards, we learned Irsha was in town coordinating the redistribution of supplies between the army and the remaining civilians. So we went to Siras.