Phoenix Rising (The Keeper Origins Book 3) by JA Andrews

Author:JA Andrews [Andrews, JA]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-05-10T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

“Well, that was heartwarming,” Kiva said, leaning idly against the wall as Talia, on Niko’s arm, descended his front steps to the avenue. “Don’t you think?”

Sable watched them step out onto the torchlit avenue. “Why did you invite me tonight, Kiva?”

“It’s not enough to see your sisters?”

She turned to him. “That was the bait, not the purpose.”

Kiva didn’t move from the wall, but he gave her a lazy smile. “I don’t think Vivaine should hang.”

“Because you’ve always admired her so much?”

“Because I think it would be bad for the city.”

Sable studied him. “You’re not the first person to say that, but why bother telling me?”

“Because you have a way with words, and tomorrow you could turn the crowd. If Eugessa thinks the people are against her, she’ll relent.”

“I’ve been tasked by the Northern Lords to support Vivaine's execution.”

Kiva raised an eyebrow. “I have intimate knowledge of how well you carry out an assigned task if you believe there’s a better way.”

Sable leaned against the opposite wall. “What would you see done to her?”

Kiva shrugged. “Imprisonment of some kind. Sentenced to penance on the merchant ships would be fine. Eugessa has her heart set on execution, and hanging a woman who’s been beloved by the south for generations is…too much. That sort of unrest is very bad for business.”

“Ah, business.”

“And unity,” he continued. “The Kalesh will be back. Ambassador Grigg isn’t trying to hide it. I doubt we have long before more troops arrive.”

“The fact that you have a Tien Sark in the Hole confirms that.” Her hand strayed to the scar on her neck.

Would it be better or worse to tell Kiva of the Zenivah myth? Maybe the south should know, but telling Kiva that Vivaine held that much power felt as safe as playing with his pet snake. “When can we see him?”

Kiva eyes lingered on the scar on her neck. “Looks like that hurt.”

She dropped her hand, swallowing against the phantom pain. “Only briefly. When can we see the prisoner?”

“Time is never brief when you’re in pain. As far as our Kalesh friend, your dog said he’d be unlikely to talk, so I had his water laced with pera root tonight. Once that kicks in, we should have a few minutes before he gets sleepy. But there’s no point getting there too early. So we have a bit.”

“Good.” Sable pushed herself off the wall, leaving him by his open front door and heading for the dining room.

Ryah stood at the window, looking after Talia and Niko. Tomm strode over and leaned against the wall next to her. Ryah was such a lithe white wisp of a thing next to his muscled arms and tattooed chest.

“How is Mother Perrin?” Ryah asked.

He paused. “She still has the cough.”

“Is it getting worse?”

He didn’t answer.

Ryah put her hand on his arm. “Take me. Now.”

“Aren’t you due back at the priory?”

“I want to see her,” Ryah said, stubbornly. “If you won’t take me, I’ll go myself.”

He gave her an amused look. “I never said I wouldn’t take you.

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