Ravaged Reign (Court of Mystery Book 7) by Sarah E. Burr

Author:Sarah E. Burr [Burr, Sarah E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-12-15T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

After Varithis was led away, Murali, Vincent, Rianne, and Balac soon followed.

Hazel sighed as they disappeared from the garden terrace. “As tense as that was, I am relieved to have this matter resolved. You have my undying gratitude, Duchess, for the role you played. Please,” she paused, motioning to the banquet table still blanketed with food, “this feast shouldn’t be left to go to waste. I insist your party eat your fill.”

Jax glanced at the marvelous spread before them. She had only gotten in a few bites before the war of words had broken out, but her stomach still felt like molten lead. “I’m surprised to admit this, High Priestess, but I think I have lost my legendary appetite.”

Sabine and Uma both nodded agreement. “My stomach is in knots from what we just witnessed.” Sabine clutched her abdomen for emphasis.

Lady Amia came to Jax’s side and took her arm. “I am so proud of you, Jacqueline. You’ve done the people of Zaltor a great service by skillfully bringing this war to a resolution.”

Jax blushed at her aunt’s praise, as a darker thought lurked in the back of her mind. While she was happy for peace, it was clear Rianne had no intention of giving up her throne for the greater good of the Zaltorian people. Jax’s goal of a unified realm had suffered a grave setback from the outcome she had just helped negotiate.

“Why don’t we bring this food over to the sanctuary before evening prayers commence?” Hazel suggested to Amia.

Amia smiled. “A lovely idea. I’m sure your practitioners will enjoy the treat.”

Hazel clasped her hands in front of her. “Duchess Jacqueline, you and your companions are welcome to explore the compound, should you not be quite ready to retire. I’m afraid I must leave you to prepare to lead my people in our nightly devotion.”

Jax guessed it couldn’t be much later than eight o’clock. “No need to worry about us, High Priestess. We can keep ourselves entertained.” She shot a teasing grin at her friends.

“I’ll go fetch some help to carry the food,” Amia offered.

Jax waved a hand. “Why don’t we help you, Amia, and then we can all have a proper catch-up?”

At that, Amia bit her lower lip. “Um, well, you see, Jacqueline…I actually will be attending the nightly devotion.”

Jax’s eyebrows raised in mild surprise. She knew Amia had grown fond of the Ancient Faith as a people, but it was becoming quite clear to her that her aunt had found faith and solace in its gods.

Amia’s cheeks reddened. “Please,” she whispered, “don’t tell Papa. I’m…I’m not ready to share that side of myself with anyone back home just yet.” Her eyes rimmed with tears. “You may think me silly for turning my back on the Virtues, but I’ve found such comfort, believing that my boys are watching over me from the warm embrace of the Faith’s light.”

Jax’s throat tightened with emotion, her heart aching for Amia’s loss. “Your secret is safe with us, my dear.”

“You have our word,” Uma said.

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