Reign of Blood and Shadows by Rhian Edwards

Author:Rhian Edwards [Rhian Edwards]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rhian Edwards
Published: 2023-10-13T00:00:00+00:00

SIXTEEN

When I arrived at Markin’s study on the second floor, it became clear I wasn’t the only one who wished to speak with him. Markin only really used the fairly small room when he had loads of paperwork to be getting on with. The dark stained wooden walls had always created a pleasant warming feel whenever I spent time in here, but this visit, after sneaking in here, all I felt was judgement. Could walls judge? The lights on his desk didn’t illuminate much, but I knew it was because he both preferred it that way and it was late. Loch sat opposite Markin’s desk and turned his head as I approached. Another officer stood by the door, but I couldn’t see his face from the direction I was coming from, his body hidden in shadows.

“We really should shut this door more often,” Loch deadpanned. Ouch.

“Gee, thanks, Loch,” I said, eye-rolling. Loch gave me a tired half smile and stood.

“I’ll leave you to it.”

“Thank you both.” Markin dismissed the two men. The grim look on Loch’s face made it evident Wren had already been. I stood back to let them exit and stifled a gasp. Mahds exited behind Loch. He drew his brows together at me as I stepped back from him. I hadn’t been expecting him. Mahds of all people. Of course, he was a senior soldier, but I hadn’t expected to see the guy I suspected to be helping the Dydairians here. Now. At this very moment.

“You all right, little one?” Loch asked, stepping back by my side.

“Yeah,” I squeaked. I was so not a subtle person. Loch made a point of shutting the door for me; at least I wouldn’t have to worry about Mahds listening to me with just me and Markin in the room.

“Mahds came to find me when you arrived back at the palace,” Markin said, distracting me from my thoughts. Wait.

“He was waiting for me?”

Markin nodded. “On my orders. You had another ten minutes before I alerted your mother. As it is, I need to discuss this with her urgently.”

From his tone, I knew that meant I had a short amount of time to talk with him.

“You heard, then.”

“Yes. This isn’t good. I’m afraid our next recourse is to ensure you don’t leave this palace alone.”

I opened my mouth in protest, even though I knew it was futile, I still had to fight it. “You can’t do that to me, Markin!”

“Oh, I can, Rayleigh. Let’s not pretend that your mother wouldn’t order it anyway. And no, you won’t be able to sneak out anymore—I can see the idea forming in your eyes. I, and a few others, permit you to leave, and I have someone watching your tavern to make sure you arrive.”

Now I really did let my jaw fall slack. “You mean, I never truly leave without being detected?”

“I told you I know more about what goes on here than you realise. If giving you that small freedom allows you any sort of enjoyment, you know I’d do everything in my power to make it happen.

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