Of Darkness and Crowns (Goddess Wars 2)

And that’s why they left her alive—why it was more important to steal the relic than to ensure the empress was dead. They didn’t feel Empress Iana was a threat.

But now she is. Worry coils in my belly. “Empress, Bax has been abducted. Even though you weren’t an expert before, he’s been your advisor on all things Bale since. Bax has been the source you’ve been working with. He wasn’t taken during the raid, was he?”

She glances at Julian before she answers. “No. It was after, and it was by someone who knew our inside dealings.”

Even though I don’t trust Julian, and first wanted to point the blame at him for Bax’s disappearance, my suspicion shifts to another, more likely candidate. Carina, the former Nactue leader, had tried to warn me of a traitor in the Cavan Council with her last words. Since then, I’ve narrowed down the list to one.

However, speaking against Councilor Herna would be treason. If I make a claim like that, I have to be absolutely sure. And, I can’t simply go now, leaving behind a traitor who will continue to botch any well-laid plans, or harm the empress.

I feel the mercury rising to the surface of my skin, like a gauge marking my apprehension. I’m trapped. Boxed in, just like in the Cage. That fear, that feeling of helplessness, drives me to what I say next. Regardless of the outcome.

“I may know who it is.”

Empress Iana looks down at me with a guarded expression. I shouldn’t be talking about this in front of a Perinyian Court member. But the longer this takes, the more Caben’s trail grows cold, and the less likely I’ll get to Bax in time.

Please, Caben. Don’

t do anything you’ll later regret.

Empress Iana turns toward Julian. “I need a moment with my Nactue.”

“Your Highness, this concerns the welfare of Perinya, our safety. If there’s a traitor among your people, then I should—”

“Then you should be well attuned to know when your counsel is dismissed on principle out respect for your ally country.” She clasps her hands, dismissing Julian without any room for debate.

Chagrined, Julian yanks his vest lapels straight and stands. “I expect full disclosure at your earliest convenience, Empress.” He bows, then turns serious eyes on me. “And I still have matters to discuss with Protector Kaliope before a firm decision on our current situation is reached.”

Just like a petulant child, Julian wants to be the center of attention. He reeks of fear, scared that any business done outside of his presence will strip him of his newfound power.

Once he exits the room to his personal chamber, leaving us in his briefing quarters, I say, “Should we discuss this in a more private location, Empress?”

She shakes her head. “That’s not necessary. There’s very little privacy in this palace, besides.” Motioning me to move closer, she takes a seat on the couch she was seated on before. “I’m glad that he’s left, because I still need to tell you of our discovery. It concerns you, Kaliope. And though I’ve been confident in your abilities since I first chose you as my guard, I’ve been struggling with my faith. I’ve been in prayer the whole morning.”

As long as she doesn’t state I’m to compete in another Reckoning, nothing she can say will alarm me. But if she expects me to offer comfort, claiming the goddesses will guide us, protect us—then I have nothing to offer. “We need to act quickly,” I say. “For Bax, and for the prince. The Perinyians, in particular, Julian, seem anxious to end this war with Bale.”

She takes my hand, reminding me of when she did the same months back in the palace chapel. “Tell me who you suspect, Kaliope. We can’t have mistrust among our leaders. No word of this will reach them, but we must be decided, together, in our next action.”

With a level breath, I seal my fate. I tell her of Carina’s suspicious behavior the day Cavan was invaded. Of Councilor Herna’s, and of the discord I sensed between them through the bond. Of Carina’s dying declaration of a traitor, but that she left this world before she could divulge her full confession.

After carrying this burden for what feels like forever—only Caben to share in its weight—my soul feels lighter. I just pray…hope…that I’ve done the right thing.

? 13 ?

Caben

THE URBAN LIGHTS OF Sydian, a territory southeast of Perinya, brighten the thin wisps of clouds over the cliffs. Their luminescent greens and purples filter into my loft, casting the dark room in a soft violet-gray hue. Just to enjoy their brilliance more, I douse the fire in the pit and program the windows to drain all color from the glass.

I used to hate mornings. Spoiled prince that I was, I had to have my late starts, cocooned in down blankets and served breakfast off silver trays. I’ve been exceedingly hard on myself lately. But I’m seeing myself in a whole new light these days. Granted, I did work hard, pursued grappling from an early age and advanced to become one of the top fighters in my league. It’s not enough, though.

I don’t know whether it’s Bale’s influence in my head, scrutinizing my every thought and move…but I feel the need to prove I am not a spoiled prince. That I’m worthy of the power I now possess, and the greatness I’m to obtain.

Greatness. Something that should take a lifetime to achieve, Kal was bestowed at such a young age. Does she even appreciate her gift? I think back on how she hid the mercury, how ashamed she was. Even though it came at a difficult price, her father’s wrath, the outcome should’ve been enough. It’s never enough. Not for anyone.

Silencing my ridiculous thoughts, I tint the windows, blotting out the magnificent, Sydian sky.

My Otherworlder detail are in rare form this morning. Milling about, rowdy, loud. Boisterous. The war has been stalled, all units stationed to their camps, and the reprieve has fuelled their confidences in winning.

Loud bangs and shouts fill the central room as I enter. It seems they’ve been feasting and celebrating ever since the invasion on the palace. There was no punishment from Bale after we were overthrown, so I suppose they assume it was a job well done.