City of Blood (Godstone Saga 6)

“Of course! I have assurances from Safa that Zyros has no interest in remaking New Rosanthe.”

“No, I can’t imagine Safa would admit that the goddess has designs for your empire while she needed your army,” Rayne murmured. “But I wouldn’t put too much weight in the promises of Safa. She’s dead now.”

A thick, wet choking noise erupted from the emperor. Several servants jumped forward from the shadows, hands extended toward the frail man yet not touching him. They all looked lost as to what they should do or how they should help. They couldn’t possibly touch the old man, but they also couldn’t let him die. Even if dying was the best thing he could do for New Rosanthe.

Rayne leaned forward and picked up his teacup. He took another sip of his tea as the emperor finally waved off the servants and sucked in a few settling breaths.

“What do you mean she’s dead?” Naram Suen demanded in a rough voice.

“The woman who was bonded to the Goddess of the Hunt is now deceased. Killed by King Caelan Talos. I happened to be there at the time,” he stated casually as he returned his teacup to the saucer. “Safa chose to attack the small village of Hidden Falls, which at the time was under the protection of the king. His Majesty did warn the goddess against sending Safa, that the result would be the woman’s death.” Rayne gave a little shudder that didn’t properly encompass that horror of the memory that still gripped his mind. “The entire affair was quite gruesome.”

Emperor Naram Suen paled before Rayne’s eyes, aging and withering even more until he seemed nothing more than a dried-out corn stalk. Safa had been his key to the Goddess of the Hunt. His protection, as well as the protection of his empire. With her gone, did he still feel secure? Gods and goddesses were crazy, fickle creatures.

“The Ordas is the creation of the Goddess of the Hunt,” Rayne began with a gentle grin. “I’m sure you can understand that she would very much like all of Thia to be remade into her idea of paradise. And funny enough, she’s already made promises to His Majesty that if he were to help her with the Goddess of Life, Erya would be spared.” Rayne held out his hands much the same way Naram Suen had just minutes ago. “The promises of gods and goddesses are treacherous things. We have people to protect. All of Thia to think of. Who would really benefit if Thia was covered in the wilds of the Ordas? No one.”

“What exactly are you proposing, Lord Laurent? That I turn on the Goddess of the Hunt? That I side with you and that wild prince from Caspagir against a goddess?” The emperor snorted, but it was followed by another rough cough. Servants jumped forward again, but he was quick to wave them away.

“I was thinking we could have a fresh pot of tea made and discuss what we think would be the best future for not only Erya and New Rosanthe, but for all of Thia.” Rayne threaded his fingers together while his smile grew warmer as he watched the wary old man. “You know, I have some Moonlight Rose tea from the king’s private reserve still in my bag if you don’t mind having one of your servants fetch it. I’m sure His Majesty wouldn’t mind if we drank it while discussing a brighter, more secure future for all of Thia.”

Emperor Naram Suen thought about the offer for a moment and nodded his head. A servant darted away from the far wall and hurried out of the tent to locate Rayne’s belongings. While they’d undoubtedly been searched, he had no fear of anyone taking the sachet of tea tucked away in a protective tin.

He was even more curious to see how long it took for the emperor to react to the roshinka rose hips he’d included in the tea. He’d been careful to pick them up while in Zastrad prior to their departure from the country. Considering the emperor’s fading health, he didn’t think it would take long.

At least this time, he was sure Caelan would have no qualms over him sharing this specially prepared drink.

The king was in check.

He just needed Caelan to handle the queen before it was too late.

TWENTY-THREE

Caelan Talos

Twenty-four hours alone.

He almost wished Zyros had sent someone to torture him. Or had even come herself. Anything to pass the time and distract his mind from the unknown.

He didn’t know what was happening with his friends. New Rosanthe had them, but were they being tortured? Were they even still alive? He refused to believe the Empire had simply executed them. At the very least, Drayce would have fought back. His lover would have shifted and protected Eno and Rayne.