Total pages in book: 401
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
“I understand.” I touched his arm lightly. “I’m glad what you expected didn’t come to fruition.”
“Me, too.” He exhaled heavily. “Eloana knows Malik is alive and well. I wish I could’ve seen her face when she learned the news.” A wistful smile appeared. “She would’ve cried and then got upset with herself for crying.”
Taking another sip of wine, I nodded. Despite the complicated history between his wife and me, I could sympathize. “I know the feeling.”
Resting his hand on the hilt of his sword, he looked down at me. “Eloana loves both of them with every fiber of her being. More than she loves Atlantia. She…” He angled his body toward me, his voice lowering. He appeared like he wanted to say more, and I had a feeling I knew what it was. He swallowed and looked at his sons, then returned his gaze to mine. “I spoke to Malik last night.”
“How did that go?”
“Surprisingly well,” he said. “Come to find out, he already had his suspicions.”
My brows rose at that. He did? I looked at Malik. Even though he was with Cas and Kieran, there was a distance between them that went beyond the physical. He was silent as he stood close enough to be included in whatever they discussed, but something about him felt absent. It made me think that his silence might be due to having nothing to say but also because his focus was elsewhere. On Millicent.
“Where is Attes?” I asked.
“He was here, but I think it was a bit overwhelming,” he shared. “The attention.”
Tawny’s comment immediately came to mind.
“He’s around. Where, though? I have no clue,” he added. “But I believe they are ready for you.” Valyn bowed slightly as Casteel stepped away from Kieran and his brother. “I will be right behind you all.”
I started to turn but stopped. “Valyn?”
He inclined his head.
“I try not to hold grudges,” I told him, aware that even though I spoke low, Casteel could hear. “I’m not always good at it, but I…” I let out a long breath. “I understand why Eloana lied. It’s not something I will hold against her. I don’t think her sons will either.”
Valyn nodded, his smile tight as he blinked rapidly. “That’s…” He cleared his throat. “Thank you.”
When he stepped away, I didn’t stop him.
What was that about? Casteel’s voice came through the notam.
I met his eyes. I was just telling him something he needed to hear.
He tilted his head as he took my hand, then pressed his imprint against mine as he brushed his lips across my forehead. Malik asked if we planned to bring up the Ascended.
Gods, that had entirely escaped my mind.
I told him it was something best left to the town halls so our message would be clear, and we could answer their questions.
Good call.
His lips pressed against my temple. He also shared that he and Helenea started speaking to the Ascended they believe will be open to living like the Unbound. He didn’t get a chance to mention that.
I nodded as I glanced past Casteel. Malik now stood with Kieran, his features set in cool indifference. I wondered why he wore a mask among those who knew him.
How did that go? I asked as Cas grabbed my hand and guided me forward.
So far, so good.
I felt a smidgen of relief, even though I knew the path forward with the Ascended wouldn’t be easy.
“Ready?” Kieran asked as we approached.
I nodded as Vonetta stepped in behind us and took my glass.
“Are you sure you do not want to be announced formally?” Hisa asked.
“We’re positive,” Casteel confirmed.
As Hisa stepped back, Vonetta’s bright gaze met mine. “You’ve got this.”
I took a deep breath, realizing I really didn’t need to. “I do.”
CASTEEL
My heart beat slow and steady, mirroring Poppy’s as we neared the balcony’s open doors. Whatever previous nerves she had regarding the address seemed to have vanished, but I kept her hand wrapped firmly in mine.
“The curve of the balcony will help project the sound, as will the limestone and marble mixed with the gold.” Kieran’s gaze met mine. “So, keep that in mind if you’re about to say something you don’t want half the capital to hear.”
I huffed out a dry laugh. “Noted.”
Poppy nodded and then sent Malik a pointed look. He currently appeared as if he were attempting to disappear into the wall.
“I’ll be right behind you.” He sighed.
His obvious discomfort was as amusing as it was strange. The Malik I’d grown up with would’ve loved to bask in the attention of such a large audience.
But he wasn’t that Malik anymore.
Poppy’s small hand squeezed mine, drawing my attention forward. Hisa and my father appeared on either side of the doors, and they opened them in unison, letting in the cool breeze.
The crowd below immediately quieted, and then silence descended on those farther out.