Bloodguard

chapter 58

Maeve

“Out for a walk?”

I freeze when Soro calls out from the war room. That’s what he’s calling the study now that he thinks he’s in charge. Tut is speaking quietly to the guards stationed at the door. Something about not allowing anyone who hasn’t been cleared anywhere near our beloved future king.

The collar of my poofy black gown fastens high on my neck, making it hard to turn my head. Damn it. The only reason I’m wearing this monstrosity is because of the absurdly large skirt.

I turn and sweep into the room, pretending to fuss with the pins holding my hair coiled in a tight bun and very cognizant of not venturing too far in. “I am, actually.”

Ugeen and a few soldiers huddle around a table where that familiar map of Arrow and the surrounding realms are spread out. Pua stands at the head. He straightens when he sees me, and the others abruptly quiet.

I wink at Ugeen when he scowls because I can and because I caused the bright-red raised marks covering his face.

Soro, our most revered jackass, sits on that ornately carved phoenix chair from Vitor’s office. The back is low enough so as not to impede the sensual way Aisling massages said revered jackass’s shoulders. Almost as sensual as how he strokes that fucking bird. She glares at me, and the movement of her fingers grows more aggressive as she stares me down.

I don’t know what he means by bringing that stupid chair in here. My guess is that it’s to remind Pua, Tut, and Ugeen what he holds within his grip.

“A little late for a walk, my queen,” Soro says. He steeples his fingers and smiles. “As tomorrow is our wedding, I’ve arranged quite a spectacle to celebrate and make it an event no one will soon forget.” He licks his lips, all but drooling. “Return to your room and sleep, my beloved. You’ll need your rest if you hope to take in the slaughter.”

“I just need to stretch my legs,” I say.

“I think you spread your legs enough last night,” Soro says, causing everyone to erupt with laughter—everyone except for Aisling. I’m uncertain whether Soro disclosed I was with Leith or if they presume I was with him. Maybe they’re simply trying to remain in good standing. My face heats as he bats his hand. “Forgive me, my beloved. I meant stretched .”

“Of course you did, precious,” I reply. “If you’ll excuse me.”

“I said no.”

He might as well have screamed the words, the way the silence drops like an anvil. “You’re not to leave the castle.” He smiles. “That’s an order.”

My, there’s never a dagger around when you need one to launch yourself across the room and stab someone in the balls.

We glare at each other until Soro finally says, “Fine. Pua, go with her. Make sure she doesn’t leave the castle grounds or your sight. If she breathes, you breathe with her.”

Pua billows a ridiculous amount of steam, the funnels spiraling from his nostrils fogging the stained glass windows. His big foot slams onto the floor as he steps away from the table. “I’m not here to play nanny to some brat.” He points with the broken nail of his middle finger back at the map. “I am trying to work out a plan. Don’t you understand? The city-states of Nican and Recca have both assembled their armies. They’re coming for us—”

Soro threads his fingers and places them behind his head. “Let them come,” he says. “Arrow has all it needs to defeat anyone stupid enough to try.”

Several guards gather around Soro when Pua takes a deliberate step forward, his round belly stretching his leather vest with each breath.

I’ve prepared myself for the worst-case scenario, and so has Tut. He stomps in and throws his hands in the air. “Enough. I’ll watch the princess.”

“She’s not to step one toe outside the garden gates,” Soro says. But he’s no longer looking at me. He’s smiling in Pua’s direction. Tut huffs and yanks me by the arm into the hall, playing the role of an annoyed general tasked with babysitting a little too well.

I jerk free of his hold and start down the corridor in the direction of the kitchens, throwing a quick glance over my shoulder just in time to see Soro leap from that damn chair with unnatural speed and bring the tip of his sword down and through Pua’s skull.

I walk hurriedly away, jolting when Pua’s body slumps to the floor with a thud.

Tut quickens his pace and falls into step beside me, albeit a lot louder than me. Several more guards run past us to investigate the commotion. It’s a distraction I’m grateful for when I realize the path to the dungeon is clear.

My words are released in time with my fast steps. “So that’s it, isn’t it? Don’t question. Always obey, or else.”

“Yes, but that’s not why he killed Pua.”

I must crane my neck to look all the way up at him. “Then why?”

Steam billows out through Tut’s nostrils now. “We’re not supposed to tell you this, Princess, but someone broke your papa outta jail.” He chuffs, clearly pleased with himself. “Soro suspects a traitor among his generals.” He smiles, pushing out more steam. “He killed the wrong one.”

And I’m headed to the catacombs with the right one.

Stars, I hope I don’t regret this.