Page 5 of Of Masks and Fury

“How very accommodating of them.” He completed his circle, coming to stand directly in front of me again. The way he invaded the space around me felt deliberately suffocating. “I sent riders to verify your location. To ensure you were safe. But the cluster nearest to where your guards last saw you claimed no knowledge of a Princess Amarissa seeking sanctuary.”

I kept my expression serene. “That’s strange. Perhaps they asked at the wrong cluster? There are several in that region.”

“That may be true.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Tell me, did you meet anyone interesting there?”

The air between us crackled with tension. Pherin pressed harder against my neck, her tiny body rigid.

“No one in particular. Father, I?—”

“What is that?” His hand shot out, reaching for my neck.

I jerked back before I could stop myself.

His eyes narrowed, and I forced myself to stand still as his fingers pushed aside my hair, revealing Pherin’s small form tucked against my skin.

She peeped. Every line of her body screamed vulnerability, the perfect impression of a helpless creature rather than the devastating predator she could be.

“I found her injured on my journey here. She was dying. Once I’d nursed her back to health, she wouldn’t leave me.”

“So you brought it into my castle.”

“She likes me.” I met his gaze steadily. “You always said mercy was our court’s greatest virtue.”

Using his own words against him made my throat close off with fear.

He studied Pherin for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he grunted, dismissing her. “A minxpip is a useless creature, but I suppose it’s harmless enough.” He stepped back, putting a more appropriate distance between us, though his eyes never left my face. “Why did you travel alone, without guards or protection?”

“It was the easiest way to travel quickly. I didn’t want to draw attention.” I clasped my hands in front of me. “The way was safe. We’ve traveled those roads many times.”

He laughed, the sound harsh in the vast room. “Nowhere is safe these days, daughter. Not with the rebel threat growing bolder all the time.”

Was that why he’d increased the guards?

“Have there been more attacks?” I kept my voice carefully concerned, not too interested. A worried princess asking about her realm’s safety.

“Several. They raid our supply caravans. Attack our patrols. Spread their poisonous ideas about magic.” His hands flexed and released at his sides. “They’re much too organized, and that makes them dangerous.”

“We should increase our defenses,” I said. “Perhaps fortify the southern border?”

“Don’t worry yourself about it.” His expression softened. “I’m glad you’re home. The realm has been unsettled in your absence. We need to show stability. Unity.” He gestured for me to walk with him toward the windows overlooking the gardens. “I dream of your sister sometimes. Do you?”

“Every night.” I thought of Addie constantly. Of finding her. Of saving her.

He stared out at the gardens where she and I used to play. “I wonder if she’s at peace. If the dead feel anything at all.”

Addie’s not dead,I wanted to scream.You locked her in your dungeon, you monster.

I bit back the words. “I hope she’s found peace.”

His voice sharpened. “The rebels who killed her will pay. When we march on Syllavar, it will be in her name. I will find justice for my murdered daughter.”

“When do you plan to leave?”

“After the Day of Mercy we’ll hold in two weeks. You’ll preside on that day as always. We have twenty-three individuals who’ve shown signs of magic since your departure. They’ve been contained in the dungeons.”

“Why the dungeons?” He’d never incarcerated any of them before.

“Some tried to run.”