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“Ambrose, listen to me.” Burke dropped one of her hands only to cup her chin and force their gazes to meet. “This god, Invictus, he was forgotten for good reason. I’ve read through the book Idalia has used and it’s filled with ancient black magic. From what little I could find, atotalof two texts even mention his name. He was banished for his plans to return to earth and rule.”
The room tilted around Ambrose. She closed her eyes again to steady herself and squeezed Burke’s hand in return. “Can gods even return to our plane?”
“Yes, but only temporarily. Most of the religious texts suggest that if one were to stay more permanently it would throw the land of the dead out of balance and open a portal for any and all souls that have not found peace to return.”
The only souls that did not find peace were the worst of people. People who should very much remain dead.
“Why are you telling me all this now?” Ambrose was glad she was sitting because her knees felt terribly weak.
“I just needed you to know. I’ve pledged the last year of my life to Idalia.” His lip began to curl. “The gods know she’s wanted me worshiping at her feet. I’ve taken it all in stride knowing that you’d be safe. Now, you’re stronger than her. You’re strong enough that if she even tried to make good on her word she couldn’t. I’ve lived a lie for far too long, Ro. Will you ever be able to forgive me?”
“I—I think I may need to sleep on it.” Her voice was weak.
“Take all the time you need.”
But judging by the tormented look on his face, Ambrose doubted he truly meant it. A moment longer without her forgiveness might kill him. She had missed the boy she was supposed to marry. Time passed though, and she moved on. Ambrose was with Ephram now, though she’d hardly seen him for more than a minute during the last event before she was ushered away.
The most she could do now was allow herself time to process. From the news of Idalia’s many betrayals, her youngest sister’s demands, to this…it might be too much for her to handle.
The boy lies. He knows nothing of the truth. Take your time, Queen Ambrose, to decide but choose your side wisely, the cruel dark voice growled.
Ambrose wavered in her seat, her head light as if she might faint. Taking slow deep breaths, she leaned into Burke. He turned, allowing her to settle her head on his shoulder at the crook of his neck. His cheek was warm as he laid his head on hers and his arms felt like a sanctuary as he held her tight. The queen had hardly regained her composure when her door burst open.
Idalia, flushed from chest to cheek, looked between the two who darted apart as if they’d been caught doing something more scandalous than hugging. The smile that had been on Idalia’s lips melted a fraction before she finally spoke.
“Is everything alright? You both look as if you’ve been crying.”
“Everything is fine. I got a little overwhelmed with the voices and felt faint. Burke was taking care of me is all.” Ambrose let the lie roll easily off her tongue. One lie compared to however many lies of Idalia’s still remained unknown.
The hem of Idalia’s skirts had blackened since the last time she saw her sister. Had Idalia been walking through ash?
“I have a surprise for you. Do you think your heart might handle it? Please say yes, because I know you’ll be so very pleased.” The way Idalia clasped her hands in front of her and bounced on the tips of her toes reminded her of a child begging for candy. There was an excitement in her eyes, a pleasant glow to her face.
Ambrose rose, forcing herself up even though her vision had blurred slightly at the edges. She needed rest but rest could come after whatever it was that her sister was so elated about. Running her hands over her dress, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles, Ambrose gave a nod.
“How could I ever say no when you look that excited?” she said.
“I will be on my way then, as long as you are alright?” Burke held her elbow, no doubt trying to keep her steady. His gaze was pinned on her, some sort of silent message not quite reaching her as he stared and never blinked.
“Thank you for your kindness, as always, Burke. I should be fine but should I feel weak again I’ll call for the castle healer.”
“Then it’s settled!” Idalia clapped her hands. “Ambrose, come with me.”
Ace
They passed time working through all the different facets of Ace’s abilities that she had not yet mastered. Most of which she was still absolutely terrible at. Perhaps one day she would master the abilities just as Rehan had. How had he done it so quickly though? Even if she had a year she couldn’t imagine being as skilled as he was.
She wasn’t envious though. At least, that is what she told herself when she watched him expertly call upon his two blades and transition through several different stances seamlessly. And when he was done, sweat dripping from his brows, he was still smiling. Was he a total psycho?
The swords collapsed and with one hand he grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled it up over his head. Hard muscles were stacked over his abdomen leading into an enticing trail under the waistband of his pants. Ace blinked. It really was a shame she didn’t like him the way she liked Shelby. He was very pretty.
“I can get you a new shirt if you need one,” Shelby said, from somewhere behind her.
Heat flooded her cheeks. Did he notice the way Ace had admired Rehan’s muscular frame? Gods, she hoped not. Shelby was just as attractive, more so even, so he had nothing to worry about. He was her favorite person to bother and he wouldn’t lose her that easily.
“Let’s see you do something.” Rehan beckoned Shelby with a wave of his hand. Not a single word that came from his mouth sounded mean or malicious. He truly sounded curious. Which probably only made Shelby that much more annoyed. Ace smirked from her seat in the grass.
“Yes, Shelby, let us see what you can do.” She looked up.
