Weight of the World

Chapter Sixty-Six

—Tregaar—

It was terrifying to watch. Though she had heard much about Ardan and his zealous nature, to watch it unfold firsthand was more unsettling than what she had been prepared for. She wasn't certain what turned her stomach more, the words tumbling out of his mouth or the monstrosity at his side. Standing at the back of the throne room, Rhenna listened to Ardan's impassioned speech, urging his court and his people to have faith. They would overcome any evil that tried to destroy their city because now the Savior had returned to them. She was there to protect them, to vanquish the darkness that threatened to swallow them whole. Rhenna seethed as she watched.

As much as she wanted to rush forward and snap Ardan's neck for what he had done, she had given her word that she would keep her composure, that she would listen carefully, and observe her surroundings. She would not kill Ardan or anyone else. Not yet.

Regis was accelerating his plans, and he had promised her that, if circumstances allowed it, she would be the one to land the killing blow for Ardan. But everything had to fall into place before she could strike. Regis had ensured she understood that he now considered her part of his inner circle, but that he wouldn't suffer any disobedience. Raler, too, had taken her aside to try and impress upon her how serious Regis was in his threats. Rhenna wasn't stupid. She understood well what sort of man Regis was, but even without the threats, she wouldn't act rashly. She would wait until she was certain she could end Ardan for good before she struck. As it stood, if she made a move now, the Savior would kill her before she even got close.

Rhenna did her best not to look in the Savior's direction. Her light-filled eyes stared out, unblinking, at the gathered crowd. It was cold, unfeeling, and foreign. That was not her sister she tried to remind herself, but despite the coldness radiating off her, there was no denying that it was, in fact, her sister's body. Raler had gone himself to the Royal Catacombs to confirm that her body was gone.

Ardan's speech suddenly concluded with a resounding shout that each and every noble ready their territories. The darkness of Fen'Danar was coming, and only the light would save them. He promised that the Savior would deliver her light to Tregaar and then the entire world. Only then would they be safe.

The nobles applauded his speech, many taking the opportunity to approach the king with their questions and concerns. Rhenna, however, saw no more reason to stay. She turned, ready to quietly slip out when she caught Raler's eye across the room. He flashed her his trademark smirk and motioned to the door behind him before slipping away. With a confused frown, she followed him, doing her best to ignore The Voice and his archbishops. Though he had likely seen her atop Light Tower, he had yet to tell anyone her true name. But she didn't want to push her luck by running into him now, and so, she carefully maneuvered herself behind his line of sight and followed Raler up the hidden set of stairs.

It was a narrow passageway, likely meant for use only by servants and the like. She couldn't possibly imagine where this would lead her or why Raler would want her to follow. She passed by all the doors, assuming that Raler would have been waiting for her at the landing if he wanted her to stop.

So, she climbed until she reached the last door at the top. Pushing it open, she blinked when she saw that the staircase had led her to a small garden. Despite the rest of the city being heavily urbanized, this small paradise was littered with greenery. Rhenna immediately forgot her irritation at the long climb, one hand reaching out to touch the nearest flower she saw. Before her fingers could touch the petals, however, a hand grasped her own and tugged her sharply further into the garden. Rhenna tried to protest, a gasp escaping her at the sudden contact, but then, Raler was in front of her, pressing her up against the trunk of one of the trees as his mouth descended on hers hungrily.