The Shattered Circle

22. Visions of a Broken Fate

I wrapped my arms around Melody's shoulders, squeezing my old friend firmly as we stood near the exit of the Winter Palace. Haven and Vex were the only ones watching. "If anyone moves against you, tell me. I will scatter their ashes to the four winds." My voice stuck in my throat before breaking free, thick with tearless grief.

"I am much more worried about you, Aleyr," she said, a mixture of fondness and sorrow in her dark eyes. "I fear my absence leaves a chink in your armor."

I released her reluctantly. "You are irreplaceable, Melody, but I am not concerned for myself. This heart of mine could chip a diamond."

She sighed and adjusted my collar. "Hardness of heart is what I fear most for you, Aleyr. Do not let my absence turn you to stone. You have people who care still. Take good care of them."

"I will," I promised.

"We will still be around each other. I expect you to visit often for tea," Melody said firmly. "This is a change, but not the end of the world."

I nodded, even though I knew the world beyond the Winter Palace would do its best to destroy Melody, no matter her spycraft and skill at diplomacy. Would I even recognize her in a decade or two? "I am your ally, through thick and thin."

She smiled delicately. "I know. I am most grateful for you, Aleyr. Take good care of Shira for me."

I bowed my head, squeezing her hand before letting go entirely. "I will."

Watching the door close behind her as she departed in the company of the Eibonguard left a knot of anger and grief in my stomach beyond description. My closest friend and confidante, sacrificed to the needs of the King in Black. My anger and hurt were selfish and unescapable.

"Melody is a better spy than even Luka, my lady," Vex said as she approached me. "And a fast ally in court."

"Which paints a target on her back," I said bitterly, covering my eyes with my hand. "If anything or anyone harms her, Hell itself will shudder in horror at what I inflict on the one responsible."

Vex and Haven both knew I was not in the habit of making idle threats any more than the King in Black did. "We will have to find you a new handmaiden, my lady," Haven said, changing the subject. "Shall I choose from the household staff?"

"That would be best." I turned on my heel with military sharpness, headed for the training room where Shira waited. "Vex, I want your report on Hallen's men."

"Of course, my lady." The female wight followed on my heels, leaving Haven to handle the domestic front. "Most are alive and tormented rather than turned. A few are Teth's spawn, mostly the command staff. As far as their combat readiness...they're on half rations and suffering heavily under Teth's idea of discipline. Poor little morsels." Genuine sympathy was alien to Vex's nature, but her dry feigned version was at least some recognition of their plight.

I turned to Vex outside the training room door. "Tell His Majesty I wish a boon in exchange for his requisition of a new spymaster."

Vex arched an eyebrow. "Hallen's people?"

"Precisely. Do you think you can convey the message sufficiently diplomatically?" I asked, bitterness rolling across my tongue.

Vex nodded. "The leech queen will be angry." She respected Teth far more than Varys, but not enough to discard her dislike for the vampire nobles.

"Good," I said viciously. "I hope she whines to His Majesty excessively."

"She will do more than that."

I just wanted to break something with my hands. "She is welcome to try something."

Vex recognized the dangerous mood. She knew I was goading Teth with this demand, begging the vampire to take a first shot so I could vent all of my rage on her and her spawn. It wasn't entirely a blind provocation, even if much of it was coming from my wounded heart: Naltheme and Teth would both need to learn the cost of trying to be my replacement if Melody was to have a safe tenure. She would likely be the first place they would strike at if they were wise, but doing so risked His Majesty's displeasure, which would force them to either be more subtle or choose a more direct target. "And what of Hallen?"