The Skin Thief

Chapter 90

Kiora

Kiora stands beside Athan's throne and looks over the crowd. Everyone is here. All the concubines, all the noblemen, the remaining councilmen and even most of the staff. Everyone important in Athan's empire is standing in this room.

At first, she doesn't hear what he's saying. Images of the attack yesterday flicker through her mind, drowning everything else out. She can still remember Madden's sadistic smile and his blood-soaked skin. She can still hear the sounds of his blades cutting through flesh.

She can still feel his blood on her skin as Athan sliced off his head.

But more than that, she remembers the way she felt as ice rushed up his arms. The power that surged through her was electric, exhilarating. It was a feeling that terrified her as much as it excited her. She wants to never feel it again, yet, at the same time, she wants to never let it go. How had she done that? Even more importantly, can she do it again?

"As you many of you know, I have spent the last two centuries uniting this realm under my leadership. Throughout this time, one kingdom has resisted. Over the last few decades, this northern territory and the rest of my empire have been at a strained peace. But yesterday, they sent an assassin into these walls. This assassin was almost successful. If it were not for Lady Kiora, I would not be alive today."

He pauses and Kiora wants to shrink away as all eyes land on her. She looks at Athan nervously. He smiles reassuringly and reaches out, taking her hand. He gives it a gentle kiss.

Kiora looks up to where Illyria stands on his other side. She doesn't miss the look of hatred and jealousy passing through her eyes.

Kiora looks away and back at the crowds and Athan continues to speak.

"So, it has been decided, that I will leave for one final conquest." Gasps fill the room and Kiora's stomach drops.

"The magic of the fire wardens of the north is a complicated one. The mastery over fire makes them resistant to my dragon's flames. Their cities will not fall easily, and they are not a people who will simply surrender. It will be dangerous. My dragons will be vulnerable, and I will be acting with careful precision. Because of this, I suspect that I will be on this mission for the next two years at least."

Kiora's eyes widen and she stares at Athan in horror. He doesn't pay attention to her.

"With how dangerous our enemies have become, I cannot wait. Over the next week, I will be making serious preparations for how I expect my empire to be run while I am away. Then, I shall leave with my military and my dragons."

Athan continues to talk, but a loud ringing sounds in Kiora's mind and she zones him out.

Athan is leaving. He's leaving her alone in this palace, with Alethia and Illyria in charge. There will be no one here to protect her from them.

As the realisation dawns on Kiora, her knees begin to tremble and grow weak,

Athan is leaving.

Panic swirls inside her, making her stomach churn and her chest tighten. Her eyes find Illyria's once more. It's barely there, but Kiora can sense the small smirk on Illyria's pink lips. Their eyes meet and there is a dangerous spark in Illyria's.

Kiora tries desperately not to cry, not in front of all these people. As her panic grows, Athan stands, ending his speech. Everyone bows and Athan turns to her.

"Come with me," he instructs, linking arms with her. Kiora follows, desperate to get out of there and away from Illyria who she knows is already scheming.