The Empty Ones (Fantasy Romance)

67. For everybody else

I want to reach for Theon's hand while we watch my husband raise walls of fire in his rage.

But I cannot do that. I know that and he knows it too. I can see it in his eyes when he steals glances at the part of the tribune where I am sitting, almost paralyzed with fear, at Laini's left.

Milé is not sitting with us. She is up front at his side while he is making a spectacle of his rage, vowing in a thundering voice to burn alive whoever is responsible for the premature death of his heir.

Theon also knows it's dangerous for them to be here. I can read it on his face. After I told him what happened, as the prince suggested, he cursed in quizeh and let a loud fist fall on the mahogany table in front of him. For the first time since I know him he was pondering indecisive about what to do. If they were to just leave, it would be like admitting the fault; it would give him what he wants.

Staying, however, also doesn't guarantee he won't find a way to make them look guilty.

I can't help seeing him dragged in chained before the court, like they did with Olmos.

Theon is a high lord not a page boy, but my husband knows Tajir doesn't have the numbers to attack an empire, even if he were to commit the grave offence of taking the life of a high ranking noble.

But... they have money and they have Nanite. And an angry Hardmuth Darcleé would at least try; hire mercenaries, and command warships moved and armed with Nanite towards our coast to try to set fire to Miayatma. Or that's what I would do... I think.

What my husband doesn't know is that by eliminating Theon, he also eliminates the danger of properly weaponizing Nanite.

Among all these thoughts it slowly sinks in what last night really meant for Theon, too. He trusted me enough to put his life in my hands.

Was it foolishness or really good knowledge of character? I don't know. Or a wild bet? But he was right: I would never betray him. I don't want the blood of a whole country on my hands and his least of all. Because out of all people I know, I think he is most likely to make this world a better place, as Mairi wanted.

Soldiers are dispatched to find any man dressed in black with a face cover. Whoever can give a useful hint is announced to be rewarded. It's a wild goose chase. Or not. Maybe it's just making best use of this situation to get rid of some nobles who are bothersome to his Highness.

We can take leave but I don't know what to do with myself.

I am walking nervously besides Laini who hasn't uttered a word this whole time.

"How the fuck did she do it?! Not even three moons..."

Right. That also. Milé was with child very quickly, which makes the two of us appear pretty damn useless.

And... They can also accuse the jealous, baren wife of attempting to kill the heir of the other wife. Laini is right to be afraid.

Strangely, I am safe because he doesn't care about me. I am safe because I am a disappointment yet again and by that insignificant. Who would have thought that this would save my life at some point.

"My lady, walk with me."

I didn't see Theon walk towards me but am nonetheless pleasantly surprised and try desperately to keep the corners of my mouth neutral but they keep trying to raise.

"Mahrani," I say but the light in my eyes probably gives it away that I really couldn't care less if he calls me that or not.

We crossed a line last night and now I am sure I would prefer him to call me anything but that.