Broken (Thrall Book 2), page 16
“Oh?” I ask, offering up a complicit smile. “What sorts of things?”
“Let’s just say the king isn’t as powerful as we tend to believe—and his position is precarious, at best.” She looks like she’s about to spill several hundred pounds of contraband information when she shakes her head, sits back in her chair and her smile fades. “We shouldn’t talk like this. No one should. It’s all speculation, anyhow. If I told you what I’ve heard, I would be punished for it, whether I’m the Prefect’s wife or not. But let’s just say, there’s a reason the Quiet War continues to rage between Nobles. There are some who want to usurp the throne because they feel King Tomas is too weak to face the deluge that may one day hit, if the Capitol’s Normals ever learn the truth about the past.”
I pull my chin down, averting my eyes when I ask, “And what truth is that?”
When Lady Weston doesn’t reply, I glance at her, only to see her studying me intently. “You ask a lot of questions, Lady Johanna Ingram,” she says, and I’m convinced there’s veiled accusation in her tone. “I’m surprised you haven’t learned by now that it’s a bad idea.”
Forcing a quiet laugh, I say, “You’re right—I tend to be too inquisitive. I’m sorry if I’ve offended you.”
“Not at all. I’m only looking out for you.” She breathes out a long sigh before adding, “Seeking information about the pre-Rebellion era is punishable by death, and worse. There’s no need for you or me to look for that information, as intriguing as it may be. It’s best we just learn to coexist in an imperfect world.”
I stare at her for a moment too long before saying, “I understand.”
Damn it. I thought we were onto something there.
~You shouldn’t trust her, anyhow, Maude whispers to my mind. Don’t count on Nobles to give you the truth—ever. They’re not on your side. They look out only for themselves.
But she knows something—and I really think she wanted to share it with me.
~The only absolute truth is locked inside a vault, and you have no access to it, Shara. No one does. Perhaps it’s time to let it go.
There has to be a way in, Maude. Otherwise, what’s the point in storing the Histories there?
~Shara—I’m warning you to stop.
Fuck that.
“Lady Weston,” I say abruptly, leaping to my feet. “I’ve taken up enough of your time. Thank you so much for letting me sit in your beautiful garden with you, but I really should get back to the palace.”
“Are you certain you don’t want to stay for dinner? The Prefect will be home soon.”
The thought of seeing him again sends a shudder of unease through me. “I’m sure. Thank you, though. I’ll see you at the ball next week?”
With a nod of confirmation, she escorts me around the house to the waiting Flyer and we say our goodbyes.
When I’m sealed inside the vehicle, Valira asks, “Was your visit a success?”
It’s a friendlier question than I expected from her, but then, I can tell without asking that she’s not talking about Lady Weston.
She wants to know if I managed to speak to Evangeline.
“It was…interesting,” I say.
“Yes,” she replies as she sets the engines whirring to life. “I thought it might be.”
Chapter
Twenty-Six
All I can think about on the way home is Thorne.
I need to tell him what I’ve learned—to share the enormity of the truth that has been weighing me down since the moment my mother revealed her identity.
“Valira,” I say when we’ve been traveling for a little while.
“Yes?” Her tone is reserved, but not so icy-cold as it has so often been.
“I want to speak to Thorne. Do you have any idea how I can see him?”
At first, she doesn’t reply, and for a cynical minute, I wonder if she’s enjoying my discomfort.
But when she turns the music on once again, blasting it so loudly through the speakers that I’m tempted to slam my palms over my ears, I understand her hesitation.
“Tomorrow evening,” she says over her shoulder as I lean forward, getting as close as I can. “There’s a cocktail party at Lord and Lady Nelson’s place. Word has it that Thorne will pilot the Flyer again.”
“Then I have a favor to ask of you.”
“You want me to keep the prince occupied.”
I nod. “You seem to be the only person able to hold Tallin’s attention. Maybe you could work your magic and…soothe him.”
She seems to tighten, and I feel instantly like I’ve said something terribly wrong.
“I’m sorry,” I tell her. “I shouldn’t have put it like that.”
“It’s all right—it’s my lot in life. I’ll do what I can to help you.”
I’m beginning to wonder if her tone has altered because she knows what just occurred between Evangeline and me.
“Did you know the Prefect’s Domestic was my mother?” I ask. “Is that why you wanted me to go see her?”
Valira nods. “Even if she hadn’t told me, I would have known. I could feel the emotion inside her—pain, mixed with joy. So few of us get to meet our parents, and when Evangeline saw you—well, it seemed like you two should have at least one chance to meet properly.”
I’m not sure what to say, so I simply reply, “Thank you.”
Part of me wants to pour my heart out and tell her I don’t know how to feel—that it was one of the most overwhelming moments of my life, and I have her to thank for it.
“Do you know anything about your own parents?” I ask.
“I was told once that my father is a Normal…and that it’s my mother who is a Tethered. That’s all I know, and I expect it’s all I’ll ever know. Like I said, most of us never get the chance you had today.”
“I didn’t feel a bond with Evangeline, in case it makes you feel any better. I mean, I liked her—she seemed genuinely kind. But maybe the bond between parent and child is severed in the Tower the moment they steal us away. Maybe we miss them less than we think, because we’ve evolved not to need them.”
Valira goes silent for a minute, and I wonder if she’s planning on telling me I still talk too much.
Instead, she turns down the music.
“Fuck it,” she says, her voice shaky. “I don’t care who hears this. Some days, I wish for my mother so badly it hurts. I don’t know her, of course, but I…I wish I had someone in my life who loved me unconditionally. Someone who could talk me down from the ledge where I stand so often. Even if I’ve never known her, I wish more than anything that I could weep in her arms.”
I never expected such words from Valira, and now, I’m not sure what to say in response. “You must know how much Archyr cares about you. I’m sure he loves you unconditionally.”
She snickers and wipes at her eye with the back of her fingers. “He must, to put up with everything that goes on between Tallin and me.” With a sigh, she adds, “I know he loves me. I also know I don’t deserve him.”
I begin to protest, but Valira shakes her head. “It’s all right. You of all people don’t need to protect me, Shara. Like Archyr, you’re kinder to me than I deserve. I suppose I push you both away because I feel pain in each of you—and I can’t take any more pain—not on top of what Tallin inflicts on me.”
“I understand,” I lean back in my seat. “But I’m sure Archyr thinks you deserve him.”
“He does,” she replies softly. “And I love him for it. In an ideal world, he and I could be together. You and Thorne could be together, too. But this world is fucked up, and you and I both know it.”
She’s not wrong. Denying us this one, simple thing—being with the person we love most—is a monstrous act.
I will never forgive the Nobility for the abuse we endure at their hands.
“Could I ask you a question?” I murmur.
Valira turns her head to throw me a look. “All you do is ask questions,” she replies with a fake sneer.
“Fine. I’ll turn it into a statement, then.” I clear my throat. “You don’t seem to hate Tallin. I suppose I’m still confused by that.”
“No, I don’t hate him, because I know him,” she snaps, then inhales a quick breath as if to silence herself. “Look, I know he seems like a monster to you. I get it. Maybe he is. But trust me when I say I’ve seen a side to him that most people don’t know about. A lot of Proprietors would have terminated me ages ago. I’m not the most useful Tethered, and I’m certainly not the most pleasant to be around. But Tallin defends my right to stay in the palace and in the world. He keeps me alive. He’s also the reason Archyr never has to risk his life in the Championship. The prince looks out for us—and I can promise you, he’s looking out for you and Thorne too, in his own twisted way.”
“He nearly killed Thorne,” I retort. “He’s threatened me multiple times since I arrived at the palace. Not to mention that he let us both rot in the Verdan dungeon far longer than we should have.”
“I never said he was kind,” Valira says. “Only that he isn’t as bad as people think.”
Part of me wants to argue with her, but there’s no point. She’ll never see Tallin through my eyes, and I’ll never understand how she tolerates being used for his own pleasure.
In spite of everything, I like Valira. Enough, at least, to want to shake her and plead with her never to be with Tallin again.
The only problem is, I need her to be with him. I need her to take him aside tomorrow night and keep him occupied long enough for me to talk to Thorne.
I’m desperate to tell him what I learned today about both my parents…and the sister I never knew existed.
“I’ll keep Tallin distracted tomorrow evening,” Valira says, reading my mind. “And maybe one day, you’ll understand why I’m willing to give him so much of myself. But you need to do something in return.”
My chest tightens, but I nod. “I’ll do whatever you ask of me.”
“Find a way to free our people,” she says. “Once and for all.”
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
I don’t leave my quarters that evening—not even for dinner. I’m too excited by what I discovered today, and terrified I’ll divulge too much if I should run into the wrong person.
All I want is for time to pass quickly so I can find my way to Thorne again.
I’m about to change into my pajamas when, around nine p.m., a knock sounds at the suite’s door.
“Come in,” I call out, my heart sinking. There’s little doubt in my mind of who it is—and I’m in no mood to tolerate his presence.
I wait, my breath imprisoned in my chest, as the door flies open and Tallin wanders in.
“I’ve come to see what progress you made this afternoon,” he says, throwing himself onto the couch a foot or so from where I’m sitting. “Did Lady Weston offer up any dirt?”
“Dirt?” I echo before my distracted brain kicks in.
“Yes. Gossip. News. Juice. Tea. Whatever the cool kids are calling it these days.”
Shit.
I’d totally forgotten the alleged reason I went to the Prefect’s in the first place.
“I…no,” I reply. “No dirt. Lady Weston wasn’t exactly forthcoming, and I’m sure she would have begun to grow suspicious if I’d asked too many questions.”
Tallin cocks his head to the side, studying me for a moment before saying, “Pity. Well, there’s always tomorrow evening.”
“Tomorrow evening?” I ask, feigning ignorance. I’m not sure whether Valira was officially allowed to tell me about the cocktail party. “Is there something happening then?”
“Did I forget to tell you? Ah, well, it must have slipped my mind.” The prince pulls at a loose thread on the couch cushion. “We’re to head over to Lord and Lady Nelson’s for a little cocktail party in their garden. By the way, I asked for a little black dress to be added to your wardrobe earlier today. Something appropriate for the occasion. It should be waiting in your closet as we speak.”
“Thank you,” I reply, already dreading the garment. If Tallin chose it, it’s probably too short, too low-cut, and too tight, all at once.
I study him for a moment, contemplating everything Valira told me about him. Tallin has always seemed entirely one-dimensional. He’s an asshole—an arrogant, cruel prick who loves making my life unpleasant, and as an added bonus, takes delight in watching other Tethered murder one another.
It’s hard to believe someone who’s suffered the pain Valira described would wish it on others—yet Tallin seems to do exactly that.
“May I ask you something, Highness?”
He pulls his eyes to mine, narrowing them when he says, “Of course, my lovely fiancée. Go right ahead.”
It takes more than a little effort to lighten my voice when I ask, “What, exactly, is your power?”
For a moment, he freezes, his jaw clenching tight as if he’s about to hurl a barrage of curses at me. But he gains control over whatever rage was threatening to overtake him, smiles, and pulls his eyes to the fireplace.
“I thought you saw my power when you touched me at the Prince’s Ball,” he says. “Did you not?”
With a shake of my head, I reply, “I saw people who were either in pain or dead. I saw horrible wounds—and I assumed you had inflicted them.” The honesty in my words is a risk, I know—but then, I want him to be honest with me, too. “But I didn’t see how they were wounded.”
“Ah.” He rises to his feet, steps over to the fireplace, and leans against its surround. He lowers his chin, eyes darkening when he adds, “You don’t want to know, Shara. Trust me. No one should wish that knowledge upon themselves.”
Without expanding on the thought, he pulls away and strides over to the door. “Be ready at six tomorrow evening. And keep your mind sharp. I need you to hunt down more Tethered—You know, for the good of this lovely realm of ours and all that.”
The door shuts a moment later, and as usual, I’m left with more questions than answers.
Tallin’s reaction to my question wasn’t at all what I had expected. I had braced myself for unbridled rage, or boasting about his plethora of kills…or something.
Instead, he was almost evasive.
If I didn’t know him, I’d even say he seemed ashamed.
In the morning, the maid who tends to my room announces that the king wishes for me to join him for breakfast.
“Do you know why?” I ask as she parts the curtains to let the sunlight in. I’m grateful to see that Mercutio has already taken off for his morning patrol of the palace. I can only imagine that the sight of a small mouse on the windowsill would make the maid shriek in horror.
“No idea, my Lady,” she says, lowering her voice to add, “but I should warn you—I’ve heard he’s in a bit of a mood.”
Great. Just what I need—a cranky monarch.
When I’ve dressed and trekked through the enormous building to hunt down the king on the dining room’s terrace, I’m relieved to see he’s sitting alone.
“No prince?” I ask, taking a seat opposite him as the breeze catches wisps of my long hair.
“The prince is sleeping in this morning,” King Tomas tells me with a frown. “With his…friend.”
Without thinking, I reply, “You know about their…?”
I stop myself, but too late.
“Their vile relationship?” he asks with a snort of derision. “Yes. I know. I’m deeply sorry for the insult he’s inflicting on you by behaving this way, Shara. Honestly, it’s pathetic how he runs to that woman every time he feels the slightest bit out of sorts. He’s such a sensitive boy—so vulnerable. And they say women are the members of the weaker sex.”
I ignore his casual misogyny. “With respect, Prince Tallin usually strikes me as the least vulnerable person I’ve ever met.”
“You don’t know him,” the king says, casting his gaze to the distance, staring in the direction of the Capitol. “He’s…” He lets out a wry laugh. “Well, let’s just say my son is a disappointment. If he weren’t heir to the throne, perhaps I’d concern myself less with his pathetic nature. But I don’t suppose anyone wants a weak-willed man like Tallin taking the reins of this realm—and I can’t say I blame them.”
I have no idea how I’m supposed to reply to such an appraisal. Nor do I begin to understand why the king would choose to confide these less than savory feelings to me, of all people.
After a momentary silence, he pulls his eyes to mine. “How are you feeling, Shara? Are you settling in well? I realize your first couple of days have been a whirlwind.”
“I’m…fine,” I say with the warmest smile I can manage. Then, after a mere moment’s contemplation, I add, “Though I’ll admit, I wish I could speak to Thorne now and then.”
The king raises an eyebrow. “I know how it feels, you know—not to be able to be with someone you love.” He nods toward the Verdan property to the west. “Kravan’s rules are cruel to more than just Tethered servants. To this day, Daphne and I can’t marry. There’s too much risk involved, you see…so I am forced to seek comfort in other ways—as is she.”
Other ways?
I shudder to think what he could mean by that. Am I to understand King Tomas has other lovers?
As far as I know, Lady Verdan never invited male guests into the house while I was there.
I could be wrong.
“You will see your Thorne tonight,” he assures me. “Perhaps you two can find a little time on your own at the cocktail party—after you’ve assessed the guests, of course.”
My eyes go wide with surprise. “Wouldn’t that be an insult to the prince? I mean, speaking to Thorne might…irritate him a little.”
“The prince spent last night fucking the brains out of a member of the Guard,” the king grunts. “I wouldn’t worry too much about insulting him. Just be careful. Tallin doesn’t take kindly to disrespect, as I’m sure you’ve figured out by now.”
