Divined (18 page)

“Is this how you greet all the women who come to your chambers in the middle of the night?” She blocked his hand, hitting his wrist so hard, the dagger clattered to the floor.

“Clio?” His eyes widened in the darkness. “Of course, most women approach me while I’m awake.”

“Most women?” She pinned his hand to the mat.

She could make out his smile. “You seem surprised that women might approach me. I happen to be both handsome and exceedingly charming. You should have seen the girls at the Corner. They were heartbroken to learn I was already spoken for.”

“By Zarae you mean.”

“No, not by Zarae, Clio.” His free hand found her waist. “Although, I must say I’m surprised you sought me out. You seem to take every opportunity to avoid me.”

“Not
every
opportunity.” She laced her fingers with his, still pinned.

“You certainly found a replacement soon enough. Only gone a couple weeks, and already another powerful leader is risking his life for you.”

“Ealis is a friend,” she managed through gritted teeth. “Are you turning me away?”

“I’m thinking about it.” He smiled, his grip on her waist tightening.

“Perhaps I should go. Make it easy on you.” She made to stand, but his hand caught her wrist, and he pulled her down against his chest.

“What are you doing here, Clio?” His hand swept through her hair. “Why are you wet?” His eyes searched her face in the growing light.

“Have I told you how much I missed you?” She traced a finger along his jaw.

He grinned. “No, actually. Not at all.”

“Mm, well, let me rectify that.” She leaned down, her hair brushing against his chest as she pressed her lips to his. Immediately, his arms wrapped around her, hugging her close.

Abruptly, he pulled back, his eyes narrow. He held her chin in his hand, and he pushed her head to the side.

“Why are you bleeding?” His thumb rubbed a shallow slice under her jaw.

“I’m perfectly all right. Don’t worry about it.” She leaned into him, but he held her back.

“
Clio
…”

“Atzi had a Vision of a group of men sacrificing a girl at the river. We went out to stop it from happening.”

“You
what
?” He sat up, forcing her off his lap.

“What? I don’t see the problem. I’m fine. Although, it seems the Order is recruiting now. You have to be careful in Morek. If they’re expanding then they could build an army—”

“You can’t just dive into fights like this! You can’t start being reckless without your powers.”

She smiled and reached out for his stiff hand. “To be fair, you’ve always seen me as reckless.”

“Well, it’s worse now! You can’t see the future! I know Vazuil wasn’t looking out for your happiness, but he never would have led you to your death. He would have guided you away from any situation where his Oracle could have been killed, and now—well, now you don’t have a Deity watching out for your life.”

“I know that,” she admitted quietly. “I wouldn’t have fought unless I felt certain I could. I saw what we were up against before I was in it. And, Riece, I…I feel like myself for the first time in a long time. I fought because I wanted to. It was my choice. Mine. And it felt good.”

Riece’s eyes softened.
 

“Plus, how can I be myself if I’m not completely infuriating you.”

He smiled then, and his hand came up to trace the small rune behind her ear. “I’ve been missing you, too. For a long time.”

He didn’t need to say more. Clio understood. She hadn’t been herself since she started taking the draught, since she started hiding. She wouldn’t hide any longer.

Laying her head against his chest, she relaxed into him. Riece kissed the top of her head and held her close. Morning was breaking through the drapes, but finally, Clio felt as if she could sleep.

“Can I stay here? Can I sleep with you for a little while?”

Riece released her, pushing her up so he could study her face. “If you accepted my proposal you would spend every night with me.”

“Riece…”

He sat up, shoving her off him before he stood. “So you don’t mean to accept me?”

“It’s only… The Emperor, the Deities, there’s a war coming. What’s wrong with waiting until we’re through it all?”

His mouth flattened. He walked to the door and held open the curtain. “In that case, no, you cannot stay here.”

“Riece, you can’t be serious.”

“I will not force your hand, Clio, but I cannot allow you to stay here.”

“You’re being ridiculous!”

He raised an eyebrow. “Have a good night.” He looked to the door, his intent clear.

“You will regret this.” She dragged her feet as she walked to the archway.

“I may.” He shrugged. “But it changes nothing.”

“Fine.” She pushed past him, her skin flushed. He dropped the curtain as soon as she was in the hallway, and Clio stood staring at the heavy drapes, not believing Riece had actually thrown her out.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

“I’m coming with you,” Ealis said later that morning.

They sat at his table, eating a repast of fruits and creams Clio had never before seen in the Empire.

“That’s really not necessary,” Riece replied stiffly.

“Don’t you need to stay with your precious council? You all have
so
many important affairs to sit around and discuss,” Ixie added.

Ealis glanced at Ixie. “As a prophet of this city, I would be remiss in my duties if I did not lend my aid to this endeavor.”

“That’s very nice and everything.” Riece pushed his plate away and stood. “But I’m afraid we don’t need your help.”

Clio glared up at him. “Riece, we could use Ealis.”

“We really couldn’t. No need to drag Cearo into this mess as well.”

Ealis stood. “Actually, Cearo is already in this mess. We’ve pretended to be separate from the Empire, but the truth is we aren’t. Atzi told me the Order has been recruiting among my own people. I cannot sit by and let their vile purpose into this city.”

“I don’t see how accompanying Clio to Sheehan will help your cause.”

“It wouldn’t, I agree,” Ealis replied easily. “I would like to come with you, Commander. To Morek. I should speak to my cousin, and perhaps the Emperor will grant me an audience.”

Riece’s eyes widened. “You don’t wish to go with Clio?”

“Clio is a dear friend, and I respect her choices greatly. But my decision has nothing to do with her. The fight is in Morek. That’s where I will go.”

Riece grinned broadly. “In that case, I would love to have your help.” He turned to address the group. “We should pack, make our arrangements. I want to be back in the outer-reaches of the Empire by nightfall.”

They left the city while the sun was at its zenith. Riece had been grinning ever since Ealis announced his intention to go to Morek, and Clio had made it a point not to allow Riece the satisfaction of a reaction. After what he did the previous night, she was in no mood to tolerate whatever it was he so clearly wanted to say to her. Instead, she walked ahead with Ashira.

They were leaving the city limits when Riece brazenly strode up to them. “Ashira, would you mind—”

Ashira held up her hand. “Don’t bother, Riece. I know you only want to speak to Clio alone.”

Riece laughed. “It’s important.”

Ashira raised her brows. “I’m
sure.
” She turned to go back to the group.

“Ashira!” Clio hissed. But the girl walked on, either unaware or uncaring.

“So,” Riece began, his eyes much too bright.

“Let’s get this over with,” Clio said with a sigh.

“Looks as if prophet-boy isn’t as besotted with you as you thought.”

“I am only going to repeat myself one more time on this matter. Ealis and I are friends, nothing more.”

Riece smiled. “For once, I’m glad to see you proved right.”

“Riece.” Clio faced him with a grin. “Simply because you think me the most marvelous and bewitching woman does not mean every other male does as well.”

“When have I ever called you marvelous and bewitching? Infuriating, yes. Trouble, definitely. But bewitching?”

She punched him in the arm, making him laugh. “Can we put this Ealis nonsense to rest now?”

He grabbed her hand. “Yes. That is, unless you’re disappointed he isn’t coming with you to Sheehan. You could always come to Morek with us both…”

“What are you doing?” She looked at their entwined hands.

“I’m trying to get you to come to Morek, what does it look like?”

“No. I mean, you throw me out of your room at night, and yet here you are, holding my hand as if… Well, as if you aren’t upset with me.”

He tightened his grip. “I’m hardly ever
not
upset with you. Only, sometimes, I’m better at staying strong than others. So, Morek. You jealous that Ealis has chosen me over you?”

“You’re the only jealous one in all of this. I’m going to Sheehan. That’s final.”

“Clio, the fight is in Morek.”

“No.
One
of the fights is in Morek.”

“The more important one.”

“A difference of opinion.”

“You can’t avoid—”

Ixie ran up to them, her eyes wide. “Would you two quit bickering and pay attention?” Her voice was a low whisper.

“What?” Riece tensed, turning his eyes to the forest around them.

“Listen,” she urged. “Raiders.”

A branch cracked somewhere to their left. Then another. A soft rustling grew louder and louder.

Clio reached for her dagger, gesturing back for Atzi to do the same.

The rustling was around them. Spinning, Clio searched for an escape, but green forest walled them in.

“Who’s there?” Riece called out.

All at once, men emerged from between trees and leaves. Dozens of men. They were on each side. Atzi turned back down the way they came only to face three men blocking off the road.

There were too many of them, and each bore sophisticated weapons. Spears, blades, arrows. Clio took in their dark armor, their rigid stances.

“These aren’t raiders.”

“It’s an army,” Riece finished as he slid his dagger from its sheath.

A dozen men drew their weapons in answer.

“Stand down,” a woman’s voice commanded from somewhere ahead of them.

No. It couldn’t be.
Clio looked to Riece to see her fear mirrored in his eyes.

A woman stepped onto the path ahead of them. She wasn’t wearing silks or jewels or anything befitting her station. Instead she was dressed like a commander. Dark leather armor, hair braided in a tight plait down her neck, and a curved blade stowed at her hip.

She was unrecognizable except for her blue eyes. Zarae.

“By direct order from the Emperor, I am compelled to bring Clio, the Oracle of Sheehan, back to Morek.” Zarae smiled, all her kindness gone. She turned to Riece, her smile growing. “As well as all her known allies, regardless of their titles or stations.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

Sparing a glance at the line of warriors around them, Riece stepped forward. “You know I cannot allow you to do this, Zarae.” His voice was firm, but Zarae only laughed.

“You are in no position to be making demands, Commander.” She looked to her men, who stepped in closer as one.

Clio laid a hand on Riece’s wrist, lowering his weapon. “So that’s how it will be?” she asked Zarae. “I refuse to help you, and you turn around and betray me to the Emperor? For what, Zarae? I never thought you one for pettiness.”

“For what?” Zarae repeated. “Look around. I need not depend on others any longer. I have my own force at my disposal.”

“These are our lives you’ve traded away!” Riece raged.

“Actually, your lives remain in your own hands. Come with me willingly, and the Emperor is prepared to reverse his edict about Oracles.”

“Why would he do that?” Riece asked, exchanging a look with Clio.

“I don’t pretend to know the Emperor’s reasons. I am merely following his orders. Come without a fight, and all of you will be brought to the city as guests.”

Clio eyed the armed men. “And if we refuse?”

Zarae grinned. “Then I have been instructed to bring the Oracle into the city, with or without her consent or her allies.”

Riece didn’t hesitate. “What does he plan to do with her if he’s going to reverse the edict?”

“I wouldn’t know, Commander. But, if you come willingly, all those who have ever conspired to aid the Oracle against the Emperor’s laws will be given clemency. If you should resist, then all who have aided her will be treated as enemies and will be punished accordingly. This extends to the Emperor’s own heir and commander, the king of Sheehan, as well as, it appears, Cearo’s Council of Six.” Her gaze landed on Ealis, standing beside Atzi and Ixie.

“You leave me no choice then.” Clio walked forward before Riece could hold her back. “I agree to come to Morek without a fight.”

“I thought you might.” Zarae’s eyes sparkled. “Be warned, if you change your mind—”

“Your men will hunt me and my friends down. I understand, Princess.”

Zarae nodded and gestured for them to walk ahead of her.

“Looks like you’ll be coming to Morek after all,” Riece whispered at Clio’s side.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

They walked until dark, Zarae’s men a constant reminder of what would happen should they make their escape. Not that Clio needed any reminder. The Emperor knew who she was. But what was even worse—he knew about Riece’s and Derik’s and Ealis’ involvement. There was no way she could disobey Zarae, not while all their lives hung in the balance.

At night, Zarae made sure to split up the group, sending Atzi, Ealis and Ixie to one tent with half of the guard and Clio, Riece and Ashira to the other.

Two warriors brought in a meager dinner, leaving it for them before returning to their posts outside the tent. Ashira took two bites then handed her bowl to Riece and retired to a frayed mat in the back of the tent. Riece and Clio were still eating when Zarae entered their tent.

“Comfortable?” she asked.

“You care?” Riece’s eyes flashed in the dim firelight.

“Not particularly.”

“How could you do this, Zarae? How could you betray us all? Did you even think about who would suffer for this? What about Tirza? Even if you hate me, how could you do this to her? She’s done nothing to you.”