Page 96 of Between Smoke and Shadow
“I know,” she says. “I figured that out when you were being held with the other rebels. But it’s okay. None of that matters now?—”
“No,” I say, cutting her off. I can’t fight the tremble in my hands as I force myself to say it. “I killed the Architect. That…that was me.”
“Oh,” she says. She keeps her hand on my shoulder, but she’s tense now. “I…see.”
“He was going to kill me,” I say, as though she didn’t already know that. “I didn’t?—”
“Don’t explain yourself,” she says. She squeezes my arm. “I’m glad you did. Just… Just go be with my brother. I’m glad that he has you.”
They’re words I never imagined I’d hear from, well,anyone.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “And I’m, um, glad you’re okay.”
“Go,” she says again. Then, she gives Joran a sharp look. “Don’t leave her side. Understand?”
“Understood,” he echoes. Then, “Keep me updated on Dae.”
Tora gives me a final, quick hug, before darting back inside the infirmary. I don’t look at the bald guard as Joran leads me away from the blackened room, but I feel a twitch of satisfaction when the crowd parts for us. Joran places his hand between my shoulderblades, guiding me through the masses. I keep my chin raised as I pass the gawking royals, not allowing myself to shrink like my instincts beg.
As soon as we clear the 195th floor, Joran’s touch vanishes. We don’t speak until we’ve reached Harrick’s quarters, and even then, he waits for the healer to enter the bedroom before he catches my shoulder.
“Is it true?” he asks. “You killed the Architect?”
I swallow, giving myself a moment.
“Yes,” I say finally.
“Thank you,” he says. I startle, meeting his dark gaze. He dips his head, and it takes me a moment to realize he’s bowing. Tome. “You did for the prince what I failed to do myself. I shall be indebted to you for the rest of my life, princess.”
“No,” I say, the word sharp and quick. Joran looks up at me in surprise. “You are not indebted. I don’t—I don’t…”
Joran’s face wrinkles in confusion at first, only to soften.
“I understand, princess,” he says. He straightens, offering me a gentle smile. “Then at least accept my thanks.”
I nod, trying but failing to clear the emotion from my throat. Joran has never been cruel to me, but he’s also never been outwardly kind.
“After you,” he says. He gestures for me to enter Harrick’s bedroom, and I do, still struggling to process his gratitude. I know others won’t be so quick to acceptance, but I can’t keep the hope from blooming in my chest.
For so long, I dreamed of ruling Savoa, of overthrowing the crown to claim it for myself and the rebels. I wanted this kingdom to grovel before me, to suffer for the way they made me suffer. Only now do I realize what a waste that would be. Savoa needshopeto heal, not vengeance.
I sit at Harrick’s bedside for the next several hours, turning these thoughts around my mind. I envision myself, finally in a place of power, and try to envision what that could look like. With my husband’s hand in mine, I watch the healer work to repair his body.
Tora enters Harrick’s quarters after another hour passes, and it is only then I notice how quiet the Tower has grown.
“Well?” Joran asks.
“It’s in progress,” Tora says. She sits primly on the foot of Harrick’s bed, watching him breathe for several seconds before continuing. “I’ve got every available guard restoring order through the Tower. We’ll send a few troops out in the morning to make sure the outer sectors are all right.”
Joran nods, and Tora sighs.
“I’ve spread news to the elite’s biggest gossips,” she says. “It won’t be long before everyone knows. Many already know Harrick is the only surviving heir, and that the Architect and Malek are dead. My mother is in a state of shock, and from what I’ve heard, she’s refusing to leave her quarters.”
I twist the edge of Harrick’s blanket in my fist. My chest feels weak, like my heart might beat right through my ribs. I can’t bring myself to look at anyone, instead keeping my attention on the red duvet.
“Rune,” Tora says, her voice growing softer. I can feel her studying me, but I still don’t look her way. She sighs softly. “I considered lying about what you did, but…I couldn’t.”
I swallow, but the knot in my throat is almost too much to manage. I force myself to meet her gaze, even as I shake with the implication. She’s told the truth, and that meanseveryoneknows I killed their ancient leader.
