The Cogsmith's Daughter (Desertera #1)(48)
“Is that so?”
“Yes.” Aya scoffed. “Though, I think Zedara is a little short-sighted there. After all, knowing the king’s pattern, betting on Isadona to last nine months was obviously a stretch on your part. And even if she had lived long enough to bear a child, you would have had to get Prince Lionel out of the way before your grandchild could have ruled.”
“Indeed.” Lord Varick smirked. “And did Queen Zedara tell you the identity of Isadona’s great love?”
“No.” Aya pursed her lips. “But I can’t see how that matters now.”
Lord Varick raised his eyebrows. “Humph. And do you believe all of Queen Zedara’s claims?”
Aya let her head fall back against the couch and closed her eyes. “I’m not sure who to believe. You tell me that you want vengeance for your beloved daughter, who was head over heels for that monster. Zedara tells me that you want vengeance for losing your ties to the crown. You have been so kind to me, taking me in, helping me escape my life of poverty, giving me a chance at my own vengeance. Zedara is a stranger, but she has also lost a loved one, and like me, she is actually doing work to execute this plan.” Aya let out a long breath. “I’m conflicted, Varick. And you don’t deny a thing.”
“Why should I?” Lord Varick widened his eyes. “It is not up to me to defend my case. You have heard both arguments, and now you are the judge. Either you will believe me, your benefactor, or you will believe Zedara, your unhappy queen.”
Aya opened her eyes and sat up straight. She put her hands on her knees and leaned forward to whisper to Varick. “I choose to believe neither of you.”
Lord Varick’s lips twisted up into the faintest smile. “Well, that is probably the safest decision, Miss Aya.”
Aya nodded. “If Zedara and you can hate each other and still work together, I see no reason why you and I cannot feel nothing toward each other and still work together.”
Lord Varick leaned back in his chair. “True. However, our friendship did bring you certain perks that Zedara would not have received if she were of your status. After all, you realize, if you are not my friend, I will not return your father’s shop to you when this is all over.”
“And of course, you realize, that we are all in this together.” Aya smiled. “Even after King Archon is dead, if I go to Prince Lionel and tell him that it was your plot all along, won’t that spell trouble for you?”
“You would never, Miss Aya.” Lord Varick laughed. “The prince would have you and Zedara executed right along with me.”
“Yes, but if you’re not giving me my shop, what do I have to lose?” Aya licked her lips. “You forget, Varick. You live in an illustrious estate, have all the fruit and wine you can ingest, and receive every pampering from your staff. I live in a dirt-floored hovel, trudge miles for water, and let disgusting men penetrate me for the smallest coins in our currency. Do you really think death wouldn’t be a relief?”
Lord Varick frowned. He had to know Aya spoke the truth. If Varick refused to hold up his end of the bargain, Aya had absolutely nothing to lose. He would have to honor their agreement and give her father’s shop back to her, whether he liked it or not. She held all the cards.
Lord Varick sighed. “So where do we go from here, Miss Aya?”
“Well, to begin, I am sure we can both agree we can’t trust each other anymore. Therefore, I will not be staying at your estate any longer.”
“That is probably the safest arrangement.”
“Indeed,” Aya chirped, a sarcastic smile on her lips. “Can I expect your guards to remain stationed at the stern for the duration of our mission? I would hate to be caught coming and going from the palace, and as I’ve already said, if the worst should happen, I have no qualms about sending you to the executioner along with me.”
Lord Varick huffed. “Very well. Though, you know, I cannot guarantee whether nobles or peasant passersby linger near the stern.”
“I assure you, I will not be noticed by them.” Aya wrinkled her nose. “Now then, seeing as you have successfully introduced me into noble society and will continue to ensure my safe passage to and fro, I see no reason for you to be involved any longer. I will do my part to seduce the king, as Zedara does hers. I will not report to you. You may simply hand over the reins and enjoy the show from afar for now.”
“And when it is almost done?” Lord Varick raised his eyebrows.
“When it is time to catch the king revealing his plot to me, I shall send word to both you and Zedara. You both may bring your witnesses to hear the king’s treachery. Once he speaks it, you can reveal yourselves, and we shall all take him to execution.”
Lord Varick chuckled. “You have it all figured out, don’t you, Miss Aya?”
“I certainly hope so.” Aya stood to leave, and Lord Varick followed suit.
“Very well, then. We shall remain business partners, and I will wait to hear from you when it is time to end this.”
“Good.” Aya extended her hand, and Lord Varick shook it stiffly. “I will collect my things from your guest room and be gone within minutes.”
Lord Varick’s lips twisted again, ever so slightly, and as Aya withdrew her hand, she couldn’t help noticing that her heart beat unevenly in her reddened chest.