Allied (Ruined #3)(26)

“The famous Iria Ubino,” he said. His front tooth was chipped, and in any other situation, she might have found it hard not to laugh when he spoke. Today, the pure hatred in his eyes was anything but funny. “Is it true you marched with the Leran king to Royal City?”

She just stared at him, because there was still a hand over her mouth. Everyone knew the answer to that question.

The guard took a step closer to her, spitting on the ground near her feet. “If you love Lera and the Ruined so much, they should have punished you like one. They execute people for treason.”

Outside the door, Iria heard the scuffle of feet as the prisoners moved to pile their trays and go back to their cells. The chipped-tooth guard held out a hand. The man next to him put a huge butcher’s knife in it.

Iria screamed against the hand over her mouth. She tried to flail out her arms, but another guard joined the woman, holding her wrists tight against her body.

The man held the knife directly in front of her face. “You shouldn’t come in the kitchen, you know. Accidents happen here.”

He hurled the knife at the ground.

Iria screamed as pain exploded through her right foot. The world turned black.

Iria woke up in a white room. It smelled like disinfectant, and when she turned she found a long row of beds. Her body was heavy, her head swimming. Dull pain pulsed from her right foot.

A man leaned over the woman in the bed next to her. He caught Iria watching and straightened.

“What . . .” It was hard to form words.

“I gave you something for the pain,” the man said, walking to her bed. “Had to take your toes off, but you kept most of the foot. If you change the bandages regularly and keep it clean, should stay that way.”

Panic shot down her spine, clearing her head. Most? She kept most of her foot?

She lifted her head. Dizziness crashed over her, but she squinted at the end of the bed anyway. Her foot was wrapped in white bandages. She couldn’t see it.

“You’ll walk with a limp, but it’s not like you’re going anywhere.” The doctor chuckled. “Certainly won’t be running away.”

Iria let her head drop back on the pillow as tears welled in her eyes.





TWELVE


“GALO!”

Galo turned to see Violet racing down the hall, her dark hair flying behind her. She grabbed him by the arm.

“Come with me,” she said.

“What?” he asked, breaking into a jog. “Is Cas all right?”

“He’s fine. It’s Jovita.”

The name sent a spark of terror down Galo’s spine. He’d wondered often in the past few weeks if he should have killed Jovita when it was obvious Cas wouldn’t. She had pulled the rug out from under them so easily in the fortress, when she’d convinced everyone that Cas was insane and then poisoned him. It was impressive, in a horrifying way, and Galo dreaded what she’d do next.

Violet stopped in front of Cas’s office, knocking once before opening the door and stepping inside. Cas was alone, sitting at his desk, and he let out a sigh when he caught the look on Violet’s face. He was no stranger to bad news these days.

“We have reports that Jovita and her loyalists were seen in Olso,” Violet said.

Galo blinked, surprised, but Cas didn’t look the least bit alarmed.

“We already knew that, didn’t we?” Cas said. “Last we heard she was headed for the border.”

“Yes, but there’s more. She was joined by Vallos soldiers. We’re getting word that the Olso army is organizing, and bringing in troops from Jovita and Vallos to launch an attack.”

“Vallos might support Jovita on the throne, but Olso would have no interest in helping her retake Lera,” Galo said.

“No, they wouldn’t,” Violet said. “They may be coming for us, but we think King August wants the Ruined gone as much as Jovita does. They’re probably partnering to attack them first.”

Galo winced. It was a smart plan, unfortunately. August and Jovita would have a much easier time taking Lera if the Ruined were gone. They could fight among themselves later.

“They’re still in Olso right now?” Cas asked.

“Last we heard.” She gestured to Galo. “I thought we should have Galo take the news to the Ruined right away. I know we haven’t made a decision about Em’s request, but this seems more pressing.”

“I agree,” Cas said. He looked at Galo. “Can you leave right away?”

“Of course.”

“Good. In the meantime, I want more soldiers at the border. I need to know the minute they cross into Lera, and the size of their army.”

Galo hurried out of the office and headed to his room. He had a bag packed and ready to go, and he grabbed it, along with his jacket.

He ran down the castle hallway, his bag swinging against his back. He stepped around a few staff members as he sprinted through the kitchen and outside.

Mateo stood just next to the kitchen door, on duty and dressed in his guard’s uniform. His face fell when he spotted Galo. He knew Galo would never disturb him while he was working, unless it was important.

“I’m being sent right now,” Galo said breathlessly.

“What? Why?”

“There’s been a development.” He wasn’t sure how much he was allowed to tell Mateo, so he left it at that.