“If I could offer such advice, I would tell you, my queen.”
And there we go. “Okay,” I say with a bite.
“Why do I sense you are turning on me, my queen?” he asks suspiciously.
Because I’m furious. After everything I’ve done, he still can’t see past the tip of his stupid Wall Man nose.
“Stop. Okay? Just stop,” I say quietly. “I see right through you, Tiago. You think I’m not worthy to lead. Fine. But I’m here ready to risk everything to save Alwar. Not because he’s my husband, but because this is bigger than us. Why can’t you see that? Why can’t you see it’s not about me being your queen?” I know I shouldn’t say what comes to mind next, but I’m tired of his attitude. “And it’s not like you could ever do any better as ruler. You’re no Alwar. You’re not even a Lake.” I laugh bitterly.
Before I can blink, Tiago has me by the throat between his index finger and thumb. His body visibly shakes with rage.
Somewhere in the background, I hear the War People yelling, telling him to let me go.
“You are a curse, little Norfolk. You are a plague. And no one will miss you.”
I intuitively know he’s about to snuff me out, but there’s nothing I can do. “And there he is,” I croak. “The real Tiago.” He’s been putting on a show this entire trip, playing nice while waiting for the opportunity to rid their world of me.
Master jumps and bites him somewhere in the leg.
Tiago recoils and yelps, releasing me.
I drop to the ground and start running.
Then I stop.
The War People traveling with us push Tiago back. I watch as the men knock him down and hog-tie him with rope.
That’s not what I expected.
“The traitor is ready,” says the man with the missing fingers. I don’t know his name.
“Ready for?” I say, rubbing my neck and doubling over to catch my breath. Tiago was one inch away from crushing my throat. I can’t believe I’m still alive.
“The No Ones,” says one of the women. “Tiago swore to protect you, a Norfolk. A vow broken must be punished.”
Before I can utter a single word, a cloud of filmy white figures pours from a crack in the black sand and begins to circle overhead. Except for the two men holding Tiago down, the giants back away. They know what’s coming and look like they want to piss themselves, which speaks volumes about the reputation of these ghostly creatures.
The No Ones are here already? It’s like they were waiting for the opportunity to get Tiago. Maybe they were. Bard definitely has a bone to pick with his brothers.
I stare down into Tiago’s golden eyes. “Why? Why did you do that? How am I going to tell Alwar, you stupid ass?” I stomp my foot. “Now you’ll be taken, and for what?” I yell. “Because you’re so damned filled with hate? Did it ever occur to you that maybe Alwar needs you? Or that I have no plans to stay in this world where I’m not wanted?” I kick at the dirt, outraged.
One white form zooms past us and goes directly for Tiago.
“No! Wait. Stop!” I step in front of Tiago and the men holding him. I raise my arms, trying to get the attention of the No One. “Don’t touch him!”
For some bizarre reason, the No One turns.
“What are you doing, my queen?” says the man on Tiago’s right. “He has broken a vow. He must pay the price.”
The No Ones are playing by new rules now. And so am I. Going forward, I’m acting in the best interest of my world, because no one else will.
“Some things are more important.” I can’t help it if Tiago hates me. And the fact that he almost killed me isn’t lost. I merely want the chance to understand if there’s a way for him to get on board the reality train. Because, let’s face it, we’re in a battle for our lives, and the Wall Men were born to fight. It’s why their people survived. It’s why my world still exists. The other side of that coin means they’re quick to snap. Still, none of that excuses Tiago trying to railroad me. “I want your word, Tiago, that you will never touch me or hurt me again.”
“Why would I vow that?” he snarls.
“Because the Proxy Vow is over. The war has started, and Alwar needs you by his side to win. That’s more important than anything.”
“There is nothing you can do, my queen,” says one of the War Women behind me, watching from afar.
“Not true.” I turn and face the swarm of No Ones barreling down on Tiago. “Enough, Bard! You said you were done. So be done with it. Let Tiago face Alwar for his actions.”