From Herric’s notes, it became clear that the virulence used to create the arks was from a deposit so deep that Herric couldn’t seem to map out its location. In his cynicism, Rion wondered if Herric had purposely created this mystery lest anyone happen upon these notes. The former king also hadn’t deigned to speak to Rion in centuries, further adding to his frustrations. Almost as if he was purposely keeping this information from him.

But it was the strongest virulence the former king had ever encountered, and Rion wanted it.

He returned to his papers, reading them over again.

Once he managed to force these amendments through, Rion could conscript as many low fae as he wanted, no longer concerning himself with their base needs, like food and sleep and water. If one died, he could just replace them, and maybe then he’d find what he was looking for.

He opened the top of his collar and stared out the window before he pushed himself up and strode through the Keep to find himself alone in the throne room. He’d been spending a lot of time here lately. The Torch’s presence had a calming effect, and those warm flames flickering in its mouth allowed him to forget for a short while.

He marched up the dais and dropped onto his throne, leaning back while crossing an ankle over his knee. He pondered in the massive room’s stillness, watching the lights ripple across the sky through the ceiling’s glass dome.

It had been a difficult week. Another riot inside Nostraza, and this time, that girl—Serce’s granddaughter if Cloris Payne was to be believed—had disappeared. He’d already confirmed her two siblings remained behind the prison’s walls, and as far as he could tell, it seemed she’d died in the Hollow. Still, Rion wanted to be sure.

He’d sent his disappointment of a son looking for her. He knew Nadir would keep his secrets. Even if he hated him, Nadir had no choice but to be loyal. Rion had too much insurance to use against him.

Rion had pretended the girl was no one. She might have been the heir of Heart, but her magic was gone, and she was useless.

He should have killed her all those years ago, except that wretched priestess had convinced him otherwise. Why had he let her talk him into anything? She’d convinced him he could use the heir of Heart to claim the land that refused to be claimed, but it was all lies. She had a silver tongue and just enough feigned authority to make Rion fear Zerra’s wrath. Despite his opinions about their god, she was still a god.