The others rumbled their agreement. She’d known there was animosity toward him, but not to this degree. Rendor sat alone in the back corner, appearing as if he’d turned to stone.

Shyla swallowed. “Yes, I am aware. I’ve seen the Water Prince’s special rooms and witnessed the torture. I’ve also witnessed Rendor coming to our aid when we rescued Jayden from the Heliacal Priestess.”

“He only came to our aid after he almost died. If he returned to the Water Prince the next guard in line for captain would have challenged him and won. . Killers like him don’t get second chances.”

Seven hells. This wasn’t how this was supposed to go. “Everyone deserves a second chance. Everyone can change. Yes, I grew up sheltered in the monastery and then was blind to the people’s pain and suffering when I lived in Zirdai. I changed and am working just as hard as all of you to help the citizens. Rendor has changed, too, and is making amends.”

“Yeah, by biding his time until he can report to the Water Prince,” Titus, another Invisible Sword survivor, said.

“He’s trustworthy,” she said.

“You only think that because you’re in love with him,” a male voice called from somewhere in the back of the group.

Titters and gasps followed. Scorching sand rats. That explained why her word wasn’t good enough for them. They thought she was biased due to her emotions.

Projecting her voice over the rising din, she said, “It is because I read his soul. You all witnessed what I’ve gone through in order to do just that.” She went up onto her tiptoes, making a show of searching for someone in the back. “Does the person who doubts me wish for me to read his soul?” Some uncomfortable shuffling. She let them sweat for half an angle. “No? I’ve respected everyone’s privacy. And you have accepted my leadership. I assigned Rendor to lead this mission. He needs volunteers.” In other words, she could order them to do it. “We. Need. Water.”

Shyla stepped off the table, grabbed two rolls of jerky, and left. Only when she was alone in her room did she relax. How… Why did they think she was in love with Rendor? He’d made his feelings for her clear, along with his desire to atone, but she thought she’d been treating him like everyone else. She wondered if Jayden had been spreading rumors in order to undermine her authority. Or perhaps their fear and hatred of him were too strong to overcome. Too bad leadership skills hadn’t been included with her new eyes. Did she just make it worse?

Her exertions caught up to her. She plopped onto her mat and chewed the dried jerky.