So I focused on the Mars who made sure Tril was seen to during the most important occasion in my life. I focused on how very proud he was to claim me as his queen. I focused on the fact he did not like shadows under my eyes and wanted to devote himself to a lifetime of making me laugh. I focused on him telling me I would have a full life and be cherished. I focused on the fact that we were in our marital bed hours after I’d been made his wife, and he was holding me and admonishing me to sleep because he wanted me to have rest.

And doing that, being in the arms of that Mars, I fell asleep.

40

The Trembling

Farah

Guest Suite, Second Floor, East Corridor, Catrame Palace, Fire City

FIRENZE

I was not asleep when True came back.

Again.

He had returned repeatedly that day.

However, since the morning, he had not spoken to me except, after he returned from the necropolis, he asked if I’d had some luncheon.

I had not and told him this.

He’d looked disapproving, but he didn’t press the matter.

Mars had come as well, after True had left.

His visit was brief, and he’d said only two things while standing by my bed looking down at me.

“Do not get up.”

And.

“Sofia will be avenged, my little sister.”

The red was in his eyes, but it warred with the heartache on his face.

Even seeing that, I felt no better.

It was not that I wanted him to hurt. Obviously, I did not for I didn’t want anyone to hurt, especially Mars and especially why he was hurting.

It was just that a curious cold had stolen over me and I was beginning to feel like I would never feel anything.

Not ever again.

I had heard the cheers floating to the palace from the city. I’d heard the revelry at the palace after Mars and Silence returned.

But I had no interest even to rouse myself to open a window and look down in hopes of catching my king and my new queen celebrating their marriage.

Therefore, I did not get up.

I laid in bed and let my mind float on the chilly numbness that had overtaken me.

And this was my state when True came again just now, likely to check on me before bidding me goodnight.

I did not care he was there. I did not care that the celebrations were over for the noise outside was abating. I did not care that my country had a new queen. I did not care that in but days, we would be leaving my land to travel to a place I’d never been, never wanted to go, this so I could wed its future king, a man who did not want me, but had no choice but to have me.

I simply did not care.