The guards shackled Cion to the short post in the middle of the arena with several lengths of loose chain between him and the post, just enough so the accused could think he could dodge the tiger, just enough to give my father a show.

Cion turned, and his eyes sought mine. He seemed to relax a little.

I knew the feeling. I leaned forward as far as I could before Rodric pulled me back by my braid.

My father stood. The crowd quieted.

“My people,” my father started, “we have before us an accused Desert Boy. But not just any Desert Boy. Their leader, Cion, who Rodric dragged from the desert.”

It took several minutes to quiet the crowd. The whole time, Cion’s eyes never left my face.

I tried to glean anything I could from his gaze. Was he in pain? Had Rodric tortured him? Did he know Rodric’s plan? My heart broke to see him standing where I couldn’t reach him. He straightened his shoulders under my gaze. I hadn’t given up, and neither had he. He shifted his gaze toward my father.

“He is accused of stealing water, leading illegal caravans into the city, and kidnapping Princess Kateri.”

“That’s a lie.” My words were cut off by Rodric grabbing my throat.

He yanked my face toward his. “Say that again, and I release the tiger right away.”

He dropped his hand.

I sputtered for air. By the time I recovered, the crowd had quieted.

I forced my eyes back to Cion. His face had taken on a darker look. His hands were clenched in fists as he stared at Rodric.

Rodric smiled and turned to me. “Behind the door on the left,” he whispered, “is the tiger. And behind the door on the right is Latia.”

I eyed him. “Is it supposed to be worse now that I know?” Because my stomach already felt like sand was rubbing against it, dissolving it layer by layer.

He sighed like I was a child who didn’t understand. “If the door reveals Latia, I promise to let them go free together. They’ll be on the first caravan out of here.”

“You’d never let him go.”

He leaned back in his chair. “I would if it’s the only thing that would make you more miserable.”

“Nothing could be more miserable than being near you.”

“Not even watching Cion with another woman? Knowing they’re going to go off and have a wonderful life while you’re stuck here with me for as long as I choose to keep you alive.” He smirked down at me. “I saw you with your arms around each other when I followed Latia into the desert. But go ahead, deny you have feelings for him. Tell me you don’t care if he marries Latia.”

I crossed my arms and refused to answer. I never again wanted to experience the gnawing inside me when I saw Cion giving Latia an engagement bracelet. But he’d chosen her.

“Oh, and there’s one more thing . . .” His face beamed. “I’ll let your father tell you.”