“That’s completely different. I’ve never courted a maniac bent on the destruction of the world.”
Heidel laughed. “And I suppose Princess Euralysia doesn’t count? The queen who is now trying to conjure Theht, which will most likely end in the destruction of Faythander? Oh, and that’s right, you are now courting Olive, aren’t you?” She thrust her finger at me. “The woman destined to destroy our world. I’ve heard the rumors, Kull—about the Deathbringer prophecies. Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about. Do you even know who she really is?”
My heart hit the bottom of my chest. Heidel had no idea how badly her words hurt me.
Kull rose to his full height. “That’s enough,” he snapped. “You are never to speak to Olive in such a way ever again. Is that clear? And just so you understand, I will never listen to your advice when it comes to relationships. You are the last person on this planet I would seek advice from. You gave your heart to a man so evil he destroyed magic, and then nearly succeeded in destroying our world. How I choose to spend my time is not your concern, and you are never to bring it up again. Is that clear?”
Heidel pursed her lips. Her hands trembled as she kept them fisted. “Perfectly clear,” she said quietly. “And now I see that when you told me you forgave me for my past crimes, you were lying. I don’t know why I’m surprised.” She choked on her words and hastily brushed away a tear running down her cheeks. “Yes, I understand completely.” Turning, she stormed out of the room, not bothering to slam the door behind her.
Chapter 17
I sank to the ground, feeling as if my legs could no longer support me. It was hard for me not to hate Heidel after what she’d just said, but the hardest part was knowing that what she’d said was true.
I would destroy the world. And it was only a matter of time.
Kull knelt beside me and gently rested his hand on my shoulder. “Don’t let her words hurt you.”
“I won’t. At least, I’ll get over it.” I exhaled slowly, trying to keep my emotions in check.
“She’s been unusually temperamental of late,” Kull said. “Not that she hasn’t always had a temper, but it seems to have gotten worse over the last few days.”
“It started when she returned from Earth Kingdom. She’s probably dealing with feelings she doesn’t understand because she’s lost her memories. Being around Maveryck only makes it worse.”
“Can you help her?” Kull asked.
“Me?”
“Yes. Couldn’t you conjure a spell to help her remember her lost memories?”
“I guess I could try, but usually my patients come from Earth who’ve been to Faythander and returned. I’ve never really tried it in reverse. Plus, no offense, but I’m not sure I want to see her right now.”
“I understand.” He squeezed my hand. “She’s my sister. I’ve dealt with her outbursts my entire life. She says things she doesn’t mean when she gets angry.”
“We all do, I guess.” I rubbed my eyes, hoping Kull didn’t see the tears trying to form.
“However, she still worries me. Do you really think she believes I didn’t forgive her?”
“No, I’m sure she was only speaking out of anger.”
He pursed his lips. “I hope you’re right.”
I squeezed his hand. Outside the door came the drifting sound of voices and an occasional roar from one of the dragons. I knew Kull and I didn’t have much longer to be alone.
“Thank you for sticking up for me,” I said. “You didn’t have to lie for me, but I appreciate it.”
He gave me a gentle smile. “It wasn’t a complete lie.”
“Yes, it was.”
“What I said was the truth. My father’s passing made me realize how important it was for me to go back to the beginning, figure out what made the old ways so important. But it wasn’t until you were trapped in the cave with the bloodthorn that I really began to ponder what I believed in. I knew that if I ever got you back, I would never take you for granted. I would do things the way they ought to be done. Losing my father was hard enough, and losing you would have completely broken me. If we’re to be together, I’d prefer if it happened at the right time, the right way.”
When I looked into his eyes, that icy blue color of a glacier, cold, yet comforting, I knew I could never let him go. “Kull,” I said, cupping his cheek. “I don’t care what Heidel thinks, you’re an honorable man.”
Footsteps echoed in the hallway outside. We turned to find three of Jahr’ad’s men, all dressed in dirty rags and with the same careworn skin as Jahr’ad, entering the room. Behind them, a woman entered. Dark red tattoos in the shapes of rune-like symbols and swirls covered her neck and arms to her wrists. She had a muscular build and a shaved head, and the hardened edge to her eyes made me wonder what sort of life she led in a place like this.
“My name is Zariah,” she said. “I am Jahr’ad’s consort. He wants you in the main arena. Follow me,” she called to Kull and I as she turned around.
Zariah led us out of the room and down the hallway. As we made it to the ladder, I heard laughter and loud voices coming from the large inner chamber. When we stepped off the ladder and into the main chamber, we found several wooden tables arranged in the center of the room.
Jahr’ad and several dozen of his men sat at the tables. Platters of meat rested on the tables in front of them, along with bowls of broth and cups filled with dark liquid. Maveryck and Heidel stood speaking quietly under one of the room’s broad arches. Heidel only gave Kull and I a brief glance as
