The Skin Thief

Chapter 76

Kiora

The guards come for Kiora as she sits in the gardens with the other wives. Illyria stops mid-sentence, tilting her head curiously. Her eyes narrow and she gently puts her tea cup down.

"Is everything okay? Is something wrong with his eminence?" she asks, her voice sick with worry. Kiora almost scoffs at how fake it sounds, though judging by the soft smiles on the guard's faces, she is the only one who feels that way.

"The emperor is fine, High Lady. Do not worry." The guard then turns to Kiora.

"The general wishes to see you, Lady Kiora," he says, his voice curt, all warmth gone from it.

"I'm sorry, the general?" Illyria asks as Kiora stands, biting back her laugh as she hears the shock in Illyria's voice.

"I shall come immediately," Kiora replies and turns to curtsey at the wives, who just stare at her.

"What is your business with the general, Lady Kiora?" Illyria asks, her composure having returned.

"I do not know," Kiora says, the lie coming out effortlessly.

"If the general wishes to meet with you, he can arrange it through me," Illyria says and turns back to the guards. "It is not appropriate for a wife of his majesty to be summoned by another man. She shall not go until I have express permission from the emperor himself."

Kiora bites the inside of her cheek, trying not to snap at the high lady. A pang of fear twists inside her. There is no way Athan will approve. He's made his thoughts very clear.

"High Lady," the guard says, not meeting her eyes. "The order has been given and, with all due respect, it comes from a higher authority than yours."

The other wives' eyes widen and they glance at each other nervously. Kiora swallows her laugh, forcing her lips not to twist into a smile.

Illyria's teeth grind together and she shoots a glare in Kiora's direction.

"Lady Kiora, I forbid you from going. I shall not have you meet another man unattended on my watch."

"I apologise, High Lady. I do not have a choice," Kiora says and turns to walk away.

"Then I shall also join you," Illyria says, standing. "It is my responsibility as high lady to ensure that you are acting as a wife should. Having secret meetings with men is far from appropriate."

Before Kiora can argue, the guard responds. "As you wish, my lady," he says, clearly on Illyria's side. Kiora smiles gracefully and bows her head.

"Excellent idea, Lady Illyria. I will feel safer having you by my side."

Illyria doesn't reply and gestures for the guards to lead the way. They walk ahead, Kiora and Illyria trailing behind them. Illyria leans closer and whispers harshly in Kiora's ear.

"What are playing at?"

"I am just as in the dark about what's going on as you are, my lady," Kiora replies innocently. Illyria lets out a dry laugh.

"We both know that's not true, Kiora," she says. "Though I have to admit, I'm a little curious about what's about to play out."

"As am I," Kiora replies. She isn't sure what is about to happen. All she knows is that General Castor wants her to answer some important questions in front of Athan and his top military officials. Whether Athan allows it is another matter altogether. There is a strong possibility that Athan will order her exit before she even has a chance to prove herself.

The thought of that happening, in front of Illyria of all people, makes Kiora's stomach churn uncomfortably. Her hands grow clammy with nerves and she wipes them on her skirts.