Chapter 25 · The Wolf's Distress Call

"Put that pardon down."

The marshal stopped with Marcus's pardon raised over Calian's head.

Calian was on one knee below the throne steps, one hand braced against the stone. Blood ran from his side, darkening the silver clasps of his coat. His face had gone gray, but his eyes were still fixed on me.

Not on Marcus.

Me.

"You don't give orders here, Lady Valentine," the marshal said. "Not anymore."

"Then why are you waiting for my answer?"

His mouth tightened.

Behind him, Marcus smiled like he had already won. He stood beneath the northern banners in a clean black uniform, not one drop of blood on him. My former fiance had always looked better when someone else was bleeding.

"She's stalling," Marcus said. "Read the pardon. Calian Draven is condemned for attacking a royal envoy, violating the trial compact, and taking a noblewoman hostage. His sentence is death. Mine is forgiveness."

"Your sentence should be a rope," I snapped.

Marcus's smile slipped.

Good.

The marshal unfolded the parchment. "Marcus Thorne is pardoned for his part in the treason inquiry. His estates, titles, and command are restored under the crown."

"His part?" I laughed once. It came out rough.