Chapter 16 · The Execution List

"You knew."

Eliza's voice came out flat. Valen was standing there with blood on his knuckles, sword still in his hand, and he wouldn't look at her.

"Eliza—"

"My brother." She took a step toward him. "Eight years old when they took him. You knew and you didn't tell me."

He didn't answer. That was answer enough.

The stands were clearing behind them. Trial masters gesturing everyone out. Gareth being helped off by two attendants, and he was laughing. Actually laughing.

Eliza walked straight past Valen.

"Eliza, wait—"

"Don't." She kept walking. Through the archway, down the stone corridor that led to the holding chambers. Her hands were shaking but she didn't stop.

Boots behind her. Valen's boots.

"I found out two days ago," he said.

She spun around. "Two days."

"I was going to—"

"Going to what? Tell me before or after I helped you murder half the court?"

His jaw tightened. "It's not murder when they're the ones who—"

"I don't care what you call it." She was yelling now. Didn't care who heard. "My brother's eight years old and you want me to help you start a war."

"He's not eight anymore." Valen's voice dropped. "He's eighteen.