The Broken Blades Trilogy, #3
Three Shattered Souls
by Mai Corland
Contents
Chapter Fifty
Overview
The group follows a scream to the palace kitchens and finds Mikail has executed three women for poisoning him. He asserts control over the staff, signaling zero tolerance for treason, though he is visibly weakened. Mikail confronts Hana about past ties to Rune; she denies ongoing involvement. Royo and Aeri tactically withdraw to give Sora and Tiyung space.
Summary
Royo, Aeri, Sora, Hana, and Tiyung sprint through the Rose Palace toward a scream from the servants’ quarters and burst into the kitchens. They arrive as Mikail kills a third woman; two more already lie dead, identified as the ones who served him poisoned food. Mikail declares the crime attempted regicide and orders guards to add the bodies to the pyre.
Addressing the gathered staff, Mikail warns that treason means death but offers them a choice to remain loyal or leave. Though projecting authority, Mikail’s hands shake and he is clearly in pain, drinking salted lime water without complaint.
Mikail questions Hana about whether she still works for Rune. Hana denies any ongoing allegiance, saying Rune ceased being useful after Mikail’s escape from Rahway and that she acted to help Mikail and Sora. Mikail threatens consequences if she lies and asks Hana to follow him for further discussion; she complies as Sora watches in silence.
With tension lingering, Aeri cues a graceful exit so Sora and Tiyung can speak privately after their long separation. Royo and Aeri leave the kitchen together, their mutual warmth briefly surfacing amid the bloodshed.
Who Appears
- MikailExecutes three kitchen poisoners, asserts control over palace staff, hides severe pain, and questions Hana about ties to Rune.
- RoyoNarrator; rushes to investigate the scream, assesses Mikail’s state, and exits with Aeri to give others privacy.
- HanaDenies continuing to work for Rune, claims she acted to help Mikail and Sora, follows Mikail for a private talk.
- SoraSilent observer to the executions and Hana’s denial; left alone with Tiyung for an overdue conversation.
- AeriDefuses tension by prompting an exit; leaves with Royo, hinting at growing closeness.
- Three palace guardsArrive after the killings and arrange to add the poisoners’ bodies to the funeral pyre.
- TiyungPresent during the aftermath; poised for a private talk with Sora after long separation.