The Broken Blades Trilogy, #3
Three Shattered Souls
by Mai Corland
Contents
Chapter Seventy
Overview
Tiyung and Sora are delivered to Qali Palace, where King Seok—unstable and cruel—asserts control. After Tiyung defends Sora from abuse, Seok rejects prison and instead keeps Sora as a hostage for leverage against Gaya. Advised by Gambria and Sun-ye, Seok orders both Tiyung and Sora onto his flagship bound for Gaya, vowing a public reckoning.
Summary
Tiyung and Sora arrive at Qali Palace overnight and are confined separately. Summoned first, Tiyung sees Sora brought in with her hands still bound, only to be thrown to the floor by a guard. Tiyung attacks in fury before both are restrained and forced to kneel before King Seok and Queen Olivia.
Seok appears mentally fractured, torn between believing Tiyung is dead and recognizing him alive, revealing instability and danger. He praises captors and initially orders Sora to Idle Prison. Tiyung refuses, insisting he will go too, forcing a confrontation that Olivia quietly helps defuse.
Gambria and Sun-ye intervene, arguing Sora’s value as leverage over Gaya. Seok accepts their counsel, deciding Sora and Tiyung will sail with him so the realm can witness the cost of rebellion. Seok’s cold stare at Sora makes clear his lethal intent.
As guards move them out, Sora meets Seok’s hatred with her own, and Tiyung recognizes that Seok plans to use Sora publicly before killing her. Both are ordered onto Seok’s flagship for the campaign toward Gaya.
Who Appears
- Tiyung GamesongNarrator; defends Sora from abuse, confronts Seok, and is forced to accompany Sora on Seok’s ship.
- SoraCaptured, defiant toward guards and Seok; made a hostage to pressure Gaya; compelled to sail with Seok.
- King SeokUnstable ruler; recognizes Tiyung with confusion; chooses to use Sora as leverage and sails to make an example.
- Queen OliviaShows sorrow for Tiyung and quietly influences Seok to spare immediate imprisonment.
- GambriaAdviser with shifting loyalties; persuades Seok that Sora is valuable as a hostage.
- Sun-yeCourt figure who supports using Sora as leverage; betrays familiarity with Sora’s group from Rahway.
- GeonPalace guard from the tower; acknowledged by Seok during the audience.
- BeomYounger guard who once served with Tiyung; shows him small kindness during escort.