Contents
Chapter Twenty
Overview
Arin heals Sylvia’s injuries and dismisses Vaun, while Sylvia’s trust frays after Sefa and Marek recount resentment toward Jasad’s former rule. On the road to Lukub, Arin notes Sylvia could have killed him; she didn’t. They arrive at the Ivory Palace after passing Lukub’s public traitor wells, deepening their moral clash as Sylvia steels herself to serve as Nizahl’s Champion.
Summary
Arin comes to Sylvia’s room and heals her injuries, his touch drawing her magic despite her resentment. Restless and haunted by losses, Sylvia readies to depart with Sefa and Marek. Seeking truth about the war’s past, she asks what Nizahlans said of Jasad; Sefa recalls Jasad refusing aid during a famine, then raiding Lukub’s metals, while Marek condemns Jasad’s fortress for enabling impunity. Hurt, Sylvia storms out, then returns to make peace as they finish packing.
At the carriages, Sefa confronts Sylvia for calling the Nizahl Heir “Arin,” warning against dangerous closeness. In the carriage, Arin reveals Vaun has been dismissed for being easily provoked. Their banter turns pointed when Arin observes Sylvia could have killed him after the Ruby Hound attack; she coolly outlines how, admitting it never occurred to her in time.
The journey to Lukub stretches over three tense days. Near the palace, a Nizahl brigade joins them. Sylvia opens the window and sees a row of deep wells, each holding an emaciated prisoner. Arin explains Sultana Vaida’s punishment of traitors; he contrasts it with Jasadi rulers using magic for public executions, provoking Sylvia’s fury over Nizahl’s invasion and atrocities against Jasad.
Amid this moral clash, Arin notes Sylvia’s slip into saying “our” lands, marking her emerging ownership of Jasad’s legacy. They reach the Ivory Palace, opulent and foreboding. As the gates open and a Lukubi guard welcomes them, Arin softly quotes, “Loyalty rears its mutinous head,” naming Mervat Rayan. Sylvia braces herself to enter as Nizahl’s Champion, accepting the necessary betrayal for survival—today, not standing trial before her dead.
Who Appears
- Essiya (Sylvia)Jasadi heir bound as Nizahl Champion; confronts painful accounts of Jasad, resents Arin, yet enters Lukub resolved.
- ArinNizahl Heir-Commander; heals Sylvia, dismisses Vaun, tests her thinking, debates morality en route to Lukub.
- SefaFriend and ally; shares Nizahlan views on Jasad, then warns Sylvia about closeness with Arin.
- MarekAlly with Nizahl roots; recalls the fortress’s impunity, helps prepare departure, mediates tensions.
- WesNizahl guard; escorts the carriage, cautions Sylvia, reacts to her irreverence on the road.
- JeruNizahl officer; coordinates the brigade and carriage exchange, announces arrival at palace grounds.
- Sultana VaidaRuler of Lukub; her public traitor wells exemplify Lukub’s fear-driven control.
- VaunNizahl guard; dismissed from Arin’s service after provoking and attacking Sylvia.
- Mervat RayanNamed when Arin quotes, “Loyalty rears its mutinous head,” as they enter the Ivory Palace.