Contents
Chapter Sixty-Three: Arin
Overview
Layla frees Arin and brings news that Sultana Vaida has revived the Ruby Hounds, retaken the Ivory Palace, and is marching on Nizahl. Arin, grimly satisfied to finally face her gambit, rebuffs Layla’s lingering hopes, affirms his heart lies elsewhere, and moves to command Nizahl’s defense.
He orders Jeru released and heads to the war wing, preparing for an imminent siege by near-invulnerable Hounds.
Summary
Roused by a noise, Arin shields his eyes from approaching torchlight and recognizes Layla outside the Capsule, bloodstained and shaken. She reports that Sultana Vaida has revived the Ruby Hounds, retaken the Ivory Palace, and is marching toward Nizahl, having already destroyed a regiment with the gemstone-coated beasts.
Arin’s alarm mixes with satisfaction that Vaida finally found a way to challenge Nizahl without allied support. When Layla presses him for a plan, Arin confronts her long-standing interest. He explains that while she yearns for a peaceful love, his nature would never grant her peace, and admits his love is for a woman who makes imperfect choices.
Refocusing on the crisis, Arin asks if the council is convened; Layla confirms they are gathered in the war wing. Arin orders soldiers to release his guardsman, Jeru, from beneath the Citadel and tells Layla to meet him with the council, noting Jeru has separate orders and will not attend.
Arin departs the passageway, calculating the Ruby Hounds’ speed and anticipating Vaida at Nizahl’s gates by nightfall. Accepting the stakes and his role, he commits to meeting Vaida’s move with prepared defenses, asserting his own prowess in court and war as he heads to assume command.
Who Appears
- ArinFreed from the Capsule; learns of Vaida’s Ruby Hounds, rejects Layla’s hopes, orders Jeru released, and prepares Nizahl’s defense.
- LaylaDiplomat who frees Arin and reports Vaida’s march with Ruby Hounds; reveals fear and lingering interest, then follows his orders.
- VaidaSultana who retakes the Ivory Palace and advances on Nizahl with resurrected Ruby Hounds, slaughtering a regiment en route.
- JeruArin’s guardsman held beneath the Citadel; Arin orders his release and assigns him separate, undisclosed duties.