Colita took to her assignment with glee. I couldn't find the joy in it that she did. But then again, I hadn't desired her for two million years as she had me. During this revenge tryst, I educated myself on the "leash." Indulging myself with Colita cost me only thirty minutes. Likewise, harming her gained me only thirty minutes.

Celindria breached my chambers during the second round with the Icarean female. I exaggerated my enthusiasm as she entered. Petty? Yes. But I was feeling petty.

She faked a hitch in her breath and squeezed a few tears. "Your bed grew cold with me gone for only a few hours?"

The blond woman startled and came up from under the sheets. "What are you doing here, mutt?!"

I stood from the bed, unclothed. "Yes. Why are you here?"

Celindria looked away sharply, feigning upset. I knew now she couldn't feel emotions like the rest of us. "I thought we would find eternity together. I wanted... I wanted children with you."

The other woman in the room cawed with laughter.

But a pain lanced through me as I'd wanted the same. I killed people to have her. And now...

"I learned the truth of you."

Fear flickered in Celindria's eyes as she no doubt guessed at which truth. So many lies.

"You played informant for the last human raid on Cinder. You fostered uprisings among a people otherwise content in their lives." My voice steadily rose louder and harder. "And now, you intrude on me in my bed chambers as if invited?! Colita, do you stand witness?"

She couldn't answer without looking extra pleased with herself, "I do, your majesty."

I stood before the First Progeny, staring into her eyes. Enormous power lived behind them. I fought not to shudder as I continued, "There is only one consequence befitting your betrayal. Fifty lashes at Korac's hand in Egypt. Consider your belongings in this castle forfeit. I will escort you to the fortress, myself. Now."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Celindria didn't fight. She didn't argue. Honestly, her stoicism disturbed me, greatly. I expected her to beg. We reached the fortress where Korac waited. He was not happy.

"Your majesty, I must admit to a conflict of interest."

Of course. Whipping Celindria would upset my brother. "You are my best enforcer, and there is no love lost between you."

He stared at the woman behind me. Yes. He wanted to do this. His eyes glowed with the desire to hurt her.

"Execute the punishment, and I will grant you your wings. Your 'conflict' will appreciate the reward."

My General frowned at me as if he considered how much I knew.

I tired of secrets. I wanted Korac to do it because I couldn't. I loved her. Even hating her, I loved her. Elden, save me.

I turned and faced her. So small and strong. Beautiful in her grace. Hateful in her soul. I looked away, fighting my decision. "Now, Korac."

He clasped Celindria by the elbow and escorted her out. I didn't even want to see it. The first crack of the whip launched me into my childhood with Amolot beating me as father whipped my mother. I shuddered and buried my face in my hands.

What had I done? Why didn't I ask her? Confront her privately? Sort things out... Maybe I misunderstood? Maybe it wasn't too late.

I ran outside to the stage only to find Korac two lashes deep and staring at her back in horror. The audience that gathered gasped and shied away. I made it onto the stage. "What is it--"

There was no forgiveness for this. The skin of Celindria's back split off the bone. And it wasn't healing. She deactivated her nacre to endure the wounds and bear the scars.

I breathed out, "Why..."

She called to the crowd, "I am like you. I am not like your Icarean masters. They beat me to frighten you. But know that I am not afraid." The Progeny woman glared at me with madness in her eyes. "Keep beating me. I will free them in the end."

Free them from what?! Masters?! At most, we resolved disputes and funded caravans.

I peered at Korac, bewildered.

Oh, he fumed. I'd never seen him so angry. It's as if she confirmed his every suspicion all at once. And he abhorred the outcome. He cracked the whip and prepared for the next strike.

I stepped back. The people and I watched in horror as Korac peeled her back open one slash at a time.

I wondered if that's what shock felt like. But no. I think it was the beginnings of madness. Or perhaps the resurgence. Either way, I abandoned the scene of Celindria's forced martyrdom.

I was well into Cinder when I heard the news that Xelan arrived and saved her, declaring war on the Icari.

On me.