Change of Darkness (The Change Series Book 3) by Jacinta Jade (best new books to read txt) 📕

on this balcony before. It was similar to the ones that jutted out from the Xarcon palace at various levels and angles in that it was made of stone and its mid-rise wall gave its occupants something to lean against without risk of falling off that high perch. Yet it was wholly different in the view it provided its temporary residents, which included Siraay and Lord Chezran plus a number of Chezran’s inner circle.

For this balcony was not attached to the palace at all, but was situated against the high stone walls that circled the palace, the training yard and the arena. And the aspect from it that moment beat any the palace might have offered

For below, on the ground some levels below, in regimented columns, was the bulk of the third division of Chezran’s army. Hundreds of males and females cheered loudly as the face and dark hair of their lord appeared on that edge high above, their fervour driven by in-grained, or forced, loyalty and a lust for the battle to come.

Where they would be unleashed.

And where Siraay would finally be able to fulfil her purpose.

To win this war.

She had been careful to observe the unspoken rules between her and Chezran as they had emerged from the stairwell inside the wall and out onto the balcony. Had been careful to stay a step behind and to the side—ahead of Chezran’s advisers but far enough back that there was no misunderstanding of her place. Yes, she would rule by his side after their coming victory, but even then, she must defer to him as she did now—show the masses through her obedience that he was their undenied leader, and that he had the support of the one spoken of in the prophecy.

Of course, on Chezran’s other side, almost on par with her, but ever so slightly further back, was Pyron, his sliver mask gleaming in the morning sunlight, his own icy blue eyes taking in the spectacle before him. He was wearing the mask that curved down over his nose and cheeks but which showed his mouth, and wondered if that one was more comfortable than the other full face one which he sometimes wore instead.

Siraay still didn’t know why the chief archon wore it. But she suspected it was either a tool to help intimidate his enemies and rivals, or to clearly differentiate himself from Chezran’s other advisers. Maybe it was both.

For an idle moment, Siraay wondered if the lord of xarcon’s right-hand male had actually polished his mask for this occasion, and as she pressed her lips together to avoid smirking at him. They too, had an unspoken agreement, to cooperate and work together to achieve their lord’s vision. After that had been done…well, Siray would work out what to do once the hard work had been finished.

Now, she straightened her spine a little further, standing tall and proud by Chezran’s side, her red hair dressed high on her head, the edges of her painted lips curling a little at the sight before her, knowing that another two divisions containing similar numbers were positioned closer to the capital and awaiting the presence of their master. And it was Siraay’s plan that Lord Chezran would be carrying out—her idea to swamp the capital, destroy their enemies centre of power and by doing so decimate the morale of those who left in the other cities.

They would, of course, spare the civilians—unless they also decided to fight—because they would need them to replenish the ranks of their army after the war was done. Would need to increase its numbers and maintain control.

Control.

Siraay’s light blue eyes narrowed slightly, creasing the edges of the faint silver scars that over her left eye and down onto her cheek.

It had been a close thing, just days ago, when she had almost lost control of this body. Had almost disappeared back into the fray of feelings and emotions where she would be buried and lost.

It had been a close thing, and she had learnt from it.

Chezran had learned from it too, and indeed, apart from Chezran himself and his inner circle, as per his lordship’s orders, now only Siraay’s personal guard was allowed near her.

And it would stay that way, until they arrived on the field of battle.

Because her attacker had been extremely clever. Had waited patiently, biding his time. Blending in. Formulating his plan and timing its execution to perfection.

Siraay gazed out smugly at the mass of skilled warriors before her, knowing she looked every bit as a Lady of Xarcon should be expected to.

It was just too bad for Baindan that his plan hadn’t worked out...

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