Total pages in book: 210
Estimated words: 200096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1000(@200wpm)___ 800(@250wpm)___ 667(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 200096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1000(@200wpm)___ 800(@250wpm)___ 667(@300wpm)
“For what it’s worth, Atticus struggled with the right path forward, and near the end, he did try his best to protect the mortals,” Kazimir offers. “Really, his biggest mistake was relying on Boaz to oversee the problem.”
“It’s a good thing Her Highness killed Boaz then, isn’t it,” Abarrane says.
A twitch of Kazimir’s eyebrow is the only sign of his surprise. “Good. I never liked him, anyway.”
I sense we’ve gotten all the helpful information we will from this one. “If there’s nothing else useful you can share about Atticus—”
“What of the baker?” he interrupts.
“Who? Gracen? She helped me get the children out. She and her family have left Cirilea and they’re also safe.”
He sighs. “That is good news. Atticus was … fond of that mortal.”
If I had to guess, Atticus isn’t the only one fond of Gracen, but I’m not surprised. She wins hearts without trying.
“Well, unless you’d like to give me some of that special healing, I think I need more rest.” He lies back on his cot and closes his eyes, effectively dismissing us.
Abarrane’s face contorts with fury, her hand reaching for her blade.
I shake my head at her. I know these types of assholes; the reaction is what he wants. We duck out of the tent.
Elisaf and Lord Rengard march toward us.
I look to my old night guard and my first friend in this inhospitable world. The very idea that Elisaf could have been another body in that pile of bones has me throwing my arms around his lanky frame.
“Not the greeting I expected, but I will take it,” he murmurs, squeezing me back.
“I’m so happy you’re okay.”
“Yes, it sounds like I have you and a grif to thank for that. Who could have imagined?”
I feel gazes upon us as I peel myself away. Maybe it’s not considered appropriate for queens to hug guards, but I’ve never been one to follow rules, and I’m not about to fall in line now. “Lord Rengard.” I dip my head in greeting. He looks as regal as usual—not a hair out of place, that stripe of gray cutting perfectly through his otherwise jet-black mane.
“Your Highness.” He bows. It’s not deep, but it feels genuine.
The Islorian soldiers around us follow suit as they pass.
Lord Rengard notes them. “It appears the tide is changing in your favor. The common whisper among camp is that Zander won your cold Ybarisan heart over and you two have been scheming together against Queen Neilina to save Islor all this time.”
“I wouldn’t say they’re wrong.” Except my cold heart was that of Romy Watts of New York, the thief abandoned by all loved ones and fighting for survival.
He grins. “I’ve heard many tales of your bravery since we arrived here. At first, I thought they might be exaggerating. But now I should think they are more accurate than not.”
My cheeks burn with what I’m certain is a compliment. “Just trying to fix a lot of wrongs.” How much has Zander told him about my past and my purpose here? They’re good friends and Lord Rengard has proven his loyalty time and time again, but would Zander divulge my deepest truths?
Lord Rengard studies the activity in camp. “I hear there is a fleet of ships from Cirilea arriving in Northmost tomorrow.”
“If all goes well, yes.”
“Common folk traveling through Venhorn to get to this hidden city of yours may not be wise. Especially with all these new creatures crawling out of the rift.”
“I know. I was thinking about that too. The people might need to stay at the port.”
“I am afraid Northmost is not equipped to accommodate that many, especially when the season turns cold. But Bellcross is a relatively short march south. I am sure we could welcome them there for the time being.”
“Really? You would open your city to them?”
He dips his head once. “Consider it done.”
I recall the day we were within Bellcross’s walls—the square of jesters and merchants selling their wares. Elisaf said it was probably the most progressive place in all of Islor for its mortals, mainly due to its lord. “You are a good friend to Zander.”
“Anything for the rightful king of Islor.” He hesitates. “And, it seems, the queen of not one but two realms. I hope I receive an invitation to visit this secret Ulysede.”
“Once all this is over? Absolutely.”
He smiles. “Now, if you will excuse me, it seems I have some letters to write in haste.”
“So do I.” Plus I have jewels to deliver to the captains for their help with rescuing Cirilea’s citizens. A promise I made to Seamus that I intend to keep.
“My city should be prepared within the week.” With another bow, he marches off.
“How is everyone doing here?” I’ll get a different answer from Elisaf than I will Abarrane. “I heard Lord Telor will live?”
“He will, though his recovery may take longer, according to the caster. Two near-death injuries within mere days of each other …” He shakes his head. “Otherwise, the camp seems in decent spirits for the most part. Some confusion over the sudden absence of the blood curse, but that is to be expected, given it’s all they’ve ever known. Most are anxious to close the rift and get back to their loved ones.”