Total pages in book: 152
Estimated words: 145704 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145704 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
I should have known he was planning to sneak in. He’s spent years slinking in the shadows of Cirilea, first as a prince and then as king. “I’m going with you.”
“No, you are not—”
“I am.” I set my jaw stubbornly.
“If your guard has informed you of the details of Atticus’s edict, then you know how perilous it would be for you if you were caught.”
“Except I won’t get caught.” I’m no stranger to lurking, remaining unseen and unnoticed.
“This is not your world. You are not merely a thief here.”
“I have Gesine’s morels, so I don’t have to worry about any scent outing me for who I am. How many people from Bellcross have ever actually seen me? And would recognize me like this?” I wave a hand over my breeches and tunic. “I look like any other traveler. I definitely smell like one after sitting on a horse for days.”
“Lord Rengard has seen you, for one. He and his wife were in Cirilea for our wedding.”
“I won’t go with you to the castle.”
He gives me an exasperated look. “Then why go to Bellcross in the first place?”
“She can come with me to find Ianca,” Gesine says, approaching us, unnoticed.
“Yes, exactly.” I silently thank the caster for the excuse. “I’m going with Gesine to find Ianca.”
Zander squeezes the bridge of his nose, as if dealing with both of us simultaneously is too much. “Where is the seer?”
“Somewhere safe.”
His gaze narrows. “You’re keeping her location a secret from me? For what reason?”
“For her protection, as well as mine. And I have given you no cause to doubt my purpose here.”
“But you expect me to allow you to take Romeria into the city—”
“Allow?” I snap, my anger flaring. “You’re not my keeper!”
Neither of them are listening to me, though.
“I will share the location when I am within those walls and on my way to her.” Gesine’s voice remains serene as they stare each other down.
“And have I given you any reason to not trust me?” Zander says calmly.
Her lips press together, but she doesn’t answer. She isn’t going to acquiesce, not about this. I see it, and Zander is beginning to as well.
He shakes his head. “What use to us is a seer who cannot wield affinities or grasp reality anymore?”
Rage flares in Gesine’s emerald eyes—the first time I’ve ever seen her reveal so much as a hint of it. “She is of utmost importance to our cause.” A touch softer, she adds, “And she is important to me. I will not be leaving Bellcross without her.”
I fold my arms across my chest. “And I’m not leaving Bellcross without Gesine.”
Zander’s gaze drifts between us—likely evaluating his options, or how worthy this fight is. “Fine. You two can come into the city with me and get her out, but only if you take Zorya and Jarek.”
“What about Horik or Drakon or—”
“Jarek is the most skilled and respected warrior next to Abarrane.”
“He hates me.” I drop my voice, scanning for ears. “You don’t think he’ll be a major issue when he finds out?” I don’t have to elaborate.
But Zander isn’t to be swayed. “You’re with Jarek, or you remain here. I will not bend on that.”
Gesine dips her head. “That is a wise decision, Your Highness.”
I groan, knowing I’ve lost this battle.
Zander’s eyes drift over me. “We’ll soon find out how wise.”
Somewhere deep within the city, a clock tower gongs six times.
“I have to say, I didn’t expect you to be so eager to get back in a saddle.” Jarek steers our horse behind Elisaf’s along the crumbling fieldstone wall—a divide in someone’s farm field, suitably shielded from view of the looming city wall by lush, overgrown trees. We’ve been following it for miles, in single file along the worn path.
“Did I look eager?” I think I swore as I threw my sore leg over. “I’ve had enough of saddles for the rest of my life.” All those car rides sitting behind that buffoon Tony don’t seem so bad anymore.
“And thank you for volunteering me for this run.”
“It wasn’t my choice.”
“Either way, there are plenty of taverns off the main square. I needed an excuse to visit one, and you gave it to me.”
Mention of taverns reminds me of that night on Port Street and Bexley’s bar. “Because you want to feed.”
“Why wouldn’t I, if the opportunity presents itself?”
“And does it usually?” It’s been days since his night with that pretty blond in the wagon.
“What do you think?” He chuckles softly.
Feed and fuck. He seems like the type who might end up in a back alley. As much as I despise Jarek, I can see how others might find him physically appealing. “I think you might be in luck as long as you don’t speak.” I doubt he’ll have time for taverns once we find Ianca, but he’s in an oddly upbeat mood, so I’m not about to burst that bubble.