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)
Tyree’s throat bobs with his swallow. “With my last breath, I will not. I promise.”
The first scuffle in the tunnel comes a minute later.
Tyree releases a battle cry as he swings his sword, cutting down the soldier who appears. That one is quickly replaced by two more, then another four, their blades blocking Tyree’s furious swings and Destry’s attempts.
As I cower in my corner, I wish I had accepted Zander’s countless offers of lessons in the sparring court, though I don’t know that it would help against this many. I do the only thing I can think of, drawing on my feeble affinity to pelt the onslaught of soldiers with loose stones from the cave, aiming for their faces.
It works for a time, distracting them enough that Tyree and Destry can slice and stab and cut them down. But suddenly, there are too many of them.
Tyree trips over a body, tumbling backward to the cave floor.
A soldier moves in, lifting his sword in the air.
“Stop, or the kal’ana dies!” I shriek.
They all freeze. They may not understand my words, but they understand the dagger I hold at my throat.
King Hadkiel appears, trailed by four Azyr, who look no worse for wear after clambering up a mountain. His gaze sweeps over the cave, stalling momentarily on the golden antlers cast aside nearby, and then gives an order in his deep, melodious voice.
The soldiers lower their swords.
“My dear kal’ana. Why did you run? I was going to make you a queen.”
My anger surges. “You dare use a disappointed tone with me? I saw your last queen,” I hiss. I can’t believe I ever thought this mortal handsome, or that I considered marrying him.
“Yes, and she serves as the brightest light for all Udrel. She has saved countless lives. Do you not wish to be honored in the same way?” He takes a small step forward, and the Azyr edge in around him.
“Do not come any closer!” I snarl. “This is a token blade from Malachi, and it is deadly. I promise, you will get nothing from my body if I embed it in my neck.”
He holds up his hands, staying his Azyr. “What would you ask of me?”
“Leave. Let us go.”
His smile is soft. “I cannot do that. My people have suffered for too long.” He takes another step forward.
I back up, pressing the tip of the blade into my flesh. The sting is fierce. “I would rather die than serve as Udrel’s queen.” My eyes flicker to Tyree. I pray he can read the request in them.
His jaw grows taut with grim determination as his eyes water. “I will meet you at the gates of Za’hala,” he promises, gripping a dagger in his hand. He’s proven his skill and speed, many times over. If I don’t succeed, he will.
I nod as his fist tightens, readies.
“Stop!” Atticus’s voice booms.
99
Atticus
A rivulet of blood trails down Annika’s throat as she gapes at me, stunned.
“Back away from her now,” I command, strolling in with swords in each hand, ignoring the shocking fact that one moment ago, we were standing in a dank underground vault in Ulysede, and now we are in a cave filled with soldiers, a king, and a handful of conjurers.
And Tyree, sprawled out on the ground.
“I presume you are King Hadkiel?” We expected to find Udrel’s ruler in a city named Orothos, not standing on the other side of Romeria’s nymph door.
“I am.” His cautious eyes flitter from me to Annika. “And who might you be?” His accent matches Tuella’s.
“Prince Atticus. And this is King Zander of Islor, and Queen Romeria of Ybaris and Ulysede.” I ignore Saoirse for the moment. Her introduction will come soon enough. “And this”—I nod toward a shaking Annika—“is our dear sister, who we are here to take home with us, so I suggest you step away, unless you’d prefer to lose your kingdom today.” I flash a wicked grin. “Queen Romeria is collecting.”
Behind me, Zander snorts.
One of the Azyr speaks in a low voice, in their language, but her black eyes are riveted to Romeria, her tone one of warning.
King Hadkiel takes a step back.
And then another.
And another.
The guards lower their swords.
“Atticus?” Annika sounds dazed.
I charge forward, gathering her into a hug.
“I thought you were dead.” She squeezes back.
“And I thought you were dead.”
“But Tyree’s cuffs came off.”
“That, I can’t explain.” I stroke her bedraggled curls. “So much has happened.”
“The blood curse—”
“Is gone, yes, we know.”
“And Queen Neilina—”
“Is dead. Romeria killed her.”
“Then who was the person using her body because we found her over there.” She peels away from my arms and points to the far end, where a makeshift bed of twigs sits.
“That was Aoife.” Romeria steps forward, offering Annika a smile. “But she’s gone now.”
“Because Tyree killed her to save me,” Annika says absently, staring at her. “Why are your eyes silver?”