“You’ll take care of it?” the voice asked, deep and sure. It was muffled by walls, impossible for her to identify.
“Of course, sir,” another voice replied.
“Remember your vow. I want this handled quickly and done by dawn.”
“Yes, sir.” The man paused, hesitant. “May I ask why?”
“You should remember your place,” the first voice commanded. “It’s a matter of security. We can’t risk classified information getting into the wrong hands. This remains between you and me, soldier.”
“Yes, sir. I will take care of it now.”
“Good.”
One set of footsteps began to walk, and she held her breath. The sound was moving away from her. Perhaps the godswerewatching.
She stayed rooted in her spot until she heard a door creak open and shut. When her path was clear, she continued to her room, the remnants of the conversation flitting around in her head and keeping her from sleep hours after she collapsed into bed.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Clía watched from the stairs of Caisleán Cósta as the carriage arrived, her hand tapping rapidly against her leg.
It drew to a stop, and Ó Connor stepped down onto the cobblestone drive.
The urge to run to him and throw her arms around him, this one piece of home she had missed too dearly, coursed through her. But she kept her feet rooted to the ground.
The corners of his eyes creased as he spotted her. “Clía. It’s good to see you again.”
She couldn’t hold back the smile that grew on her face. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too,” he said softly. “This place has barely changed. Now, where shall I put my bags?”
“Follow me,” Clía said, leading him into the castle. “Your letter arrived just in time, but it left out some crucial information. While I’m glad you’ve come, whyareyou here?”
“Is visiting my favorite princess not excuse enough?” She sent him a look. “All right, fine. I’m still acting as Álainndore’s chief of war until a replacement can be found. I needed to come here to retrieve some books and maps from the Draoi.”
“Couldn’t someone else do that?” she asked. A chief didn’t run errands.
“I had hoped to speak to General Kordislaen as well. We trained together, during my time here. I want to know what his plans are, and what Scáilca’s might be. Your parents are starting to worry that war might reach our shores,” he added.
Startingto worry? Had they even read her letters since she arrived at Caisleán?
A warrior she didn’t recognize passed them in the hall. Clía kept her voice low. “They should know war isn’t some vague possibility—it’s imminent. Álainndore needs to prepare.”
Sheshould be helping them prepare.
The thought had been growing louder the past few days.
Was she neglecting her duty, staying at the castle? Her plan to win Domhnall back had failed, so what was holding her here? Was her continued training necessary or an excuse?
“You musn’t worry about Álainndore. Measures are in place to prepare for whatever may come.” His attempt at reassurance didn’t quite quell her growing fear.
Before she could ask him more, there was a shout down the hall.
“Healer!”
It was Kían.
She ran toward him.
