Now’s your time,I thought as Roar’s blade met Aleksander’s belly.
Interlude
KING MAGNUS AABERG, THE WHITE BEAR, PROTECTOR OF WINTER’S REALM
The King of Winter’s Realm stood on the upper deck, watching a ship bearing the sea serpent sail of House Virtoris shake with the force of a mage strike. A hole formed in the hull and the vessel sunk with a rapidity that made him smile.
A low laugh left his throat. “Fayeth’s hubris seems misplaced. Is that all they’ve got?”
At his side, the King of Shadows let out a long hum. “They did not expect mages.” He tilted his chin toward the sky.
The stars peeked through the fresh darkness, as if the dead gods were attempting to witness the events below. Well, they’d have little time to do so. Rain lashed at the decks, the beginning of the storm they’d seen on the horizon. “That being said, I have to disagree with your assessment. They’re doing well. Two mage ships have gone to the depths”
The Winter King sneered. “Three of theirs compared to two of ours. And I’m certain they have already sustained many more casualties.”
Only a couple of the ships sailing with them had been overrun by enemies, and one of the sunken ships on the other side had been the lead vessel. The king would relish the memoryof Lady Fayeth Virtoris soaring from the ship, her children at her back. They’d taken refuge on another vessel, slithering and hiding like the serpents they claimed as their own. But his forces would fish them out, and when they did, Magnus would make sure the traitors met their end at the bottom of the sea they loved so well.
“We could do more,” Érebo stated. “Icould do more.”
“You should let him, Father,” Rhistel added from his place a few paces away.
Magnus gave a noncommittal sound. The Shadow King and his heir had bonded these past days, and Magnus was certain Rhistel wished to see the might of shadows, just as Érebo relished watching Rhistel work. A mutual admiration that Magnus would keep a close eye on in the coming days.
That relationship aside, the king knew that all magic had limits. Fae tired, as any other creature did when they exerted their power. If Magnus and Érebo were to use shadows, the King of Winter wanted them to be used for the grand finale.
He would not have it said he won this battle only because of one ally.
“Not yet.” The king tasted the salt of the sea in the air. Mixed with it was the undeniable tang of blood. “However, I do agree we need a change. A stunning moment in which to sow fear into their hearts.” He made a show of thinking it over, though he already knew what the next step should be. “It’s time to unleash another weapon.”
Magnus locked eyes with Rhistel, Vale behind him, waiting to be commanded like a dog.
The Riis bastard was not there but locked and warded in a cabin. Currently, his mind was his own, for Rhistel could only control so many people at once, and only one fae to the degree they required during a battle.
“Send Vale in. Have him find the Lady of Ships and her children,” Magnus said. “Kill them.”
Rhistel nodded, and when Vale’s hand fell upon thehilt of his borrowed sword, the king knew the command had been given. Would be followed without question, for Rhistel had done stunning work these past days. Terrifying to anyone with half a brain, but stunning nonetheless.
“And if the Falk sisters arrive?” Rhistel asked.
The moment only half of the Nava vessels had joined them in the battle, they’d known something was wrong. According to one sailor, the other half of the Nava ships were being commandeered behind the islands off the mainland. Lord Roar’s vessel among them. The sailor claimed that the Warden of the West was engaged in battle. That a silver-haired female sought him out.
Who else could it be but Isolde Falk?
An unforeseen development, but truth be told, the king hoped Isolde finished off the high lord. Magnus was no idiot. He knew Roar wanted more than what he claimed to desire. He probably wanted the Crown of Winter, just like Isolde, making Roar a dangerous ally. Still, the king had not been able to deny Lord Roar, for his large army was too loyal to the High Lord of the West. Had Magnus killed him, that army would no longer submit.
If someone on the other side of the war killed Roar, well, that was a different matter. And if it was Isolde Falk, all the better. Magnus could use that hatred to bind Roar’s army to him and be free of the Warden of the West and every promise he’d made.
“If they survive the mage attacks. Have Vale find Isolde. He will take her life publicly.” A deviation from their previous plan, but Magnus was willing to roll with the punches. He did not need to be the one to kill Isolde. Not when a spectacle would be far more impactful.
“The sister?” Rhistel asked, his face emotionless. He may not be of the king’s blood, but Magnus had to admit Rhistel’s ability to bury his emotions in times such as these made him an ideal heir. As did his ability to manipulate and control others.
“If she lives, bring her to me. If I’m giving up Isolde, I’d like to have that pleasure.”
Chapter 50
ISOLDE
Arla’s screech sounded through the din of combat as Aleksander fell to the deck, his eyes staring up at the bird.
