The corridor, like the rest of the palace, is quiet. Our lights cast eerie shadows on the walls. We pass by one of the many large windows, and I’m tempted to pull back the red drapes and look outside. The Allaji were hitting hard when we climbed down the secret hole, and I worry that they’ve gained ground since then. As tempting as it is, I brush off the feeling. The last thing I need is to be distracted when I have a mission here to complete.
We stop at the heavy decorative door at the end of the hall.
“You think the king is just hard at work behind his desk as a battle rages outside of the castle?” Leif asks.
I shake my head and turn the knob.
“Wait!” Terro says, placing his hand on top of mine. “This is the king’s office? Shouldn’t we knock? I mean, do I look all right?” He runs his deep brown fingers down the front of his armor.
Leif scrunches his face and huffs. “We’re here to get him out, not wow him with your impeccable style.”
I snort and open the door.
The office is empty. A cup of tea sits next to the papers littering Micah’s desk, and his maroon jacket with gold embellishments hangs on the coat rack. I crack my neck from side to side and tuck my lips between my teeth, looking at the bookshelves that line the wall.
“Raelle, what are you doing?” Terro stage whispers.
I hold up a finger to quiet him as I read the spines of the countless books. It’s been a while since Micah shared with me all the secrets this room holds. I couldn’t have been more than ten years old. It’s hard for me to remember what the book I’m searching for looked like, but I can never forget the name. It was my favorite tome with brightly painted pictures and story after story about princesses who saved their kingdoms.
My gaze lands on the beautiful golden calligraphy embossed into asimple leather spine. I reach for the thick book and pull it down. Metal clicks and slides behind the shelf and it swings back.
My knees go weak at the sight of the five people inside the king’s safe room. Salone jumps up from a leather couch, her buttercream dress fluttering around her. She throws herself into my arms. Two guards and a house staffer stand and exit the small room, leaving Borin to continue pacing by himself. He clenches a crown and lines riddle his forehead. The worry flowing from him is palpable.
“Where is Micah?” I ask, releasing my sister and rubbing her back.
He cocks his head to the side like I’ve asked the daftest question he’s ever heard. It isn’t my brightest question. Of course, the king didn’t lock himself safely away while others fought.
I rephrase my question, saying, “How long ago did he leave the palace?”
“About an hour ago. We made sure everyone had a safe place to hide before he insisted on going out to fight.”
“Shit,” I hiss. “My father and his troops are at least two hours away. We’re not in a position to fight and win. The Allaji are at the border of the property. I’m pretty sure they’re here for Micah. If we can pull him out and let them raid the palace, I believe they’ll retreat when they don’t find him. It’s our best chance to minimize losses.”
Borin runs his hands up his face and over his bald head. “Do you have a plan to get him out?”
“I do but running into that mess is going to complicate it.” I turn to Leif and say, “Take my sister and the others down to the sitting room. Do a second sweep of the palace and make sure everyone is out before you head back the way we came.”
“What about you and the king?” Terro asks.
“I’ll find him, and we’ll meet you at the Omnis.”
Terro crosses his arms over his chest and plasters an indignant look on his face. “No way, I promised Kyron I’d stay with you.”
“Then I guess you are coming with me.”
The king regent steps forward. “I’m going as well.”
“Borin, you can’t?—”
“Do not tell me what I can and cannot do. That is my husband out there. I stayed behind for the others, but I belong fighting at his side.”
It wasn’t that long ago that I couldn’t truly comprehendthis sentiment. The need to sacrifice for the one you love, to place yourself in harm’s way to make sure they return home. I now know what it means to have a parah. It’s impossible to stand idly by when I know he will find more strength with me by his side. The same goes for Miach and Borin.
“Give the king regent your armor and sword,” I command a guard, who doesn’t hesitate to remove his breastplate, helmet, and weapon.
I watch over Borin as he prepares for battle. The need to get to Micah as fast as possible is evident in his shaking hands as he fastens each strap. He will not find an inhaling of peace until he is at his husband’s side.
Borin takes the lead of our group and storms through the palace. As we pass the others in our unit and palace guards, he recruits them to join our effort. He has taught me many things during my time under his tutor—how to critically think through a tough situation, how to negotiate a deal that benefits our kingdom, and how to carry myself as a queen—but never have I seen him in combat. This man, bounding through the kitchen, is someone I’ve never met. He rips the bars away from the staff’s door and pushes it open.
