Yumekui doesn’t even glance at them. Her gaze remains fixed on me, sharp and predatory, as if I’m some sort of amusement. She snatches the bucket from her hands with a casual, almost lazy motion, as if their presence is beneath her notice. A grin stretches across her face, cold and calculating, and she steps closer, the bucket clutched tightly in her hand.
I barely have time to react before she hurls the water at me. My breath catches in my throat, stolen by the frigid water, and for a second, the world blurs around me, reduced to the stinging sensation of cold slicing through my body.
Yumekui’s mocking laughter fills the room as she watches me shudder beneath the water’s assault. With a dismissive flick of her wrist, she tosses the now empty bucket back at the woman.
“Another,” she orders, her voice dripping with impatience. The words are a command, not a request, and the woman bows once more.
Yumekui turns her attention to the lifeless body slumped in the corner. Her eyes narrow, and she curls her lip in disdain. “And get someone in here to drag this body away for the birds.” Her voice is sharp as a blade. Her tone is as cold as the water dripping off me.
Chapter fourteen
Everly
Igive the guards a soft smile as we pass through the gates of the castle, and they bow in return, their fists on their chest. The sight makes me nervous, though Storm seems to somehow stand taller at the gesture making my grin grow wider. I glance down at Zaria’s dark, sleek form. She has stayed in pace with Storm the entire journey back to the castle.
“I’ll deal with the horses,” Fenris’s voice cuts through the silence. “Get her inside.”
“‘Her’ has a name,” I snap. “And I can brush down Storm myself.”
His attention lands on me, and his eyes darken in anger. I return the glare, refusing to back down. With a clipped tone, he says, “Fine,” before nudging his horse and trotting ahead, leaving Tristan and me behind.
He disappears almost immediately, slipping away intothe shadows.
His abrupt departure leaves a lingering sense of unease in my chest, but I push it aside for now. I don’t have the energy to try to sort through how I feel when it comes to him.
Torches have been lit and line the road, light casting long shadows across the courtyard. No sooner have we stopped in front of the stables than Gideon appears with a wooden ladder in hand. A flush of embarrassment creeps up my neck.
“Gideon, how will I learn if you are being so kind all the time?” I chuckle.
The boy’s big blue eyes widen, and his mouth opens and closes several times. I cover my mouth to hide my smile. He is adorable.
“What should I do, Your Majesty?” he blurts, and bows quickly.
“Catch me if I’m about to fall.” I smile.
Tristan laughs quietly beside me as he dismounts with an easy grace I envy. It’s also a little harder because I’m riding without a saddle and have nothing but the mane to grip onto. I shift awkwardly on Storm’s broad back, preparing to slide down. Tristan walks over without a word and holds up his hands, ready to help guide me.
“Thanks,” I mutter, feeling self-conscious as he catches me around the waist and steadies my feet on the ground.
Before I can say anything else, Gideon cuts in. “Would you like me to take care of Storm, Your Majesty?” he offers, his voice full of nervousness.
Storm stamps his hooves and snorts, sending the boy back a step. I suppress a smile and lift my hand to stroke Storm’s neck, my fingers gliding over his sleek, powerful muscles.
“That’s okay,” I reply gently. “Storm and I need some time together.”
Storm nudges my hand with his nose when I stop petting him, a quiet, familiar gesture that tugs at my heart.
“Come on, war horse, let’s get you ready for bed,” I murmur, giving his flank a soft pat.
Storm stays by my side, his steps matching mine as we walk into the stables. The wolves take their positions near the stable doors, their large bodies lowering to the ground in a silent vigil. Asrai, who is still nestled in the hood of my cloak, flutters out and lands on Zaria’s head.
‘That was close,’Asrai signs, her tiny hands moving quickly.
“It really was,” I agree, my voice barely above a whisper as we step into the dimly lit stall. The familiar smell of hay and earth greets me, bringing a strange sense of comfort after the chaos of the day.
I guide Storm into his stall, taking my time as I brush down his coat, each stroke helping to settle my racing thoughts. Zaria lies down in the corner, her large eyes watching me closely, while Asrai perches on her head, a little sentinel.
My hands run over Storm’s shiny black coat, and I draw in a shaky breath. “How is Nova? Have you been taking care of her?”
