The man she was quite certain she loved.
Chapter 4
Carver
Carverensuredthebloodstonewas tucked in his saddlebag before securing the flap. He hated the amulet, but he was determined to keep it safe. Amryn’s experience with the bloodstone had been enough to make him cautious of its power, and Felinus’s warnings had only strengthened his wariness. The amulet was dangerous. Until it could be destroyed, he would keep it from being used.
When he glanced up, it was to take in the chaos of the courtyard. It was just after dawn, and the temple courtyard was bustling with servants and guards making the final preparations to leave. He’d already helped Amryn into the first carriage, which she would share with Jayveh and their two maids. The second carriage held Zacharias, a shackled Trevill—along with a dedicated guard—as well as Samuel and Sadia. The princess of Cael had declined to travel with Jayveh and Amryn, though she’d been invited. She had wanted to stay with her husband.
Ivan, like Carver, had elected to ride a horse. Carver assumed they had the same reasoning; a soldier didn’t like to feel trapped. All the guards—including Jayveh’s bodyguards—would also ride. A wagon would follow, loaded with trunks, supplies, and a few servants to aid in their travel.
Jayveh had put Carver in charge of their journey. His experience as a general, and his knowledge of the jungle and its unique hazards, made him a logical choice. He knew it irritated Zacharias. The high cleric was used to being the one in charge, and his silent fuming was obvious. Carver got a little too much satisfaction out of that.But, Saints, it was only fair. Every moment he’d spent under that pompous man’s rule in Esperance had rankled. Zacharias deserved a little annoyance.
It would take a couple of weeks to reach Zagrev, if the weather cooperated. Their stops would be minimal, the pace relentless. But if it got them to the safety of the emperor’s palace sooner, he wouldn’t complain. He needed Jayveh safe, and then he could focus on getting Amryn to Westmont. Then, perhaps, he would be able to mourn Argent. His gut twisted sharply at the thought.
Ford came up to Carver, tugging his horse behind him. His friend was more than a highly trained soldier—he was one of the best scouts in the empire. He had skills Carver didn’t, and a wealth of experience working in dangerous situations. He was used to operating alone, or at least with minimal support. Even knowing all that, Carver hated to send him off on this mission.
He’d already lost one friend. He couldn’t lose another.
“Are you sure you can spare ten men?” Ford asked.
“Eight of them are temple guards,” Carver pointed out.
He snorted. “Good point. Thanks for sending the untested men with me.”
Carver cracked a smile, but his flash of mirth died quickly. “Be careful.”
His friend waved a dismissive hand. “I’m always careful.”
“That’s a blatant lie, and you know it.”
“No. At most, it’s a slight exaggeration.”
Carver huffed a reluctant laugh. “Just make sure you watch your back. King Jamir is a dangerous enemy.”
“Thank you, General,” Ford said, sarcasm drenching his words. “I don’t know what I would ever do without your most valuable insights.” His face grew serious as he said, “We went over the plans—plans, Carver, all five of them—until I was reciting them in my sleep. They’re all solid. Besides, I think Jayveh knows her uncle better than we do. If she says he’ll do anything to protect his image, he will. He’ll complain when I arrest him, but he won’t strike out with his guards. He won’t want to make a scene, and he’ll firmly believe he can talk his way out of any accusation.”
Carver agreed. King Jamir was arrogant, and he’d gotten away with being a rebel for who knew how long. Though, if Tamwaswith him, she could have told him everything. Including the fact that Jayveh had turned on him. It was something Jamir wouldn’t have expected, since he’d threatened the lives of her two younger brothers. He couldn’t have realized that Carver’s father had specifically taken the boys to Westmont to protect them from him. After all, it was considered normalfor the sons of royals, and even nobles, to be sent to Westmont for a season or two to train in swordplay.
But if Jamir had learned his niece had betrayed him—and that the emperor might know of his treason—he would be much more likely to fight back when Ford arrested him.
An animal was always at its most dangerous when cornered.
“You be careful, too,” Ford said, expression serious. “No one expects the Chosen to leave Esperance early, but if the Rising has anyone watching the roads . . .”
Carver set a hand on Ford’s shoulder. “How about we’rebothcareful, and we meet again in the capital as soon as possible?”
“I like that plan. You can buy me a drink.”
“Make it back without any injuries and I’ll buy you two.”
Ford grinned. “Deal.” Then he asked, “Did Hugo already leave?”
Carver nodded. Hugo had served under Carver in Harvari. Ford knew the soldier best, since they’d worked together as scouts. He’d recommended Hugo to be part of the trusted network that could get messages to and from Carver while he was sealed off at Esperance. Carver had entrusted Hugo with two very important letters mere hours ago; one Jayveh had written to the emperor, and one Carver had written to his father. Cregon needed to know that things had failed in Esperance. Carver hadn’t gone into extreme detail, but he’d assured his father that he and Amryn would return home as soon as they could leave the capital.
Ford gave Carver’s shoulder another friendly slap, then swung up onto his horse. Reins gathered loosely in one hand, he flashed a familiar, cocky smile. “See you in the capital, Carve. Where you’ll be buying me those two drinks.”
Carver watched as Ford rode out of the temple compound with his men. They would be taking a different route and moving faster than the larger group could.
