“What am I?” I look at my clawed hands, now scratched and bloody.
The tug comes again, stronger now, and I look up and ask the night. “Who are you?”
12
Solano
Icheck my horse once more, going over supplies and weapons.
“This is a terrible idea, my lord.” Brock, seemingly aging with each breath, stands beside me. “The council is already uneasy about your appointing me regent, and the people will—”
“The people of the day are strong. They will follow your lead. I just need you to keep the realm together until I return.” I climb onto my horse.
“You’re not fully healed.” He tries another tack.
“I’m leaving, old friend. You can’t dissuade me.” I look down at him, at the worry in his eyes. “This realm has survived far worse calamities than you being named lord regent.”
“Well, so far.” Tristano rides up, his smirk intact. “You could really go all out and do something terrible, something to get you into the history books of worst regent ev—”
Brock steps toward Tristano. “I will knock you from that horse and send you to the Spires.”
“I’ll miss you, too.” Tristano grins and falls into line behind me.
Brock almost smiles. Almost. “I will do my best in your absence, but you can’t expect me to support this rash decision.”
“You don’t have to.” I turn my gaze southward, toward the border with night. “I’ll return with my mate, and we shall have a royal wedding the likes of which the day realm has never seen for its new queen.” I meet his eyes again. “But until that time, steady our forces and prepare them for war. I don’t know what the future holds, but there’s too much risk for us to ignore the danger rising in the night realm from the seekers. I place my trust in you, Lord Regent.”
Brock pinches the bridge of his nose. “The realms at war. Again.”
“War? Pah.” Selene struts out ahead of me, seemingly appearing from nowhere, a unicorn in tow behind her. “War is so boring, but at least it brings fresh meat.” She shrugs and mounts the unicorn. “Fresh meat and bones. Tasty morsels of gristle and sinew.”
“You’re coming with us to the Nightlands?” I raise a surprised brow.
“I’ll do anything to get away from this infernal sun and oppressive blue sky.” She spits on the cobblestone, and I could swear it sizzles.
This could be a stroke of good luck, though the glowering obsidian certainly doesn’t look it. She’s powerful. Old magic lives in her bones. And she may not use her magic for anyone other than herself, but I’ve learned it can be bought. I’ll make as many deals with this dark witch as necessary to free my Emma and bring her home.
“I think you just want to be near me,” Everett calls.
“Near enough to nibble your entrails once you die in the Nightlands? Why, yes, you’re right.” She snaps her teeth at him.
He simply grins back at her. “Still got it.”
“My lord, you can’t allow her to accompany you. She’ll betray you at first chance.” Brock’s familiar disdain gives me hope.
“He’s right.” Selene cackles. “I offer no assistance, no promises of help. I wander my own path, and I do not allow any male—king or not—to overcome my will.” She pats her unicorn who whistles a bawdy tune.
She’s a risk. A huge one. But if she can’t help Grimelda any further, perhaps she can help me save Emma.
“I’m still hoping to get my claws on those sisters.” She sighs dreamily.
“Why? What’s so special about Gwenarie and Lunarie?” Bladin asks.
“What’s so special about a pig with two snouts?” she retorts.
“The two snouts, I guess?” Everett answers.
“Only one is the right one. If you know, youknow.” She taps the side of her nose.
