“You have everything?” my father asked for the third time, finishing the loose braid in Sapphire’s mane outside the palace stables.
“Yes, we’ve been over the plan. There’s nothing left to do but act.”
“I’ll watch out for them, sir,” Danya, the Master of Weapons and Warfare assured him, and I could feel the relief in my father’s exhale. Young by warrior standards—in her early forties—Danya had earned her position on the council prior to the war and proved that she deserved it despite the outcome. She was a small woman who flawlessly wielded a sword greater than my father’s, a weapon that should have thrown her solid frame off balance, yet she controlled it. A true master. A reliable source of protection.
My father smiled at her. “Thank you, Danya.”
She nodded, cropped black hair swaying, and left to see that the others were ready.
“And thank you, Father, for watching over the city.” He’d be staying behind with Larcen, Alvaron, and Missyneth to ensure Damenal was defended. Now that we knew there was an active Engrossian threat, preparations were being made.
“You’re sure you want to do this?” His eyes flicked over my shoulder to where the rest of our party was readying the horses. I knew who he was assessing—Barrett. He and his consort, Dax, would be attending the raid with us. Bound in chains.
Between Tolek, Jezebel, Cypherion, the delegates, and the handful of warriors Danya had selected, we’d ensure the Engrossian heir wasn’t a threat. Malakai had even decided to attend at the last moment, surprising us all, but I promised him he could keep well away from his half-brother.
“It’s a risk,” I agreed, watching the prince struggle onto the horse he’d share with a Mystique guard. “But he showed up here. He requested an audience and was desperate enough to hop the fence, despite the guards. He led the man he loves into potential danger for this.” That had to mean something. I was wary, but a small piece of me wanted to trust him. Or at least find out what else he hid. “He’s supposed to be our enemy, but the pieces aren’t aligning.”
My father was silent for a moment. Then, quiet and pained, he said, “He looks so much like him.” He watched Malakai readying his own horse in solitude. “Be careful,sorrida.”
The warning felt like it was about more than just Barrett.
“I will, Father. I’ll see you in time for the Renaiss festival next week.” It would be a day to celebrate the promises and hope we’d been blessed with this year—a day our people needed.
“I’ll see you. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
We left the city then and set off on the word of a supposed enemy.
Boulders formedtall walls around our camp as I sat beside Jezebel the first evening of the journey. Leaning back, I looked to the sky overhead, dusk creeping slowly toward night. Tall grass tickled the backs of my legs, and for a moment, serenity wrapped around me.
I breathed it in. Breathed it out. Closed my eyes. Wondered about what we’d face in a few days, listening to the crunch of Jezzie’s knife through crusty bread. Something about the mundane action of my sister preparing food was soothing amid the unknown.
The others had all taken to their own tasks—surveying the area,planning tomorrow’s route, watering the horses. But I was content to do as Jez directed.
“You’re buzzing with thought,” she said, handing me a block of cheese to slice.
She wasn’t wrong.
“You support this plan, right?” I started, not looking up from the work, cutting one chunk after another in my calloused hands. The Curse mark on the inside of my wrist swallowed up the starlight as I watched the darkened veins flex with each motion.
Jezebel didn’t pause. “Of course, I do.”
“I suppose I’m worried.” My cheeks flushed with the confession. “Since I’ve claimed this role, I’ve second-guessed my decisions more than usual.”
Now Jez set down her knife.
“Ophelia, what you’ve accomplished so far is extraordinary. Few warriors would have survived what you have, and even fewer would forge ahead. You’re rebuilding our lives. Our city.”
“It’s mainly the Mystiques.”
“They may physically be doing the work,” she countered, “but I’ve spent a lot of time in quieter parts of Damenal since we’ve been there. And do you know what they whisper of?”
“What?”
“Their symbol of hope. The girl who exposed a corrupt regime and put a stop to a conqueror. Your bravery and loyalty and determination, it inspires them.”
Tears stung my eyes, and I brushed them away before Jezebel could see them fall.
