The torches of the palace are blazing now, throwing shadows over the walls as we pass. I have no idea how late it is. It’s odd to be led through the palace like this. I’m so used to creeping through secret passageways and springing from alcove to beam like a cat. I don’t even know where they’re taking me, but we’re not going fast. The chain between my feet is short, making my steps small and shuffling.
I don’t know why King Theodore would have summoned me. Jory had my orders, so perhaps she was able to give them proof of why we fled the palace. But surely Dane would denyhisinvolvement—and Maddox Kyronan would deny his. I may adore Jory with every fiber of my being, but I know how powerless she is here.
Could the king of Incendar have done something? Said something? Spoken in my defense?
As soon as I have the thought, I banish it from my thoughts. He tricked me. Helied. I’ve already been caged and branded like an animal.
Maybe I’ve simply been summoned to prove that they’re delivering punishment, that justice will be served.
By the time the guards draw me to a stop, the pain in my shoulder has settled into a dull ache. We’ve reached a set of massive wooden doors flanked by additional guards, and I realize they’ve brought me to the throne room.
My heart thumps hard, and my feet seem rooted to the ground. Am I to be executed? Is this what happened to my mother?
A guard raps with his halberd, a man calls for us to enter, and then the doors are drawn open. As they half lead, half drag me inside, I don’t just find myself facing the king. I’m surrounded by more than two dozen people.
Jory’s father is on the throne, and even if I didn’t know he was sick, I might suspect it. His skin is pale, his eyes a bit yellowed. Dane is on a smaller throne beside him, looking healthy and hale, with eyes that I’ve hated since I was old enough to know how much bitterness hides behind them. They’re both backed by more guards, and to their right is a man I know well: the Guildmaster.
Master Pavok is a large man, with a thick head of gray hair and a gutfalling over his belt buckle. I’m shocked to see him here. Did they summon him to verify my orders? Maybe he’ll be able to set this all straight. I’ve been loyal to the Guild since he took me on, and he knows it.
But as my eyes sweep the room, I realize that the king of Incendar is here, too. His five soldiers surround him, but a tiny sphere of fire catches my eye. He’s passing it back and forth, palm to palm, the way an antsy child might fidget with a ball. His gaze falls on me, and I’d swear I can see that same firelight flicker in his eyes, as if that magic lives inside him.
Rage lights up my veins.
They don’t need another Hunter, I think.I will find a way to end you.
As if he heard me, the ball of flame goes still. I jerk my eyes away from him.
“Asher.” Jory’s voice comes from somewhere to my right, full of shock—or maybe pity. I don’t know what I look like, but I doubt it’s very good.
I have to search for her, because I didn’t see her in my first glance at the room, but she’s there, seated on a chair by the wall, her lady Charlotte beside her. She’s been dressed in a new gown, all silk and satin perfection, her hair freshly arranged. Her cheeks are flushed, her eyes red like she was crying.
Well, that’s not encouraging.
“Jory,” I say, and my voice is barely more than a rasp.
One of the guards cracks me in the shoulders, and it’s no better than when the soldier did it earlier. This time my knees hit the stone floor, the chains of my shackles rattling. I have to catch myself on my hands.
No, this is definitely not good.
“Guildmaster,” Prince Dane says. “Do you know this Hunter?” His voice sounds bored, but it sends a fresh bolt of rage through my heart.
But Master Pavok nods. “Yes, Your Highness. This is Hunter Asher.”
“Was he given an order to kill Maddox Kyronan, as Princess Marjoriana claims?”
I hold my breath. Maybe thiswillhelp prove my innocence.
“No,” says Master Pavok. “Hunter Asher has not been seen by the Guild for more than three months.”
I jerk my head up. “No! I was there this—”
One of the guards punches me right where the brand seared my shoulder, and I forget how to speak. I hear a horrible sound, and I think it comes out of me.
“Stop!” Jory shouts, her desperate fury ringing through the room. “Dane, I have repeatedly told you that Asher was not responsible for this. You willstop this.”
Nothing stops. The pain is dizzying. I breathe through my teeth.
“You have had your time to speak,” says Dane. “Pavok, proceed.”
