“Odd is one word for it.” They turned, and now she had a view of the dais. Her brother still stared with a giddy grin, his eyes glazed and vacant. There was so much she didn’t understand about what was happening. It was safe to assume her brother was indeed being manipulated by Morkai through means of dark magic. She could feel the duke’s influence writhing through the castle, creeping into every corner and cobweb, dampening the air she breathed. But what exactly was he trying to accomplish? What reason did Morkai have to convince the king that Selay had been responsible for Queen Linette’s death, not to mention Cora’s supposed captivity? And where did the Beast and the hunt for unicorns fit in?
Her thoughts shifted to Valorre. He’d been helping the baby unicorn find its mother when Morkai had come. She hadn’t felt his presence once since then. Hadn’t heard his thoughts. His absence made her chest feel tight but she knew it was for the best. If she couldn’t feel him, then he was far enough away to avoid whatever danger she was in now.
“We can escape,” Teryn whispered, bringing her attention back to him.
She quirked a brow. “Escape? Why would you need to escape? You’re the honored guest. My brave rescuer, remember?”
“No, I’m not.”
“Have you received your precious bounty?”
His whisper turned sharp. “I don’t want it. All I want is to get you and Lex out of here. Tonight. I’ve seen to our horses. All three are saddled and ready, but we can’t use the main gates. If you know any other way out of the castle, any weaknesses in its walls, tell me.”
A memory rose to the forefront of her mind from the night Morkai had set her free from the dungeon. He’d taken her not through the gatehouse, not out one of the patrolled exits, but a portion of the wall that stood closest to the woods. Ivy had covered most of that part of the wall, and somewhere hidden behind tangled green vines had been an opening. A passage.
“You know of a way,” Teryn whispered. “Please, Cora. Tell me and I’ll get you free.”
There was so much conviction in his tone, she almost believed him. Almost. She scoffed. “You expect me to trust you?”
“I’m trying to help.”
“I don’t need your help.” She stepped away from him. That was when she realized they’d stopped dancing. The music had come to an end. It must have been the song’s natural conclusion, for she heard her brother break into applause. Only she was aware of her and Teryn’s abrupt parting.
“Cora.” He reached for her hand and grasped her fingertips.
She stared down at their gloved touch before wrenching her hand away. Then, without bothering to curtsy, she marched back toward the table.
Dimetreus waved his hands at her, shooing her away from the dais. “No, let’s see another dance.” He snapped his fingers at the harpist, who began another song.
Morkai’s gaze burned into Cora while he spoke to her brother. “I think we’ve had enough dancing tonight, Your Majesty.”
“Nonsense. Let the young people have fun.”
“My feet are tired, brother,” she said, painfully aware that Teryn had caught up to her and now stood by her side. “I can’t possibly dance again.”
Dimetreus gave her an indulgent grin. “You must forgive me, then, Aveline. I have just missed you so. Seeing you dance brought back the best memories. Besides,” his grin took on a sly quality, “the two of you make quite the pair. Perhaps our kingdoms can take on a more formal alliance before long.”
Cora’s breath caught, her cheeks burning. She opened her mouth to speak but not a word came out.
Teryn, on the other hand, didn’t share in her struggle. “I am honored at what you suggest, Your Majesty,” he said with ease. “I am fond of your sister.”
She whipped her head toward him, lips pursed to keep from emitting a string of curses.The nerve. What a joke!
“You forget, Majesty,” Morkai said, his voice cold, “that the prince has yet to prove himself our ally.”
Dimetreus gestured at Teryn. “He…he rescued her. It’s quite romantic, Your Grace.”
The duke’s attention shifted to Teryn. “Romantic indeed. Still, he must demonstrate the extent of his heroics.”
“He’ll march on Selay with us,” Dimetreus said. “Won’t you, Prince Teryn?”
“March on Selay.” Cora wasn’t sure whether it was just her who’d said it because she, Teryn, and Lex were all staring bewilderedly at the king.
“Yes,” Dimetreus said. His expression hardened, an edge creeping into his tone. “We must avenge what was done to my wife. We must make them pay for keeping my sister captive. For six years, I’ve been planning for this moment, building toward it. We will lay waste to the capital city, seize Verlot Palace, and make King Verdian regret that he ever lifted a hand against us.”
A shudder ran down Cora’s spine as she recalled the rumors of her brother’s growing army. How Roije had to fight his way out of being recruited. All this time…the king’s motive had been to build an army big enough to take down Selay? She narrowed her eyes at Morkai, but he only smiled back. This wasn’t her brother’s plan. It washis. But why?
She balled her hands at her sides and strode up the dais until she stood opposite her brother. “Selay didn’t send a spy to kill your wife,” she said, her words coming out with a tremor.
