“Aveline,” Dimetreus cried out again. “What…what has happened?”
Her gaze slid back to her brother.
Questions invaded her mind. What would happen to Khero now? The other kingdoms saw Dimetreus as a traitor. An invader. Cora couldn’t call him fully innocent, for she still felt the ghost of resentment clawing her heart. But he didn’t know what was happening. He might not remember anything between now and when Morkai had first begun manipulating his mind. How could he defend himself and explain what Morkai had done if he didn’t understand any of it?
She was reminded of something she’d said to herself only days ago.
If my brother can’t protect Khero, that leaves only me.
Her shoulders slumped, her fingers unclenched to hang open at her sides. She thought not of the hillside and the freedom that beckoned her nor the bow that demanded blood. Instead, she met Verdian’s hard stare with defiance. She stepped out from behind Teryn, doing her best not to limp or wince. “I am Princess Aveline,” she said. “I will go with you and provide whatever proof you require. You will hear me out and you will give my brother a chance to defend himself.”
Verdian’s face slackened with surprise but he quickly steeled it. “Very well,” he said. “Take the traitor and the supposed princess.”
“Treat them as befits royalty,” Teryn added, his voice firm. The voice of a king. He stared at the soldiers, gaze unflinching, daring any of them to contradict him.
Verdian released a grumbling sigh. “Get King Teryn to a surgeon.” The king strode away, his final order sending the soldiers into a frenzy of movement. Two men took Cora by each of her arms.
“Treat her well,” Teryn called. She could no longer see him through the commotion, and his voice sounded farther away now. As the soldiers hauled Dimetreus to his feet, she finally caught sight of Teryn. He was being escorted away by far gentler hands. Glancing over his shoulder, he met her eyes and gave her a small nod. She felt his reassurance. His worry. His unspoken apology tinged with a promise—he wouldn’t let anything bad happen to her.
A voice crept into her awareness.Shall I fight them?Valorre’s unseen nearness filled her with a steadying warmth.
No. I’m going with them willingly.
Then I’ll go too.
You can’t, she said.We don’t know what they’ll do to a unicorn.
His energy rippled with something like a scoff.They will not see me. But I will follow. I’ll be near. I go where you go now.
Her lips curled into a small smile, fueling her strength as she let the soldiers lead her to the western side of the field. Despite her aching leg, her fatigue, and the storm of questions that tangled in her mind, she kept her head held high. Kept her shoulders back.
Whatever came next, she’d be the princess she needed to be.
