“Why are you sneaking into your own home? Are you worriedsomeone will catch you, Iss Drengr?” Thora leans against the stone wall, her expression unreadable.
Calder yanks the door open and urges his team inside, narrowing his gaze over their heads at the Lady Commander. “How long has your father been sitting on my throne?”
“Since you imprisoned my mother.” She cocks her head, raising a brow.
“All right, everyone inside!” Gunni ushers the warriors between Thora and Calder, standing at opposite ends of the door frame.
“Why would I take the Queen?” He is dumbfounded by this development and is growing increasingly and unusually unhinged in his anger. They are running out of time to rescue Aura, and dealing with any additional bullshit has made it difficult for him to maintain his composure.
“That’s what my father believes. According to him, your dear, sweet mother stormed Blackwood and captured her to Skalor.” She picks some dirt from under her nails.
Gods, be damned!
“And you, of all people, buy this load of horse shit?” He counters as Gunni pokes his head outside.
“It’s awfully dark outside. Why don’t we bring this discussion inside?” His Second urges.
“Light a fire then, Gunni.” Thora waves him off, and he groans, letting the door slam. “I don’t buy a damn word, but I am not the one you have to convince. It’s Uncle Sig, and he wants your head on a pike.”
He unsheathes Makt’s great axe and shoves the Astrian steel blade at the Lady Commander. “I have been too busy preparing to murder my parents to kidnap or imprison Queen Avina.”
“Put that away before you hurt yourself.”
“We have little time. Lavinia captured Aura-”
“You allowed someone to abduct my sisteragain?” She presses her fingers to her temple. “Get in the damn Keep.”
With a growl, he shoves inside the warmth.
What is this presumption in my bloody home?
He heads up to the main floor, filled with many of his officers, who incline their heads in respect of his presence.
Gunni scrambles from a chair beside the staircase leading to the kitchen and lower level. “What do you need?”
Calder scratches the back of his neck as he enters the main floor sitting room where his team waits. Crystal leans against the stone hearth while Edmund and Argnier pace opposite one another.
“How long has Sigvid been here?” Calder asks to anyone willing to answer.
Thora sweeps past him into the room, glancing through the wide window overlooking the deserted rampart. When she turns to face them, he can see the worry lines on her face.
“We need to discuss my father.”
41
CALDER
October 26th, Year 21, 10th Era
Kaldrgataness, Skalor
Calder cracks his neck as he strides through the streets of Kaldrgataness. Edmund and Thora assume their places at his side, their jaws set, knowing the magnitude of what they are marching toward.
Each has their single command from him.
The only order he has issued for this confrontation.
I may be a demon, but I am not a monster.
