My magic surges beneath my skin, responding to the adrenaline flooding my veins.
I don’t know what I’m going to do when I get there.
I don’t have a plan.
Even though I know it is the most stupid thing I have ever done in my life, even though I know I will probably die for my actions, I keep running anyway.
9
Sebastian
I burst through the tree line. Behind me, shouts echo through the night, growing closer with every passing second.
Curse the gods! They are onto me.
I pick up the pace; the ground is uneven beneath my bare feet. I have to jump over roots and rocks as I push myself harder, faster. The old trading road should be just ahead.
I push. Then I push some more, forcing my legs to go faster.
My lungs start to burn, but I ignore the discomfort. I need to be free.
The bells have stopped ringing.
The trumpets have stopped their insistent blaring.
Why?
I don’t like the answer that comes to mind.
They are tracking me. I know it. Using every one of their senses to do it. If I’m not quick and quiet enough, I will be caught.
The forest opens up ahead of me, and just on the other side is the road. I heave a sigh of relief, but it is short-lived when several guards emerge from the trees up ahead.
Kakara help me.
There are six of them, and they’re all heavily armed.
I skid to a stop, turning on my heel, but five more are headed this way along the path I just used.
I look up at the sky, gritting my teeth.
God’s teeth, why can’t I catch a break?
“Stop right there!” one of them shouts as I start to backtrack. He’s tall and broad, his sword already drawn.
I raise my hands slowly, trying to appear non-threatening. “I don’t want to fight you.”
“Then come quietly.” Another guard steps forward, his hand on the hilt of his blade. “Make this easy on yourself.”
Except nothing about this is easy.
These are my people. Fae who have suffered under Snow’s rule, just like everyone else. They’re not my enemies. They’re prisoners themselves, forced to do her bidding.
But I can’t go back. I can’t let them take me.
I won’t!
“I’m sorry,” I tell them. “But I can’t do that. You need to let me go. I’m the king…I’myourking. I command you.”
