Outside.
In the open.
In front of them all.
Chapter Forty-Two
Forward, Commander
Forward was more than a command. It was all of them, together.
Amerei shouldered past Gabriel, her braid snapping like a whip as she strode into the courtyard. Sunlight caught on her boots and the fine dust rising with every step. Horses stamped and snorted, tack gleaming gold. The morning itself seemed to be waiting.
Storne stood beside his stallion, Evander fussing with the straps, the rest of the men readying for the long ride ahead.
Amerei turned sharply, cloak swirling, and planted herself in front of Gabriel. The elf loomed nearly a foot taller, but she lifted her chin, eyes glittering with dangerous amusement.
“You know, Captain Feindoran,” she said lightly, “your reputation’s traveled farther than you think.”
He swallowed, eyes everywhere.
She only move closer.
“Word is you left quite the impression on not one, buttwoof King Yethule’s nieces.”
A beat of stillness. Then a few of the men froze, half-smothered laughter tugging at their mouths.
Gabriel held his breath.
Amerei tilted her head, voice gone sweet and sharp.
“Apparently Vykenra is abuzz with curiosity as to how such alarge elfcan wield such asmall weapon.”
Laughter broke like thunder. Evander barked one outright. Matteo choked on his own breath. Even Storne’s lips twitched before he hid it in a cough.
Gabriel’s face darkened scarlet, his towering frame stiffened by his heartbeat.
From the shadowed wall, Viktor’s mouth curved slow and dangerous. Pain still dragged at his body, but the sight of her—brazen, merciless, his Amerei—sent something feral through him. For an instant, the ache and burns vanished—my shameless girl.
And she wasn’t finished yet.
Gabriel cleared his throat, voice low. “Lady Zrynon, I—”
Amerei cut him off with a smile far too friendly.
“Better the bastard children of an Aerdanian than theinbredchildren of an elven noble.”
The courtyard cracked with chaos—Evander doubling over, soldiers snickering behind gloved hands, laughter rippling through the ranks. Gabriel’s jaw snapped shut, fury flashing under his skin.
Viktor couldn’t help it—the corner of his mouth lifted, a quiet spark catching in his chest.Dask, I love her.
Storne exhaled through his nose, a faint, dangerous smile tugging at his mouth.
“Oh, Amerei. Suddenly, I am both excited and terrified to unleash you on the elven court.”
The words stopped Gabriel mid-step, every line of him going rigid. His throat worked, but no sound came.
Evander’s brows shot up, delight flickering.
