Shapes began to form: riders in arrowhead formation—the Sagittarii of Vykenra. Behind them came wagons, more than there should be, heavy and curtain-sided. The escort tightened around one at the center with the precision of men guarding something—or someone—meant to shake the world.
“That’s not the caravan we were told to expect,” Gabriel said.
“Too many horses for supplies,”Viktor sent Amerei, his thought edged like steel.“Too much armor for servants.”
“It’s a dignitary,” she breathed, heartbeat quickening.
Viktor’s breath iced.
“It’s him.”
“Xavien crossed Elváliev—”
“For you.”
The truth locked between them.
“Ready the black tent,” Viktor snapped at the nearest aide. “Table, maps, brazier. West side guard before they hit the palisade. No gawkers.”
Storne shouldered from his pavilion, cloak half-fastened. “Report.”
“Change of plans,” Viktor all but growled.
“We’re hosting a king’s son.”
The camp broke into ordered chaos—fires stoked, cloaks thrown over nightshirts, armor buckled with fumbling hands. A kettle clanged. Someone swore. Lines straightened as if a crown itself were watching.
“Jasmine, with me,” Amerei commanded, already turning. “We dress for court.”
“Gabriel,” Viktor called, eyes fixed on the ridge, “reception is yours. Shields high, blades sheathed. Respect, not weakness.”
“Understood.”
The Sagittarii’s arrowheads glinted as the sun broke higher, fog thinning to reveal the wagon rolling steady as a heartbeat.
The realm’s most powerful elf was riding into Sevrak.
Chapter Ninety-Four
Before the Curtain Fell
Love demanded more than a crown—it demanded the courage to say goodbye.
The pavilion was bright with morning—lamplight chased by a rising sun—when Viktor slipped inside.
Amerei stood before a low mirror, oil darkening the ends of her golden locks. Jasmine fussed with the fall of her sleeve, a grin tugging at her mouth.
“I’m told Her Majesty acquired a husband without my consent,” she said, eyes flicking to Viktor. “I suppose you won my approval—pulling down a wall and saving us from the Vykenraven.”
Evander hovered with a velvet-lined case of signets and pins, rolling his eyes.
Viktor gave a single nod.
“A moment with the queen.”
“Yes, Commander.”
Jasmine swept a bow to Amerei, giving her hand a quick, fierce squeeze as she passed. Evander set the signet case down, then hurried after her, tripping on the guy rope outside the door.
