I don’t slow to look back when the shouts pick up behind me and the loud clap of hooves pound upon the cobbled streets. Swearing under my breath, I dart toward the center of town when a mounted rider veers through the narrow alley, spurring his horse into a gallop. I slide into the shadows, his stirrups sparking against the stone walls of the buildings as he rushes past.
I puff out a breath when he turns south, weaving through the maze of A’kori, as I turn north toward the palace. It’s a cautious and calculated journey toward the edge of town. The shouts dwindle as the moon crests the tallest of the surrounding structures, depriving me of the shadows that promised their concealment earlier in the evening.
I’m not sure how much time passes before I find myself standing on the edge of my cover and sheer exposure. Colorful buildings are at my back, and an expansive park sits before me, buffering the town from the road that will lead me to my bed. I take a slow step onto the grass, prepared to rushback into the labyrinth if I am seen.
A deep, feminine laugh sounds behind me, and I spin on my heel, only to be met with a female barring my entry to the narrow streets. There’s no time to consider where she came from or how it is I had not seen her, before she tips her head to the side and offers me a thorough perusal. Her long white hair sweeps over her ivory skin, her blue eyes glinting with the light of the moon.
“I do not recall inviting you to attend my party this evening,” she says.
My brow dips when frost unfurls on my spine yet again, my demon uncoiling to meet her with furious intent. Finally, I begin to understand the sensation for what it is. The touch of the feyn’s gift. Though, no description I’ve ever been given of their powers was as subtle as this fleeting chill.
Her eyebrows rise as she smiles. “Though perhaps it was an invitation I simply overlooked.”
The hair at the nape of my neck stands on end as she begins to round me, like a large cat sizing up its prey. Eyes squinting curiously, she asks, “Who are you?”
“Icouldbe an ally,” I lie.
There is nothing that could convince me to make an alliance with the female after hearing the last of her declarations. At least the current king of the feyn is not intent on slaughtering humans. No. He would prefer they die by means of starvation. Perhaps a crueler death, but at least it gives my people time.
She hums thoughtfully. “You could be a spy.”
“Anyone in that room could be a spy,” I argue.
“Tsk.” She pulls up the long white of her sleeve, revealing a number of crimson marks wrapping her forearm as she says, “I am no fool. I put no trust in words, only in the proof of the oaths I bear upon my flesh. Give me yours, just as those who have sworn fealty before you, and I will consider letting you live.”
Foc.
“What oath?” I ask, buying time, considering my options, wondering how in haliel I got into this mess and more importantly, how I might find a way out.
She scoffs at the question. “You think you can deceive me? When even your king failed at such a simple task. Your oath, or your life, the choice is yours.”
Her face grows dark, as she produces a long, thin blade from within the panels of her gown. When I make no move to give the female what she wants, her lips peel back, and she snarls, “Your life it is.”
She steps toward me, her gaze flying to the ground the next moment, as a terrifying shriek erupts from her lungs. She bends at the waist, tearing at the thorny vines growing through her feet, piercing the flesh of her legs.
I bolt north without hesitation, my eyes catching on the thin ribbons of blood flowing from her hands as she attempts to free herself. A slender vine drives itself through her palm and she issues a slew of feyn curses. The meaning of her words are lost on me, as she levels a clear demand toward a nearby tree.
Her screams fade as my lungs burn, my legs driving me north as quickly as they can. I veer into the forest. While the underbrush will slow my ascent, there is no question that a long night is preferable to being found by the female on the open road if she manages to free herself before I’m within the tall granite walls bordering the palace.
I’ve hardly begun to consider all that occurred when the breathy whispers of the sisters land upon my ears. They are not the joyful tones I am accustomed to hearing in their presence. Though not every word makes it past the pounding drum of my pulse, they are clearly agitated. I’m quick to recall Felias’s words about the benefits of friendship with the fea as I consider the bloody scene I fled from. Had the sisters not intervened, there is no doubt in my mind that I would not have lived to see the sunrise.
It is by means of a tall tree growing along the border of the palace grounds that I make my way onto the lawns. If my nerves weren’t so rattled I would be more amused by the ease with which I come and go utterly unseen. As it is, while my legs continue to move me toward the comfort of my room, my mind is still in Yshka’s home, weighing all that I learned.
Pulling myself through my window, my mind races as I make a cup of Kishek’s tea and dress in a sleeping gown. Any alliance I hoped to have with Ishara’s family is firmly out of the question. I had never truly considered thatthere were worse options for rulers among the feyn and find myself mildly relieved that their current sovereign remains on the throne. At least for now.
The tea helps to ease a bit of the tension coiled in my muscles and I do my best to set thoughts of the evening aside to ponder at a later time. I am safe, and, thankfully, still unknown to those who pursued me. There is little I can do with the information I gathered but tuck it away.
The sky is tinged with the faintest light of dawn when I crawl into bed. I should close my eyes and let sleep take me, but there are still things to consider beyond the events of the evening. Things I will shortly need answers for.
My mind wanders to the general and his proposition. I find that I am no clearer in my decision than I was when the male left my room. My eyes grow heavy, and I roll onto my back, determined to stay awake until I reach a decision, even if that means I’ll be up all night. It’s the last thought that floats through my quickly clouding mind when the darkness takes me.
CHAPTER 22
THE A’KORI PALACE
Present Day
Ibarrel out of bed and into my dressing room when I’m pulled from my sleep by a knock at the door. I run my fingers through my hair. Another knock. I swear under my breath and scrub mint paste on my teeth like I’m going to war with my gums. Another knock.
