My shadows grab the handle, snapping it silently as I push the door aside. Cool relief floods me as the next step unfurls. Once I grab Oslo, we can find Zelos?—
It’s empty. The small closet with a singular bench and no windows isempty. He’s not here.
“I know you’re there, my heir,” my father calls from deep within the room to my left. My shoulders hunch, caught in my weak attempt, thoughts spinning.
My thoughts spiral. I wasn’t quick enough. I didn’t plan for all contingencies. Oslo is probably being tortured and I couldn’t find him in time?—
Max jostles my hand, pulling me back from the edge. “Kaden, focus.” Blinking, I stare into her blue eyes, lips parted.
Ferocious eyes that sweep me away, remind me of what we’re doing, of why I’m here. She is worth more than my worries, the anchor in a storm and I lean into her strength, feeling the bond between us like a heavy cloak of warmth and love.
It doesn’t cause discomfort now. It’s a reminder that I’m not alone in this.
That is enough to pull me out of my spiral, allowing my mind to clear. Glancing around, I notice how everyone waits for my command. They rely on me. They need me to lead. I cannot let my anxious mind get the better of me. Not when so much hangs in the balance.
Dropping the shadows, the coldness leaves as the harsh heat of my lands settles around us. Holding fast to Max, we walk to the open entrance, backs straight and stare into the faces of the various Lords, ladies and soldiers of the Dark Court.
None of them look particularly pleasant now, fangs gleaming, dark eyes full of caution. A few reek of fear.
They know what this is. An exchange, a showdown between Zelos and me. But which way will they lean? Who will they support?
We may have a few lords on our side, but it’s not enough to combat the might of the entire Dark army.
The crowd parts, a mockery of the first time we were here together. Before it was to play pretend, to show deference, but now they see the monsters they’ve created before them. In the center is Zelos, standing, in rich burgundy robes and his silver crown on his head. At his side, on hisknees, is my uncle.
The proud General might be kneeling, but his back is straight and he looks ahead, prepared for his fate. I admire him, his strength even as a part of me breaks seeing him so submissive.
I spent my entire life looking up to my uncle. It goes beyond his mind, his accomplishments. He trained me when my father tossed me away. He allowed me into his office when I needed a place to hide from the rigors of palace life. He read to me, allowed my mind to calm when things became too much. When my mother died, he comforted us all, providing stability when Zelos tried to erase her memory.
“What is this, Father? Another tacky display?”
He laughs, but it’s full of coldness. “It’s punishment, my heir. The generalwas found colluding with traitors. You know the action I must take.”
“You’re lying,” I declare, holding out my arms. “The general is no traitor.”
Zelos smirks, fangs dipping over his lip. “He is. My brother worked with you and the rest of my ungrateful children to usurp my throne.” He snaps his fingers and the guards draw weapons, surrounding us. The smell of fear heightens in the domed room, and my fangs itch to grow.
My father looks to my mate, eyes narrowed. She holds her hands high, fingers bent and broken to grab the hearts of those enemies around us. There is no fear from her, no—only disdain and contempt.
“Looks like someone has her magic back. If you recall, my dear, you’re meant to bemyweapon of mass destruction, nothis.”
“Too bad I’m notmarriedto you.”
Zelos’ grin falls. I can’t help but smirk as I see his understanding flash in those cunning eyes, as he spits, “Married? You found a Mage for the bonding ceremony?”
“It’s amazing what one can find hiding in the dungeon of your enemies palace,” I shrug.
Reid flickers his fingers like a bard telling a story. “Surprise. It’s another daughter.”
“Guards!” he roars, and the balcony above shifts as archers take their positions. They rapidly fill their strings and I react. As soon as the sound of a bow snapping is heard, I call up my shadows, blocking their assault, my body covering Max instinctively. The court members yell, stampeding away into chaos so as to avoid the hits, shrieking when a stray arrow penetrates their limbs.
This is the king they pledged to support. He’ll sacrifice everyone for his own pursuits.
The noise of arrows hitting the floor stops abruptly, and I lower the shield. My father is gone, the crowd dispersed with most hunkering by the far walls as if that will protect them. There is nocover, no barrier, and some are withering on the floor from puncture wounds.
It’s never more apparent that the members of my court have no idea how war nor weapons work. It’s a disservice to my kingdom, really.
“Oslo!” Fee shouts, pushing past me, our brother on her heels. Max’s softnopulls my attention from the room, looking for another attack, to my siblings on the dial.
