“It is true.”
I decide to stop debating, because I love the idea of Saxon swooping in to stop that dreaded marriage. And the idea of him taking me away. But we hadn’t even properly met at the time, and I doubt he’d have skipped his dragon rider recruiting day to attend my wedding, never mind whisking me away from it. But I love the way he remembers that day. It feels so long ago now.
As we near the castle gates, thoughts of seeing my brothers and father consume me, and I fight the urge to run the last portion of the journey. I’ll even be happy to see Nurse.
Even if we don’t stay in Achotia for long, I’ll find great comfort in seeing my childhood home, touching familiar objects, talking to my family and the servants I grew up with. I glance toward the owk tree, where I spent so much time reading, and that too brings up memories of Saxon, and how he made my blood boil and my cleft dampen, with only his presence and his eyes.
“Khotori soldiers are guarding the gate,” Zogar says low and deep.
I can see the men standing there but can’t yet make out the details of their uniforms. But the banners flying above the castle are most definitely not Achotian, further proof, in case I needed it, that our kingdom was conquered.
“Are the uniforms Khotori?” Saxon asks. “Or are they those modified uniforms we saw at camp.”
“I don’t know all the silly details of these uniforms,” Zogar says gruffly.
“Two are in Khotori soldier uniforms,” Xendus says from behind us. “Two are wearing what might be Achotian uniforms, but with the Khotori emblem and that manticore symbol added on.”
“Further proof of Tynan’s treachery,” Surath adds, and Xendus grunts in agreement.
Both Saxon and Zogar squeeze my hands, and my heart stutters. Even if Tynan did turn against me—against us all—more than anything, I want to know that he’s safe.
I can’t recall the last words Tynan and I spoke to each other, before Zogar whisked me away to the Darkness. I had no idea those words could be our last.
As we draw nearer, there’s obvious activity at the gate, and I spot the flash of a looking tube. One of them is taking a better look at us.
“Do you think they recognize me?” I ask no one in particular.
“Put up your hood,” Saxon says, and I drop both their hands to do so.
We decided that Surath and I should approach the Achotian castle dressed in long hooded cloaks, like the ones the courtesans at camp are now required to wear.
“The women should tuck in behind us, when we get closer,” Saxon says.
“I will protect you,” adds Zogar.
“As will I,” Saxon adds, with irritation in his voice.
“None of us wants you to come to harm.” Surath slides her hand onto my shoulder. “And remember,” she says softly. “If needed, we can shift to dragon form. Also, all four of us are mages.”
Saxon’s jaw flexes, the only indication that he’s heard her. But I’m glad that Surath included Saxon in the count of how many mages are with me. Saxon says that, since that day he saved Xendus, he hasn’t been able to purposefully use any magic beyond shifting forms—which is pretty strong magic if you ask me—but it’s nice to see a friendship of sorts, at least some mutual respect, developing between Saxon and Surath. I’m just grateful she’s stopped threatening to kill him.
As we get close, Surath and I slip behind the men. The guards cross their spears, blocking our entrance.
“Who goes there?”
“We are pilgrims, on our way to Catha,” Saxon says as we agreed.
“What business have you here?” A man asks—a voice I recognize. It’s Marshal, Father’s most senior servant. He knows me well, so I keep my gaze down.
“The villages have inns to accommodate your like.” Marshal’s voice drips with condescension. He hasn’t changed much.
“I’ve been a guest in this castle,” Saxon says. “And this lady once served the King.” His head gestures toward me.
Marshal grunts. “We will give you a meal, then you must be on your way.”
The guards step aside, and we continue forward with Marshal leading us. As we pass, I peek out from under the hood.
One of the men wearing an Achotian uniform recognizes me. His eyes open wide, as does his mouth, but he doesn’t speak. I don’t know this man’s name, but he was one of the kinder guards, and he let me pass through these gates many times.
