“I’ve never seen that before, Elodie. I have no idea what it means.” The sound of guards ahead causes the conversation to cease. Mara’s cottage sits in the clearing, no longer the peaceful sanctuary we’d left it. Half a dozen orbs of light linger in the dark, illuminating the several men in armour. They are shouting orders, storming in and out of the cottage.
“Bryn, take Elodie to the meadow. Now,” he says, his expression terrifying.
“Rowan, wait. No. What are you doing?” I ask, attempting to pull him back towards us.
“They can’t hurt me, Elodie. I’m the High Warden. But they can hurt you. Both of you leave. Now. I will meet with you as soon as I know Mara is safe.”
I don’t get the chance to argue before Rowan steps forward and Bryn pulls me back.
Chapter 23
Rowan
I watch as the shadows swallow them — the quick, panicked flash of Elodie’s face and the efficient movement of Bryn. Only when I was certain they were deep enough into the forest did I allow the mask to click back into place. My spine straightens, shoulders square. I step out of the treeline and into the centre of the commotion, my boots striking the earth with deliberate weight.
“Stand down!” I roar, the chaos coming to an immediate halt. One guard, who is holding Mara by the arms, releases her in a quick panic. He looks up, the colour completely draining from his face. I have taught them never to handle a woman like that. I can feel their panic. Their desperation. No one knows who is next to go.
“Warden,” he stammers, his hand flying to a stiff salute.
“We…we were told you turned against the crown.” I move into the centre, my presence pushing them back like a physical force. I let my gaze linger on each of them.
“Turned against the king? For some girl?” I huff out a laugh. “You think I have gone soft?” I shout, moving into one guard. “Do you, Stirling?” I seethe.
“No, sir,” he says, looking down at the ground.
“The king is in the throes of his affliction. It would drive any man to madness,” I say. “He is desperate, and for that I am sorry. None of you deserve to die. But because of his desperation, I have spent the last day tracking that girl through forests, gardens, and hideaways. Following a trail that has led me here.” I turn, pacing the perimeter of the guards, my hand resting heavily on the hilt of my sword. “I am the one who sits at his bedside whilst he screams in pain. The one who watches as his veins turn black. Do you really think I would just turn on my oath-bound honour?”
“No, sir,” the guards shout in unison. I cast a glance towards Mara, who looks panicked.
“I saw her heading towards the watchtower on the western wall. See that the area is scouted. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Warden, we’ll head there now,” Stirling says, nodding to the others as they scramble away, obviously eager to be clear of my wrath. I watch them go, waiting until the last orb fades into the distance.
“Rowan, where are—” Mara rushes out, but I clamp a finger over my lips, motioning for her not to speak. I nod my head towards the cottage as she follows me in. I meet her gaze, trying to make her understand as she looks at me with a confused expression.
“Now, I know we’re family. But if you know where the girl is, you need to tell me.” She shakes her head at me, her brows coming together in pure panic. I widen my eyes at her, willing her to just answer me and understand what I’m doing.
“Um. No, I swear, I’ve no idea where she is. I don’t know her,” she says.
I head down into her cellar, looking back to make sure she’s following. Once we’re both inside, I slam the door shut and let out a long, heavy breath.
“Sorry, it’s too risky to talk in case someone hears. The cellar is rune-bound, no one can hear in here.”
“What. My cellar is runed?” she asks, her voice laced with anger.
“Bryn did it when we were kids. So we could get away with staying up late without you knowing.” She tuts at me, shaking her head in shock.
“What was the display out there in the garden?” she asks me.
“I need the king to think I’m still on his side. That Elodie has just gone missing.”
“Where are the girls?”
“At the meadow just north of the old ruin. Bryn needed open space to carry out the incantation.”
“I have to be there, Rowan. I will not let her do this without me there.” Her eyes fill with tears, her voice shaking.
“I know, it’s okay. I told them I would meet them there when I knew you were safe. We can go there together. Just a little longer. I need to make sure we don’t get followed.” Mara sinks into one of the wooden stools, her hands trembling at her sides. The cellar is damp and empty, barely used since my childhood.
