“We leave for Yinora tomorrow,” Terym forced through clenched teeth, focusing my attention, and I nodded slowly. “Be sure that man stays locked away in your pocket.” He gestured to the lamp, where it vibrated beside my plate.
“Yinora? I thought we were going to Ferveem Forest?”
“Don’t question me. You can leave.” He gestured to the door, dismissing me.
“Of course, my king,” I murmured, standing from my chair and offering a small curtsy. I was slow to walk from the room, my ears straining to hear his hushed conversation with the general.
“How long have they been unresponsive?” the king asked.
“A few weeks at least. None of the last letters worked at all,” Lenek said, then gulped a goblet of ale.
“And Mortremon?”
“Their numbers are increasing, the last missive puts them at two to one, even with the sentient army.”
Terym muttered something I couldn’t hear, and then the men were quiet. Pierce waited beside the door to the banquet hall, and when I reached him, my heart was beating rapidly, the king’s conversation replaying in my mind. They knew the army weren’t responding to my commands, and Siro’s forces were gathering at Yinora, likely readying for an attack to check I had done what was agreed and stopped the sentient army. If wewere heading there, Terym must need me to command them in person, and when they didn’t respond … who knew how the king would react.
Wista was waiting outside the suite when I returned, Pierce’s nightly replacement at her side. Once the doors were secured behind us, I released Shade, and his eyes found me as they always did when he emerged from the curling smoke. The beautiful smile curving his lips and lighting his eyes sent a rush of hot obsession through me.
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on him again. We would soon be traveling for days, if not weeks, and I was anxious to have him under my touch. I wouldn’t get much sleep, knowing I would spend every available moment in his presence.
“We’re going to Yinora tomorrow,” I said, moving into Shade’s waiting arms.
“Why the change?” Wista replied.
“I don’t know, but this doesn’t change our plans. Have you heard anything from Siro?”
She shook her head. “Nothing, I’ll send an urgent message.”
My gaze met Shade’s when she left. “He’s making me send you back for the journey.”
“Not unexpected.” He placed a gentle kiss on my lips. “Just be ready to release me.”
Then he pulled me into the bedchambers to thoroughly exhaust me before the long journey.
We weren’t going to escape.
It had been two weeks already.Weeks.
Terym’s men had managed to keep Eleanor far away from me, and many watchful eyes at my back during every midday sun. It was setting now, casting pink and orange streaks into the sky. Shade would have loved the sight, and my heart ached at how long it had been since we’d talked. We’d set up to camp under the stars again, another night spent on hard bedrolls with minimal sleep.
“Is Harkin going to help?” I hissed to Eleanor at my side. She was the only one willing to be in my presence since I’d grown increasingly agitated the longer I went without seeing Shade, snapping at everyone, even Wista.
“Terym’s keeping all the lords with him, something about strategizing,” she muttered.
I guess it made sense. With the sentient army no longer responding, they would be coming up with alternatives in case I failed to direct them—which I would, if the instructions Fallon read to them held firm at least.
“I don’t think we’ll make it out on the road. Wista said it’s only a few more days.” I eyed a soldier who strolled a little too close to the small section of grass we’d claimed as our own, set slightly away from everyone else.
The only positive on this journey was I didn’t need to spend my nights with the king, who was still technically my husband. None of Terym’s men questioned our sleeping arrangement. Since our traveling party was so large I often bunked with Eleanor, Wista, and Meline.
“Then we’ll find a way when we get there, and we’ll be closer to the border, making it easier to escape,” Eleanor said, squeezing my hand.
How had our roles reversed so suddenly? I was an absolute mess the longer the days drew out, and Eleanor was the resounding strength and confidence. Wista hadn’t heard from Siro before we left, so even if we could get away, there was noguarantee we’d find safety in Mortremon despite doing what its king had requested.
I grimaced her way before lying back on the bedroll, bringing the lamp close to my face, and whispered my mother’s lullaby, willing him to hear it.
The next few days of travel went much the same. Harkin was in discussions with the king, Eleanor was kept away from me for most of the day, and several soldiers monitored my movements with sharp eyes.
