“Misean whore!” a woman screeched.
“Another pup?”
“Barely.”
She shuddered at the memory. Perhaps the woman was not wrong. Soren was powerless against these people; she had heard many stories of servant girls being taken advantage of against their will…
In dark rooms.
Alone.
With no one to hear their cries.
That was how hope died.
“Ignore them,” Lanor called over the shouts. “They don’t know what they’re saying.”
Soren lowered her gaze. “They do, sir. But it’s alright. They’re just looking for someone to blame.”
“You are…” she looked up as Lanor trailed off then continued, “oddly observant and well-spoken for a slave.”
She gave him a practiced smile. “I was brought up as a handmaiden for the princess my whole life. It required me to have certain skills others might lack.”
“Of course,” Lanor said, dipping his head her way.
She hated that she still could not decipher his intentions.
Chapter 6
The Eastern Peaks were merciless.The cold grew more bitter by the hour, and by the third sunrise, Soren could hardly dismount. Lanor had given her the name of the enormous black mare she rode midway through the second day of riding—Sgàilsuil.
Shadow Eyes.
When Soren heard the name, her heart began racing. It was likely just a coincidence; surely, the mare had been named after her dark coat and nothing more. Yet still, the memory of whispered folktales around a crackling fire echoed like phantoms in her mind. Kelshie had held her hand as Papa explained some creatures acted as portals between their world and that of the gods, thin veils one could not step through but perhaps see behind.
People could be shadow eyes too.
On the morning of the fourth sunrise, as Soren was braiding the princess’ hair, the leader of their party, Sir Helq, announced a storm approaching.
“We should consider sheltering until it passes,” he said gruffly to Princess Cion.
The princess’ gaze drifted to the darkening horizon, but she shook her head. “We cannot. We must make the journey in time. This is only part of the test.”
“Princess—”
“I must insist, Sir Helq.”
He bowed his head. “As you wish.”
The princess turned to Soren, her face softening. “Do not worry, Soren. I am fated to be chosen in two days’ time. The gods will protect us as we take these final steps.”
Soren had lost faith in any of the gods, much less their protection, long ago. Still, she bowed her head. “Of course, my princess. Is there anything else you require before we begin riding for the day?”
The princess paused, hesitating. “Do you…” She trailed off and shook her head. “No, Soren. I think we are ready.”
Soren bowed her head once more then made her way toSgàilsuil. Lanor was already atop his horse, and she bit back a request for him to help her mount, instead struggling up on her own. A ghost of a smile graced the knight’s face.
“Yes, sir?”
