My lack of response or reaction stumps Angel. Thinking I’m probably too dense to figure it out, he hastily removes the armor from his left shoulder to expose the markings engraved on his skin.
The markings ofA Horseman of the Apocalypse.
Despite being the firstborn or pure blood, the three sisters of Fate have on occasion denied the person next in line by not blessing them with these enchanted markings. Only a true Horseman by soul can bear the markings and everything that comes with the power.
The markings are equivalent to tattoos for humans; only we don’t choose them and trust the three sisters of Fate to pick good patterns.
I assumed he was a descendant of the Famine blood since I saw him manipulate nature to his will, but the specific marking on Angel’s shoulder proves who he is. Every design and line of writing tells me exactly who he was meant to be in bold, proud markings.
“Horseman Conquer.”
The moment my recognition registers, they all but jump from excitement. Unfortunately, we are still in enemy territory, so the celebration will have to wait.
The ache in my heart that I couldn’t shake for years, is suddenly bearable. I don’t know if Papa is okay, but seeing two parts of my soul standing before me gives me another reason not to give up.
“And I’mPrince of Famine.” The other man bows his head. Assuming it’s a new custom, I mirror his action, only for both men to erupt in snickers.Weirdos.
“It’s good to finally meet you, Princess Nevaeh.”
It’s strange hearing my name from someone else. Harvey was the only one who called me by my name in the last decade, so after his escape, I got into the habit of talking to myself and using my name regularly. I didn’t want to forget another part of my life.
There is no king with Horsemen because, after the coronation, you become one of the Horsemen of the apocalypse, and your partner, the queen of your kingdom. That’s how things have always been.
Since the king is chosen for a purpose greater than just running a kingdom, it’s normal for the queen to be responsible for the welfare and prosperity of the kingdom. She’s the onerunning things, while the king—or Horseman focuses on serving The Fates.
There’s never been a female Horseman—orHorsewomanin our history, so I’m unclear of how things would look like if, by some miracle, my unstable ass was chosen for the throne one day.
“We should move before more of those things follow.” Angel offers me a hand, but the action is so sudden and foreign that my broken instincts process it as a threat, and I violently flinch. My eyes squeeze shut, and my breathing turns ragged instantly.
Being vulnerable and injured is not a good combination, but I can’t do anything but wait for the blow. Logic is screaming that it won’t happen because they’re not who I ran from, but old habits die hard.
Come on, Nevaeh, don’t be crazy for one minute. You can’t act bat shit crazy on your first meeting with important people.
Forcing myself to take deep breaths, I brace myself until I can move my body on will again. Peeling my eyes open, I find one hand clutching the kid in blind protection and the other in front of me.
Lifting my head, I’m shocked to find Angel right in front of me. The concern on his face makes me re-evaluate how hard I hit my head last night. Why is he worried? Is he concerned aboutme? I scoff at that silly thought. That’s impossible. No one is ever worried about me. He probably thought I would lose my shit and accidentally kill him.
With my sanity temporarily pieced back together, I nod casually as if I didn’t just flip my shit over him offering a hand. His eyes clearly show his concern, but doesn’t comment on it.Phew.
This time, when he reaches for me, it’s more tentative. My conscience screams it’s a bad idea, but since I have a faulty brain, I ignore the suggestion and gingerly place my palm on his. Theheat from the touch has me clutching his hand, not wanting to let go of the only source of warmth I’ve felt in years.
Is he too hot, or am I too cold?
Blowing a shaky breath, I use his hand to lift myself, but a sharp pain shooting through my leg makes me fall back on my ass, erasing the little distance I managed.
Shit that hurts.
I steel myself to avoid highlighting the pain on my face, but I don’t think I do a good job because now Angel looks more worried. Even the other guy—whose name I should ask, cautiously asks how he can help.
Angel shifts his gaze back to my face after analyzing my broken knee with the bone still sticking out. He silently asks if I want to try again, but I shake my head vigorously, not wanting to feel that again.
I can’t stand, and we don’t have much time. What now? Are they going to leave me here? Maybe I can convince them to take monkey, at least.
“Can you pass the kid to Seiji? He can carry the kid while I help you. That okay?” Angel asks gently.
If I wasn’t in the middle of a forest and injured, I probably would’ve dozed off by how soothing his voice is. Repeating his offer in my head, I realize there’s no other way. At least he wants to help.
The kid is still sound asleep, so I begrudgingly agree, and letSeijigently take the boy from me. I bite my tongue to stop the onslaught of curses I have lined up.
