“And this is what your visions have shown you?” He slammed his fist once again. “That all of us are doomed?”
“No,” Tarrah said fiercely, a smile finally drawing up the corners of her lips. “I have seen us destroying them. I have seen us taking back the entire continent for ourselves.”
* * *
The king decided to allow Tarrah to stay at the castle while he awaited word from his spy. He wanted confirmation that her visions were true before rushing headfirst toward the stronghold she insisted they take back. Until the king sat on his rightful throne, they wouldn’t have the power to fight the full force of the Air Court’s army. Still, she was willing to wait. She knew proof would come soon enough.
The taller of the two guards who had greeted her at the castle gates led her through gloomy corridors and into a part of the castle that looked rarely used. Cobwebs hung in the corners, and dust coated the floor. He stopped just outside of an open doorway that led to a cozy room overlooking the fire pits outside.
“The king would like you to stay here. Inside, you will find a bedchamber and a small room for hosting visitors. It is not much, I am afraid.”
She smiled up at the guard. “It is far more than I have ever had before.”
“What you spoke of to the king, how can you be certain these are visions and not merely dreams?” he asked, removing his helmet. He was as handsome as she had expected. His dark features were highlighted by a jutting chin and sharp cheekbones, and the pointed tips of his ears cut through his sleek black hair. Pure power radiated from his muscular body, so much so that Tarrah wanted to breathe him in.
Tarrah was always drawn to power.
She smiled, reached up, and pressed her fingers to his lips. Surprise flickered in his silver eyes, but he did not pull away. “Because I saw your face in my visions. And I saw you ask this very thing.”
“So, then you could be lying instead,” he murmured against her fingers.
“Perhaps.” She dropped her hand. “But then how would I know your name to be Teutas, a loyal warrior pledged to the king? One day, you will kiss me. I have seen that, too.”
With that, Tarrah smiled and strode into her new home.
8
Reyna
The Rowan Road was a long and winding rock-strewn path to Tairngire, the capital city of the Air Court. The party set off at sunrise a mere three days after the feast, the skies a clear blue that stretched on for miles. Thane was eager to return to his home. It did not seem he enjoyed the constant snowfall or the threat of the Ruin creeping in from every corner of the kingdom.
Reyna was also eager, but for entirely different reasons. It was time for her scheme to begin in earnest.
It had not taken much effort to convince her father. Indeed, it almost seemed as though he had been waiting for her to say she wished to return to court. He had hurriedly taken her into the throne room where he then bestowed her titles in the presence of Eislyn and Druid Aed. As she had never become a true sworn Shieldmaiden, the Dagda accepted her as part of the nobility once again. Thane had easily agreed to accept her hand. They were now betrothed.
As Reyna stood in the courtyard with Wingallock perched on her shoulder, she watched the servants heft her leather suitcase into a cart that would follow along behind them. The entourage would travel ahead for the cart would take far longer to arrive in Tairngire. Father had offered to lend a carriage, but Reyna preferred to travel on horseback. Absentmindedly, she reached up and ran her finger along the smooth edges of her circlet—silver twisting bands that came together in the front to curl around the Ice Court sigil cast from silver ice glass. It had been so long since she had worn it, back before she had given up her royal title to become an unsworn Shieldmaiden. She was no longer accustomed to it squatting on her head and pinching her skin.
Reyna’s heart ached. There was so much she was leaving behind. Starford Castle was the only home she had ever known. She would miss her sisters. She would even miss Father, despite their frequent disagreements. The frost and the ice, the orange sunsets streaking behind the snow-capped mountains. Reyna loved her kingdom fiercely.
And she must fight for it.
Snow crunched behind her, and she turned to find her sister stumbling toward her, suitcase in tow. She wore a pair of brown trousers and a tunic that matched, her hair weaved into a long single braid. Her leather boots were smooth and uncreased from little use. Her clothing matched Reyna’s, minus the braid. Reyna preferred to wear her hair free, and her own boots were worn and faded. A servant hurried alongside Eislyn, wringing his hands, trying—and failing—to assist.
Reyna frowned. “What in the name of the Dagda do you think you are doing, Eislyn?”
Eislyn’s eyes flashed. “I am coming with you.”
“You most certainly are not.” Reyna moved to stand before Eislyn, blocking her sister’s route to the cart. “Why would you even want to do such a thing? You made it more than clear that you are no fan of the Air Court.”
She lifted her chin. “I can’t very well let you walk into that viper nest alone, nor can I allow you to forget who you are and becomeone of them. Besides, as much as I dislike Thane, he was right. They have impressive libraries. Perhaps I can find something in them to help us stop the Ruin.”
Reyna’s annoyance softened. “Dear sister. I appreciate your wanting to protect me, but you don’t need to worry about me.”
She had still not told Eislyn of her plot, and she was not certain she ever would. It was far more dangerous for her sister if she knew the truth. Eislyn may have spent her years preparing for courtly life, but she had also rarely stepped foot outside of Starford Castle. She did not have experience in mincing the truth and twisting words. The viper nest would attack with fangs bared, sinking poison into her mind.
It was far better if she never found out.
“I know you are far stronger than I am, Reyna. On the battlefield. But how are you at court? You were never interested in learning about polite society. You will need my help there or else I fear you will stick your foot up your own arse.” With a determined air, Eislyn lifted the suitcase from the ground and then stepped around her sister. Reyna continued to frown, but made no further attempt to stop her sister’s progression toward the cart.
