Lorcan paused just before they reached the door.
“Wait,” he said. “There was something else in the armory I thought you might like back.”
Reyna twisted to gaze at where he pointed. The black cloth she’d discarded on the floor, the hoarfrost he’d used to hide her dagger. Frowning, she strode back to the cloth and gathered it into her arms. She held it out before her and—
She gasped. It was a black hoarfrost cloak. Simple yet refined. Thin yet strong enough to protect her from the wind. It had a simple hood and a clasp in the front. An ice sigil brooch had been clipped there. Eyes wide, she stared at Lorcan.
“Where did you get this?” she whispered, heat flushing her neck.
He frowned. “It was beside your dagger. Reyna, you look as though you’ve seen a ghost.”
Reyna had. This cloak looked identical to her mother’s. The brooch was also one of her own. Reyna had tossed both onto the snowy ground in the Hoarfrost Forest when she’d fled from the Ruin. She’d seen them melt into the darkness, destroyed completely by the black flaky ash. It was impossible that they could be here now.
Impossible. Yes, it had to be impossible. Whatever this cloak was, it wasn’t hers. Neither was the brooch. As strange as it was, Lorcan had somehow found a duplicate. How, she did not know. But it was a puzzle to solve some other time.
She shook her head, clearing her mind. “Nevermind. I am just being silly.”
“Is there something the matter with the cloak?” he asked, taking a step toward her. Concern flickered in his dark eyes.
“It just looks like something my mother used to wear, that’s all.” Bracing herself, she slipped the soft cloak around her shoulders. It even felt the same. Soft and light and strong. Just like her mother.
“All right then.” But Lorcan did not look convinced. He gave her a strange look. “If you are not up to this, princess...”
“I am fine,” she snapped. “You do not need to tiptoe around me as if I’m some helpless princess who needs to be rescued from hobgoblins. Or perhaps you’re merely stalling because you’re scared yourself.”
“Very well.” His lips twitched.
Lorcan moved into the corridor first before motioning for her to join him. Her skin itched as they began their trek through the dark stone halls. The tower was quiet this late at night. Few courtiers would be out of their chambers, and Lorcan had managed to dismiss the other guards that usually stood like stone sentries at each end of the corridor. It was all part of the plan. One that Reyna found increasingly thrilling with every moment that passed.
She was finally doing something about these assassination attempts.Thank the Dagda.She wasn’t entirely certain how much longer she would have been able to stand being holed up inside her chambers with nothing to do but gossip and preen.
When they reached the stairwell, Lorcan continued to lead the way. They passed the exit to the floor below, and then the next. Finally, they reached the base of the tower where Lorcan paused, taking a quick glance outside before turning to face her. They were pressed very tightly together at the small base of the stairs. In the rounded landing, there was only enough room for them to stand still.
“There are a few guards at the far end of the hall,” Lorcan murmured quietly. “Keep your hood up and your eyes down, and do not glance their way. Keep pace with me and act as though you have nothing to fear.”
Nothing to fear? Reyna could not help but feel a bit startled. Yes, they were sneaking around the castle in hopes of catching a murderous bastard, and they did not want to tip him off. But...
“Why would I have anything to fear?” she hissed, trying her best to ignore the way his leather armor brushed against her chest. “If we get caught, it isn’t as though something terrible will happen...right?”
Lorcan was silent for a long moment. “We have been ordered to keep you confined to your chambers unless the High Queen herself says otherwise.”
Reyna blinked and stepped back, but she could not go far. The curved wall behind her stopped her retreat. She curled her hands into fists, an uncontrollable anger whipping through her. “So, I am a prisoner now? Is that it?”
“Prisoners are not allowed magnificent chambers, princess,” Lorcan said, though she could tell he clearly felt uncomfortable. He had been ordered to keep her locked up inside the tower, never to leave unless the High Queen spoke it herself. And yet, he was helping her traipse through the castle and out into the woods where they would attempt to trap an enemy.
He hated her, didn’t he? Why would he help her do this? She pressed her lips together. Thane, of course. Lorcan cared deeply for the prince. He wasn’t doing this to save her life.Shewasn’t who mattered to him.
“Do you still wish to go through with our plan?” he asked.
Reyna narrowed her eyes and smiled. “More than ever.”
27
Lorcan
Lorcan found Reyna’s bullheaded determination far more thrilling than he liked to admit. Even with the threat of facing the wrath of the High Queen, she was eager to draw another would-be assassin into their web. She’d even donned those tight, flattering trousers again, enhancing the curves of her hips and toned thighs. He found it difficult not to stare.
“Stay close beside me,” he said quietly.
