“That is not my intention,” Zevayr says easily. He still doesn’t release my hand. “I was tasked with delivering the princess immediately. Your efforts are appreciated and not unnoticed.”
Angry muttering erupts within the hall. Zevayr casts a narrowed gaze around the room. “I’ve also brought the first shipment of food stores. Plenty of meat and grains.” His words have their intended effect. The hall quiets, though Father remains scowling.
From the corner of my eye, I spot Daak stalking over, his icy gaze fixed on mine and Zevayr’s still-joined hands. He faces the Dark Commander, arms crossed tightly over his chest. “You can’t expect the princess to be ready for travel in an hour,” Daak snarls.
Zevayr eyes Daak with unconcealed disdain. “You are?”
“The captain of the royal guard.”
Daak’s eyes flit to me.
A powerful thunderclap sounds out, louder than any I’ve ever heard. I flinch, my heart battering my ribcage. A distant ringing sounds in my ears.
Lightning flashes, bathing the room in blinding light for a heartbeat, and I inadvertently squeeze Zevayr’s hand. His attention cuts to me for a fleeting moment, brows furrowed, before he resumes his staring match with Daak.
Thunder rumbles like icebergs scraping together.
By the Tides.
I can’t pass out in the middle of the hall.
“It’s all right, Father,” I reassure. My voice is steady even as my stomach stumbles. “I’m ready to begin my new life.”
Before Father or Daak can object, Zevayr guides me down the aisle, his soldiers snapping into formation at our sides. Behindus, Daak’s voice cuts through the hall as he commands the royal guards to follow us to my chambers.
Zevayr halts so abruptly it throws me off-balance.
“That won’t be necessary,” he says without turning. “She is a princess of Arbinj now. She is undermyprotection.”
Cold fury rushes through my veins. The insufferable man sees me as property—goods to deliver. I may wear his brother’s ring now, but that doesn’t mean he owns me.
“Sheis still a princess of Tundrayn,” I snap heatedly, glaring up at him. Amused gray eyes meet my own. I want to claw them out with my nails. “Your guards may accompany me, but so will my Father’s.”
Zevayr studies me, eyes narrowed, but I refuse to flinch beneath his scrutiny. I brace for a boom of thunder to threaten me into obedience, but surprisingly, it never comes.
He finally nods, and we exit the hall, Zevayr and Daak flanking me, trailed by both Tundrayni and Arbinji guards. When we reach my chambers, Zevayr insists on inspecting my room before I’m permitted inside. Not to be outdone, Daak checks it again after him.
Both men wait outside my door while I change into warm leggings and a thick tunic suited for travel. My handmaids pack a few bags of my belongings, but just clothing for the journey. I won’t need my furs and wools in Arbinj’s warmer climate.
There’s only one thing I refuse to leave behind. From my dresser, I lift a silver chain, its teardrop pendant glimmering softly—the only piece of my mother I have left. After she died, Father burned all her belongings, too overcome with grief to bear the sight of them. The necklace survived only because it was in my pocket. Even now, he can’t stand to look at it, which is why I never wear it.
I clasp it around my neck with trembling fingers.
I’m dressed and ready, but I still don’t open the doors. Not yet. My footsteps stall, frozen to the floor. I cast another lingering glance around my chambers—I don’t know when I’ll return.
If ever.
Slow, unsteady steps carry me back to my dresser. Numbly, I slide open the top drawer and lift out a small wooden box. My fingers are reverent as I ease off the lid, revealing a stack of letters, their envelopes creased and worn.Mayah-bearis written across each one in a looping script I know as well as my own name. Gently, I trace the faded handwriting with the tip of my finger.
My throat is tight as I replace the box, then cast one final gaze around the room. My heart constricts painfully at the fate awaiting me in Arbinj.
In a new set of chambers. In a new bed.
But I knew this day would come. I expected it. I waited for it.
So I move.
I walk.
