My horse snorted, shifting its hooves as I pulled it to a halt.
Kaen slowed his stallion next to mine, his sharp gaze fixed on the boy. “Spit it out, lad.”
He slid to a stop, panting, his eyes wide with fear. “I—Counselor Dyre told me to meet you!”
“What is it?” A knot tightened in my gut. Something was wrong.
“Now?” Kaen asked.
A wailing bugle pierced the air, halting everyone. Dogs and horses stood still, ears pricked. Heads turned westward, drawn to the echo. Its high, ominous note froze even the courtyard staff.
“A stag,” Sole whispered.
“That is no stag.” Kaen’s voice, low and chilled, hinted at fear. “That is Nothar.”
“A god that sounds like a stag?” I asked, ignoring the sinking feeling in my gut.
Kaen dismounted with an eerie stiffness, eyes locked to the west. “Don’t make light of it, Princess. He is warning you.”
I followed his lead, glancing at Sainte, whose deep frown mirrored my unease.
“Tell Counselor Dyre that Princess Elspeth will meet in her rooms–”
“Begging your pardon, but he said to meet in his chambers.”
Kaen’s nervous eyes flitted to me before giving the boy a quick nod. “You’re off to fetch him?” he asked.
“Aye. Shall I see to your horses?”
“Go, lad.” Kaen shooed him, and he took off running, kicking up snow with each stride. “Sole, Valen—take these horses to the stables.”
The two wasted no time leading the travel-weary beasts away. The courtyard, filled with an uneasy silence, eased into motion as servants resumed their tasks. I cast a worried glance to the west, where the eerie call still seemed to hang in the air, casting a lingering spell over us all.
“Kaen told me about your visit to Gladier,” Anderz said, entering his chambers. “I’m pleased to see you in one piece.”
Perched on the edge of my seat at a small table, I felt Sainte’s presence beside me, his back to the neatly made bed. Anderz’s room surprised me with its simplicity, not what I expected from a member of the high court. Dark and sparsely decorated, it seemed more suited to someone of lower status, though the many books and maps crammed onto shelves hinted at his importance.
“King Reid wasn’t happy,” I said as Counselor Dyre closed the door, dismissing Kaen with a nod.
“I imagine not. We were equally displeased to hear of Piers’ untimely death.”
Anderz took the remaining chair and collapsed into it with a sigh. After a moment, he rested his forearms on the table, pinching the bridge of his nose. My anxiety spiked at the sight of his uncharacteristic demeanor. When I noticed the muscles in Sainte’s jaw tense, I knew I wasn’t alone in my worry.
“Why am I here, Anderz?” I asked, treading carefully.
“Sainte, I trust you to keep Elspeth detained in this room until I am finished.”
My world spun as my heart dropped. What in all the nations could have happened?
“Until you give the word,” he agreed, dipping his head in a show of respect.
Golden eyes bore into me as Anderz pressed his thin, steepled fingers to his lips. He studied me for a moment before speaking. “There has been an incident involving the prince regent—”
My mind raced. Was he killed? Was the blame placed on me? Would I ascend the throne without trial?
“—and the lady, Lyana.”
I shook as a shudder ran through my body at those words.
