The crowd had gathered in a small clearing at the edge of the western woods. The looming labyrinth having cleared some, twisting open to create space for a smattering of tables and chairs, where the lords and ladies not participating could mingle as the hunt went on. They all stopped where they were, bowing their heads as the king floated by. Killian followed a few steps behind him, ever his shadow.
The hunt would last for three nights, the riders not returning until the horn called for them on the fourth morning. Where they would then boast of their kills, each one marked with their house colors and collected by their men, and a winner was declared. The reward was a boon—a favor or gift of their choosing—from the king himself. There had never been a more coveted prize.
Seeing they arrived safely, Killian broke off from Fyar and headed towards where Loran was standing on the outskirts of the crowd. His expression clouded and dark.
“You’d never know he almost died last night,” Loran said lowly as Killian approached, his eyes still on Fyar. “Does nothing get to him?”
Killian shook his head grimly and clasped his hands behind his back. “It gets to him. He just can’t show it. It would be taken as weakness.”
Loran had been read in on everything, from Lyra’s suspected hand in Fyar’s attack to the outlandish grudge Lyra held against Fyar for hisfalsely accusedcrime, and then was promptly sworn to secrecy. They didn’t want any news of dissent to spread unnecessarily.There was still hope they could squash this before it got out of hand.
Killian was endlessly impressed by how his lieutenant was handling this. Loran was good and strong and sure. This much wouldn’t shake him.
The two guards tracked Fyar as he strolled leisurely through the green, drawing admiring eyes. Killian searched the crowd for a flash of gold. Lyra’s face was unreadable as he took in Fyar’s presence, but there was a tension in his body that gave away his displeasure.
“Search their rooms while we’re gone,” ordered Killian. “Lyra’s and all his men’s. And Porthos’.”
“You really think Porthos had a hand in this?”
“I don’t see why he wouldn’t. He is loyal to his brother.”
Loran turned slowly to face Killian, a strange expression on his face. “Yes. I guess that kind of loyalty can blind you to certain flaws and misgivings.”
Killian suddenly got the feeling that Loran wasn’t only speaking of Porthos. “Speak your mind, Loran. I’m in no mood for games.”
“I’d like permission to search the other apprentice’s rooms as well. Taiga’s…and Kade’s.”
Bristling, Killian ground his jaw, but he forced it down. He knew that Loran was right. He nodded stiffly. “Do what you must.”
Loran lowered his gaze. “If there’s anything to find, I’ll find it.”
“I trust that you will.” Then, Killian spotted Kade across the clearing. His feet were moving before he even realized. “I’ll leave it to you.”
Kade was tying his packs to the saddle of his horse. He gave Killian a nervous smile as he approached. “Any last tips?”
“Trust your training and you’ll do fine.” That clearly wasn’t what Kade had wanted to hear from the frown that tipped his lips down. Killian sighed. “Injuries are to be expected, and deaths aren’t unheard of. It’s a competitive game, this hunt, everyone is out for themselves no matter the group they choose. Don’t let your guard down. Keep a distance away from the hunting party, you’ll be safe there.”
Kade nodded and bit the inside of his cheek. “You aren’t riding with us, are you?”
“No. I’ll ride with the king and Hokda. We’ll hunt on our own.”
“I don’t like it. It’s too soon, the king is bound to still be weak. If something happens to him—if something happens to you—”
“None of that now,” Killian cut in, hushing Kade. His hands twitched, wanting to reach for Kade, but he couldn’t. Not here. “Nothing will happen.”
Kade looked away, unconvinced.
Against his better judgement, Killian hooked his pinky finger around Kade’s. Hidden. The tension in Kade’s shoulder’s relaxed at just that small, reassuring touch.
Killian melted.
There was a prickle of unease that ran up Killian’s spine. It made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. He locked eyes with Loran over Kade’s shoulder. The lieutenant had clearly been watching them, for how long Killian couldn’t be sure.
He scowled, but Loran didn’t look away.
It was a long time before Loran turned and walked away.
Something was wrong, Killian could tell. He just didn’t knowwhat.
