Page 44 of Throne of the Wolf Queen

…and I know you’ll be pleased to hear how hard I’ve been working in lessons. The tutor said I have a real gift for arithmetic. It’s the one lesson where I always best Sorrow. She tries to hide it, but she hates losing to me. Anyway, I miss you, Father. I miss you all so much. I hope you’ll visit with Mother next month. I can’t wait to show you how well I can fight now.

​— ​UNOPENED LETTER FROM CROWN PRINCE MATTHIAS TO HIS FATHER, RAUL OF ASMAR

I was beginning to see the value in cladding your troops in nothing but black as the rebels, my mother and I hid shivering within the damp crevices of the cliffs. It wouldn’t be a silver button or a gleaming insignia that would give us away as we watched the empress’s cavalry parade towards Motresh.

But even as it looked as though she was finally launching an advance on our western neighbours, concern wriggled within my chest. It was a single troop of horse-backed guards. Seventy… eighty at the most. Hardly a great invading force. So, I asked myself as I blew the hair from my sodden eyes, what was their purpose? A diversion? A sacrifice?

And here I stood, rain running in rivulets down my spine, while I witnessed the infection of Carush spreading through my lands. Lands and people I was sworn to protect.

Raine shuffled next to me and I pulled away as their arm brushed mine.

‘Once we reach our headquarters,’ they signed as I spat out another mouthful of rainwater, ‘we’ll formulate a plan.’

I clenched my jaw as I signed. ‘I keep telling you. We should head to Drufaera.’

They let out a silent laugh.

‘Drufaera?’ I had to squint to follow their hand movements in the soft glow of the hidden moon. ‘They hate us more than you.’

‘I doubt that’s possible.’

‘I’m not risking my forces on a whim.’

I turned to face them, their pale eyes peeking out from the bandages they’d wrapped across their face. I hated to admit it, as much as I loathed being forced into this position, where the rebels carried me further away from my wife, I admired their methods and a flickering of guilt burned as I thought of the Vyrium we hoarded. What these people could achieve if they had access to the valuable rocks?

‘Are you calling my wife a whim?’

‘Not at all.’ Their movements jerked, as though they were as tired of this same row as I was. We’d had this same argument several times a day as we’d travelled north to The Void. ‘But there’s more at risk than your marriage, Your Highness. I’ve got my forces to care for, the people no one sees. The life of every single person, every beat of their hearts, comes down to the decisions we make. I’m afraid your current marital issues with your wife will have to wait.’

They turned away as the chomping, whickering train of horses continued.

‘I’m sure your wife is grateful for the break.’

I forced my fists into my sodden pockets. I don’t think Mother would forgive me if I threw Raine over the cliff. Instead, I sniffed, raindrops falling from the end of my frozen nose.

I was determined to get the last word in, though. I tapped them on the shoulder.

‘You know my wife would have each one of those horses throwing their riders. Trampling them to death.’ I side-eyed them. Raine shook their head.

‘No Anomaly is that strong.’

‘Sorrow’s not just an Anomaly, though.’

Raine appeared to share a knowing glance with my mother, sending anger spiralling through me.

‘It’s lovely you think highly of your wife, but⁠—’

I laughed, probably too loudly, judging by the way Mother shushed me. I leaned in before signing, ensuring I saw their reaction.

‘Sorrow is a Villente.’

‘Who lost her gift. We all heard.’

I shook my head, smirking as their eyes widened. Sorrow was not just my wife, a talented Anomaly, but the daughter of one of the blessed lines.

‘She’s a Deviant.’

I struggled to keep my face straight as Raine side-eyed me. ‘Sorrow is a Deviant?’