Page 20 of Ravenrose

“Rowan,” Riven whispers, “I’ll be fine.”

“Yes, you will,” I assert. “And I will be here waiting for you when you are fine, and the two of us will leave Rosecliff together.” I look at him, my tone leaving no room for argument.

With an army led by a demon outside, there is no chance in all the hells that I would leave my twin behind.

Riven inhales deeply before speaking, keeping his voice low as he eyes the waiting maid who is growing increasingly more nervous as time passes. “Alita won’t like it.”

“Alita doesn’t like anything I do,” I dismiss with a wave of my hand.

“Father won’t like it,” he counters.

I clench my jaw, gripping the balcony railing a little tighter. “Then Father should be here. Shouldn’t he?”

Someone sent a falcon to the capital as soon as the army appeared, but our father has not yet responded.

“They’re about to get everything they wanted out of me. They can at least let me make this one choice.” There’s venom in my words, but Riven doesn’t get the chance to argue, because the sounding of a horn interrupts our conversation.

Courtiers and servants in the halls freeze at the sound; peasants and villagers in the streets all stop and look up in alarm. And when a second horn trumpets through the air—panic. The second brings forth a flurry of movement and shouts.

My heart races as Riven unsheathes his sword from his belt.

I eye the sword enviously; I’m not permitted a sword, but I do have my knife. Hidden in my skirts and strapped to my thigh, as always. It’s a simple blade, but sharp as anything. A thorny rose, carved into the steel hilt as if it were wrapped around it. The blade is my favorite thing in the entire world, but would be little defense against, say, an army.

Resisting the overwhelming itch to grab its handle, I turn my attention back to the maid, who still stands by the terrace doorway, trembling. Drawing myself up, I lift my chin. While I don’t enjoy playing the role of princess, I am exceptionally good at it.

“Go,” I say, giving her a hard look. “Tell Alita I am with the prince, and he will escort me to safety alongside our guard.” My voice is stern, but still kind. “If she insists on accompanying me herself, she may wait for us to join her.”

I sneak a sly smile at my twin as he pretends not to notice. It’s clear he does not approve of my staying, but short of dragging me through the tunnels himself, there’s little he can do about it. The rest of the castle guard is far too busy with the evacuation and preparing for the attack.

Though reluctant, the maid’s eyes flicker back to the hall inside, where the servants who remain in the castle are now running toward the west tower. With one last look of desperation in my direction, the trembling maid drops to a curtsy and scurries away.

A grin spreads across my cheeks at the minor victory. Even if I’ll pay for it later—especially if my father finds out. The joy at winning the small battle quickly fades as I join Riven in looking back out over the balcony.

Two horns. My heart thumps hard within my chest.

Kovaria is here.

Chapter 10

ROWAN

Moments after the second horn sounds, the castle shudders with a near-deafening boom, shaking the floor, the walls, the very heart of the stone castle. The sounds of crumbling rock and brick followed quickly after, along with screams and shouts as anyone remaining within the walls started sprinting for the tunnels.

Sword in hand, Riven turns for the door.

I follow, quickening my steps to keep up with his long strides. Though exceedingly similar as twins, Riven left me behind somewhere around year sixteen. He’s far taller, with much longer legs. Sensing me at his back, he whirls around, and I nearly crash into his chest from the abrupt change in direction.

“You can’t come with me. It’s not safe.”

I shoot him a look, but the look he gives back says this time he’s not having it.

“Wait at the entrance to the west tower. I need to find Kazel and ensure they’ve finished evacuating and seal the tunnels.”

“I can help—” I start, my voice shaking with the fear I feel running through me, despite my best efforts at hiding it. “I can heal.” My thoughts turn to the other power, one I’m still working to control. That could help too, if only I knew how to use it.

Another loud boom rattles the stone beneath our feet, and Riven reaches out, gripping my arm to pull us under a sturdy archway as pieces of stone and a spray of dust and debris drop from the high ceiling above.

“Holy shit,” I whisper, realizing just how unprepared I am for war.