by Boyce, S. M.
Fires blazed in the village center well into the early morning. At one point, Kara stared into the flames and lost herself to thought. She brainstormed about what kind of an entrance would make the Bloods fear her, and the glimmer of an idea began to reveal itself in the back of her mind. It involved fire—a lot of it. And it might not work. But as she began to doubt herself and scratch the idea, someone pulled her up to dance.
A little after two in the morning, Kara slipped into her bedroom and collapsed on the bed. She lay there with a smile on her face, all the while trying not to look at the open traveling sack by her dresser or think about what she should pack before she left.
Crack!
A furry tail brushed her ear, and an even furrier face nuzzled her cheek.
“Hey, Flick,” she said.
She sat up and rubbed his head. He purred and leaned into her hand. With a yawn, he trotted to his pillow and curled up in a ball.
Someone knocked softly. She glanced up and waved her hand to open the door. It creaked open at her command, gentle as could be, and her smile widened. She could finally control her magic.
Twin leaned against the door frame and grinned, one hand holding her elbow. “It seems like we don’t get to spend time together anymore.”
Kara shrugged. “Silly things, wars. They take up so much time.”
Twin laughed. “This will all be over soon.”
“Hopefully.”
“So have you thought about how you’re going to make a powerful first impression on the Bloods?”
“A little.”
“And?”
“It involves a lot of fire.”
The Hillsidian smiled. “Wish I could see it. When do you leave?”
“At sunrise. I won’t get much sleep, but I enjoyed myself. This was worth it.”
“Are you excited to see Braeden?”
Kara grinned and closed her eyes. “You have no idea.”
Twin laughed and sat next to her. She didn’t respond, so Kara peeked at her friend. Twin stared at the ceiling, her smile slowly fading. Kara nudged the girl’s side, but Twin grimaced.
“What’s the matter?” Kara asked.
Twin stretched out on the bed. “I’m scared, Kara. For me. For you. For all of us. The world doesn’t want us to exist because we broke the rules. We’re free, and I think most yakona hate us out of jealousy. Everyone will fight us tooth and nail because we’re different. I’m just...scared.”
Kara nodded. “Me, too.”
“Really?”
“Of course, Twin. I just try not to show it. I don’t feel like I can be honest about that with most people. It’s like you said all those months ago—people expect the Vagabond to be a hero. I have to act like one.”
“You are a hero.”
Kara smiled and nudged her friend. “Thanks, girl.”
They lay back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Kara closed her eyes and listened to the house. It creaked and whispered nonsense as a gust tore by outside. This was home. Ourea was home. And as tired as she was of fighting, she would kill to protect that.
CHAPTER TWELVE
REUNION
About two hours after sunrise, Braeden slipped out of his office and shut the door without a sound. The empty hallway stretched out to his left and right. He scratched the stubble growing along his chin, still blinking himself awake. He needed to shave, but he didn’t have time.
He’d decided. He would pack what little he owned and leave for Kara’s village. His stolen copy of Conversations with a Drenowith filled out his pocket, ready to be thrown in a bag. He had enough of the Bloods. He needed their armies to kill his father, but a break from their pettiness would do him well. He could recharge, and perhaps it wouldn’t destroy Kara’s focus to have him there after all. He would have to restrain himself from stealing her away from her training, but he could manage if she was nearby.
As long as he didn’t encounter anyone along the way to his room, he should be able to get out of Ayavel without anyone noticing his absence until it was too late. He might encounter a road block on his way through the main lichgate, but he hadn’t found another way to leave Ayavel. He could always lie and say he was going on another mission to the Stele. After all, he wasn’t done scouting. No one had to know he was taking an extended detour. It might not be the most responsible choice to make, but even Braeden had limits to what he could endure.
He raced down the hallway and turned into another, his boots barely tapping on the stones as he hurried. He kept to the lesser-used halls, the ones he usually took to avoid maids and guards when he traveled from his room to his office and back.
He turned a corner. Evelyn stormed up the hallway, her gown billowing around her like a cloud. Braeden stopped in his tracks and cursed under his breath. Her eyebrows furrowed when they made eye contact.
“You idiot Heir,” she spat.
He forced a laugh. “Now that isn’t nice.”
“Nice? I should burn you alive for what you did. You are the reason Blood Ithone abandoned us! We just lost the support of an entire race because of you!”
“Aurora deserved to learn to protect herself.”
“That’s not your call anymore than it’s mine. It’s her father’s decision, and you undermined a Blood. A Blood, Braeden! You’re just an Heir, and you made him look like a fool by defying not only a direct order but a cultural law. What did you think would happen?”
“Not this,” Braeden admitted.
Evelyn grimaced. “If you can’t foresee something like this, why should I trust you to lead the remaining armies into war? You’re clearly incapable.”
“And I suppose you would do a better job? You know the Stele that well?”
Evelyn tensed. Her lips parted for a second, though Braeden couldn’t tell if it was shock or disgust. She reacted almost as if he’d backhanded her.
She tugged on the bodice of her gown and patted down a few stray strands of her hair. “I don’t have to take such an attitude from you.”
“I suppose not, yet here you are.”
“I can’t even look at you. I’ll deal with you at the next council meeting. We meet in an hour.”
“So good of you to invite me.”
She sneered and brushed past him, her shoulder missing his arm by an inch. Deep down, she must have wanted to shove him like the child she was. He was amazed she hadn’t.
Braeden slipped his hands in his pockets and sulked down the hallway toward his room. He wouldn’t be able to leave now, at least not unnoticed. The guards likely knew about the meeting before he did, just in case he tried to run. He had two choices: endure hours of royal bickering or fight his way out of the golden city. With the number of troops remaining in Ayavel, the latter would only land him in the dungeon again. Gavin would probably enjoy it.
With a groan, Braeden stopped at the door to his room. He leaned his forehead against the wood, wanting to leave but forced to stay. He might as well go practice a few new techniques in the meantime. He would be alone—no one wanted to spar with the city’s only Stelian—but at least he could practice a bit and let off some steam.
He turned to leave, but the grate of wood on a hardwood floor stopped him in his tracks. A muffled curse followed from behind his door.
Someone was in his room.
He threw the door open and conjured a gray flame in his palm. He eyed the shadows, tensed for an attack. Only spies would break into his bedroom, and who knew what they wanted. Forget sparring—he could go for some torture. Maybe this would give him a bit more leverage on whichever Blood chose to spy on him.
A blond woman stood at the window, one hand on each of the reams of fabric serving as curtains. She pulled them open. Light poured in, blinding him. He blinked to clear his vision. The musk of lilacs and bark wafted past his nose. His stomach clenched in reflex at the familiar scent of an isen.
“Who—?” he asked.
“You know who it is. I’m not that stealthy,” Kara said.
&nbs
p; His eyes adjusted. Kara stood by the window, a smile lighting up her beautiful face. A few strands of golden hair fell into her eyes. Her skin was a shade or two darker than he remembered and covered in even more freckles, likely from outdoor training.
Braeden slammed the door behind him and crossed the floor in a few steps. He pulled her into his arms. She laughed and hugged him. He pressed his lips against hers and pushed her into the wall, not caring about welcomes or formalities. Gratitude flooded his gut. He sighed with relief and kissed her again.
She chuckled and ran a hand through his hair. “I missed you, too, Braeden.”
He kissed her jaw. “Does anyone know you’re here?”
“Nope. Flick and I took the back entrance.”
“There’s a back entrance?”
Flick squeaked. He stood on the bed, nothing but a walking ball of fur. His ears shot up in what Braeden figured was a welcome, and the little creature trotted toward the pillows. Kara shifted in Braeden’s grip, readjusting her satchel.
He cradled her head in his hand. “I’m happy to see you, but what are you doing here? There’s no telling what the Bloods will do when they see you.”
“I know, but we’re re-assimilating. All the vagabonds are going back to their kingdoms. I’m here to talk sense into the Bloods. And you, apparently. What was with the moody entrance? I heard you shuffling down the hallway.”
He shook his head and nuzzled her neck. He didn’t want to answer.
She leaned back a little. “Braeden, is something wrong?”
“The Bloods are still in charge. Of course something’s wrong.”
“Don’t think like that. We’ll work it out, whatever it is. When is the next time you all meet?”
He smiled and held her cheek in his palm. She grinned and ran a finger along his stubble. She was too forgiving. He didn’t want a repeat of the last time she trusted these people. He couldn’t let them put her in chains again or carve her up with a knife like the now-dead Aislynn did once already. He wouldn’t risk it.
He kissed her jaw line and trailed toward her ear. “I’m not letting you back in one of those council meetings.”
She laughed. “Be serious, Braeden. I have a lot to tell you before then. When is it?”
He leaned in until their noses touched. Her soft skin brushed his. Desire poured through him.
“Who said I was joking?” he said in a low tone.
Her breath caught in her throat. She grinned, but didn’t reply. Her eyes darted toward his lips before she caught his eye again.
“Try to stop me,” she said.
He laughed. “You don’t think I could do it?”
She kissed his nose. “No.”
He grabbed her around the waist and launched them both onto the bed. She squealed in surprise but quickly exploded into laughter. Braeden grabbed her wrists and pinned her to the comforter, but her smile melted away the serious frown he was trying to keep on his face. He couldn’t help himself. He grinned and kissed her again.
“I let you do that,” she said.
“Sure you did.”
“Did so.”
He kissed her ear. “Whatever you say.”
She laughed. “Fine, you get that one. But I do need you to be serious for a second. Are we going to discuss our game plan, or do you need a demonstration of what I can do?”
“I like the demonstration option.”
“Your call, but it would probably tear your bed apart.”
Braeden’s eyebrows shot upward. He laughed. “I’m game.”
“That’s not what I meant!” Kara’s cheeks burned red.
“What the Bloods did you mean, then?” he asked.
Though he tightened his hold on her wrists, she twisted her shoulder and slipped out of his grip. She bolted upright, and Braeden suppressed a smirk. She apparently learned quite a lot in her training.
Her eyes shot to the floor. “It’s just—I—that didn’t come out right at all.”
“No, but I really don’t mind the option. Let’s give it a shot.”
She laughed again and smacked his shoulder. “I just meant I don’t have very good control. It’s something I’ve been working on. There’s a lot of power to manage now.”
Braeden’s smile faded. “How are you doing?”
“I’m all right. It was pretty bad in the beginning. I lit my desk on fire.”
Braeden stifled a laugh. “I’m sorry, Kara.”
She shrugged. “Stone fixed it somehow. He loves that desk.”
“Where is he?”
“With Twin, Richard, and Garrett.”
“I’m glad those two are well. But Garrett’s back?”
“Yeah. Long story. He and Stone want to kill each other, so I’m keeping them apart. Stone’s going to build—” Kara snapped her mouth closed and caught Braeden’s eye.
He frowned. “Build what?”
“I’m not sure you’ll like it.”
He wrapped his hands around her waist. “Might as well tell me when I’m distracted, then.”
She laughed and leaned in. “Tease.”
“You like it.”
“I do.”
Braeden tensed at the words. With a rush of panic, he remembered the stolen journal and the question he’d been dying to ask her. Seeing her flushed every thought from his mind, but this was his chance. He could finally ask her if she would be his forever.
He opened his mouth to push the matter of whatever Stone was building, but the words died on his tongue. He wanted to ask her to be his forever right then, but a small voice in the back of his mind tugged on him to stop. Now wasn’t the time. She had other things on her plate. She’d just spent over a month training. She was distracted with the upcoming council. He should wait.
Another, tinier voice mumbled something about the fear she would say no. He silenced it quickly.
“What have you been up to?” she asked.
“Trouble.”
She laughed. “Which Blood did you piss off this time?”
“All of them, probably.”
She whistled. “That takes skill, my love.”
A flurry of nerves rushed through him like a blizzard. He might be a prince with a natural propensity for murder, but he could get used to his new pet name.
“What did you do?” she asked.
He sighed. This would take a while.
In the hour before the council meeting, Braeden managed to fill Kara in on most of what happened in her absence. He mentioned Aislynn’s death and skimmed over the highlights of his training with Aurora. He explained everything from the princess’s progress to his fight with her father’s daru, though he left out the bits about wanting to murder the entire Kirelm race. He outlined his basic plans for the attack on the Stele and what he learned while scouting the kingdom’s black forests.
Kara, in turn, filled him in on her training and time spent in her grandfather’s cottage. She explained the vagabonds’ plan and described Garrett’s arrival. Braeden hoped he would get a chance to talk to Garrett at some point to find out who helped write his stolen journal.
Flick curled up on one of Braeden’s pillows, purring in his sleep while Braeden and Kara settled on the bed. He wrapped his arms around her as he spoke, and she rested her head on his chest. He never wanted to let her go. If he had his way, he wouldn’t. Considering Kara’s new power, though, he wouldn’t get his way much anymore.
Kara snuggled close. “I’m proud of you, you know.”
“For what?”
“Helping Aurora. She needed someone to empower her and believe in her. I’m proud of how you forgave her and risked everything to help her even when she didn’t deserve that kindness from you.”
Braeden smiled. “Thank you.”
She hummed into his neck. For a while, neither spoke. Braeden savored the tickle of her breath on his collarbone. Her pulse thumped along, amplified by her proximity. The impulse to flip her over and pin her to the mattress again burned through him like fire, but
he restrained himself. He estimated they had about five or ten minutes before the council meeting began. As much as he would love to skip it, he couldn’t risk the Bloods discovering Kara if they barged into his room to find out why he missed the meeting.
“What do you plan to say to the Bloods?” he asked.
“You’ll see. All I need is a way in.”
“There are these great things called doors.”
She jabbed his side. He laughed and ran a hand through her hair.
Her finger trailed along his chest as she continued. “I need to make a show of force. Something to get their attention.”
“Do I get to know what this show is?”
“It’s a surprise. I think you’ll like it.”
He smiled. “Fine. So how are you getting in?”
“I want to teleport. I just need to know which room you’re using.”
“It’s the row of windows above the throne room. It’s hard to miss if you’re outside.”
Kara hummed again in what he assumed was acknowledgment. Braden glanced down to find her eyes out of focus as she stared across the room.
“I should go,” she said.
He held her tighter. “It can wait a few more minutes.”
She kissed his cheek. “Hopefully this will go well, and I’ll get to stay. Then we can have some quiet time together without interruptions or strategy.”
“You’re not capable of having a conversation without strategizing about something.”
She laughed and rolled off the other side of the bed but didn’t deny it. With a few tugs at her shirt, she straightened her clothes. Flick jumped onto her shoulder and purred.
She winked at Braeden. “See you soon, handsome.”
Flick chirped. A loud crack broke through the room. Braeden flinched even though he’d expected the noise. When he opened his eyes, Kara was gone.
He sighed and pushed off the bed. He might as well head for the council meeting, too. His feet carried him to the meeting room as his thoughts wandered. This might not be a good idea. This might backfire. He should have probably stopped her and sent her back to the village, but he enjoyed her company too much to try. Besides, he couldn’t convince her to go back if her vagabonds had re-assimilated. He cringed. Risky move on their part.