Damari shook her head, bending to pick up her sword and slide the blade carefully into its sheath. “I wish I was, Lathan Jandry. I really do.”
Then she turned before he could say anything more, hurrying back across the practice field and as far away from him as she could get.
Adlae smoothed her finger absently over the top of her staff, watching as Navaria walked in the empty courtyard on Krow’s arm. She’d waited until Roderick and Raphaela left for their usual tour of the docks in preparation for the first snow before she let Navaria and Krow out of their room. Damari was more helpful than Adlae expected, keeping her guests a secret from her brother and finding a servant she could trust to bring Navaria and Krow their meals. She still didn’t know why Navaria wanted to be here, why in the world one of the Mountain People wanted to infiltrate the Blood Keep and then do nothing. But she didn’t question them. The Creator did as He willed, and Adlae knew Navaria followed Him.
How could we doubt after what she told us? Winter muttered in her ear. She is clearly a Prophetess, though I have not heard of them being among the Mountain People before, and I have been of this world years longer than you.
“If she is a Prophetess, why does she hide her face?” Adlae wondered. “There is something different about her, more than the other Mountain People who have ever visited here.”
All of them have been men. All of them have looked like Krow, Winter agreed. Even in all my years, I never saw the face of a woman of the Mountains.
“That’s true.” Adlae frowned. “The men are always the ones who come to trade, the women never leave the Mountain villages.”
Until Navaria. Whatever she has Seen must have been important enough to bring her from the Mountains. Perhaps their world is also turning. Winter’s concern flitted through Adlae. I feel as though we are sitting on a precipice, and the smallest wind will knock us from our perch.
“I know.” Adlae’s shoulders slouched, heavy with the burden of everything she knew. “But there is nothing we can do about it. The Mountain People have kept to themselves all these years, and they have kept the peace.”
And they supported Vihaan Sundragon when Roderick Kael stood up to take the throne from him. They are a loyal people and a part of Nfaros.
“Yes, they are.” Adlae smiled. “I had forgotten they stood for him, so little were the numbers who tried to defend him during that time. This country fed upon Roderick Kael’s lies, only to discover too late he was a much lesser man than my father.”
Adlae tilted her head, wondering what Navaria was whispering to Krow. She weighed heavily on his arm, but he never wavered under the pressure. His eyes warmed when he looked down at her, his stony face softening as though he could see right through her veil to who she truly was beneath. Krow was the only one in Sunkai who knew what Navaria looked like. He knew her secrets.
Does it matter what she looks like? What matters is what she told us. Winter’s shiver mirrored her own. ‘One that you love will die at the command of your greatest enemy. The darkness approaches and the Sundragon must rise again.’
“Mirae.” Adlae clutched her staff tighter. “It has to be about Mirae, doesn’t it?”
The king sends Brecken Jandry to seek her out. If we can discover the orders your sister’s husband was given, then we will know if it is Mirae who is in danger.
“Your Majesty.” Damari’s voice brought her around.
“Princess Damari.” Adlae dipped her head, gripping her staff in both hands as she leaned on it before turning back to nod to the couple walking the gardens. “Have you met them yet?”
“No. I think it best that I don’t.” Damari turned her back, facing Adlae. “Are we going to see Brae again? She must be growing anxious after our last meeting.”
“Don’t be troubled, dear.” Adlae reached over to pat her hand lightly. “We will see her again when the time is right.”
“Rumors abound about the darkness growing in the Gracian Wood,” Damari whispered as they both turned, strolling leisurely along one of the rocky paths. “Whispers on the streets say that Wraith Spawn have been spotted.”
“So I have heard.” Adlae grimaced.
“You do not believe in such things, do you, Your Highness?” Damari’s eyes expanded. “Wraith Spawn are children’s stories.”
“Many things of this world that are to be feared come from what we call children’s stories.” Adlae sighed. “Tell me what the people say.”
“Some of the travelers from Kaldon and Quintaria say they have seen the creatures filling the Gracian Wood. They say the darkness grows every day and soon, they will overrun all of us.” Damari rubbed her arms as a chill breeze rushed over them. “They believe the Abyss has summoned his creatures to kill us all.”
“The Abyss has been quiet for many years past. If he has awoken, then the prophecies must be coming to pass.”
“Then you believe that Wraith Spawn exist?” Damari’s brow rose.
Adlae smiled. “Of course I do, my dear.”
“But how can you believe in such a thing? How can you believe such an evil, ugly thing exists?”
“Because I’ve fought them myself, Damari Kael.” Adlae stopped, looking over her shoulder at Navaria and Krow. “There are many things in this world we have not seen, but it doesn’t mean they don’t exist. I’ve fought the Wraith Spawn and won, but it will not be so easy the next time. If the Abyss crawls his way closer to Sunkai and Brecken Jandry—the leader of this city’s greatest defense—leaves it to seek out Mirae Sundragon, then we must act ... quickly.”
Brecken frowned at Brae’s back as they walked down the street. Noelle was sitting on his shoulders, kicking her little heels against his chest as her hands ran through his hair, mussing it. But he didn’t care. He was to ride out of the city tomorrow with half of the king’s army to seek out and kill Mirae Sundragon. The thought alone twisted his stomach. How could he willingly kill his wife’s sister, knowing what it would do to her? Imprisonment and a trial were the law in Sunkai for treason, yet his king seemed to have forgotten. Brecken was certain he could take Mirae without much violence, but disobeying orders would put him in the Blood Keep dungeons with her, and he couldn’t risk his family in that way.
Maxx appeared at his shoulder, narrow eyes glaring at anyone who looked at Brae. He was not dressed in the king’s colors today; instead, he was adorned in the dark blue and dulled brown boots he often wore during a long journey. Maxx was supposed to be riding to their mother’s old home in Quintaria, to warn their sister Clea to take herself and her household to safety in anticipation of the battle to come. Instead, he’d chosen to stay one more day, to be certain Brecken and Brae were safe walking the streets of Sunkai.
Of all of them, Maxx was the most suspicious, and there was something about the king’s manner in these recent months that had him struggling. Brecken never asked after his brother’s personal thoughts—Maxx had never been forthcoming. He did worry, however, that his brother whispered in shadows with faceless men and was sighted patrolling the dark streets when he was supposed to be resting in his barracks. There was a distance between him and his brothers ever since they took Sunkai alongside Roderick five years ago and unfortunately, the space had only grown larger. This was the king they had. A king who sowed distrust between brothers who were once inseparable.
Perhaps we were better off with the Sundragon. Brecken took a deep breath, shaking the thought from his mind. He was loyal to Roderick Kael, and nothing could change that. Reaching up, he took Noelle’s hands from his hair, mumbling under his breath. He grunted when she kicked him hard in the chest, and she giggled.
“Don’t kick your father, Noelle.” Maxx finally looked away from the merchants, grinning at Brecken. “He’s sensitive.”
“Never mind that.” Brecken shoved his little brother before jogging ahead to keep up with Brae. “Has the king spoken to you?”
“Our orders stand, Brecken.” Maxx glowered, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword. “We are to dispose of Mirae Sundragon at the first opportunity.”
“Quiet!” Brecken hissed, glancing at his wife. “Brae doesn’t know our orders.”
“You have to tell her, Brecken.” As quickly as they’d hardened, Maxx’s eyes softened. He reached over, gripping Brecken’s shoulder. “Word will spread, she will find out on the streets, and then what will you do?”
“She’d never forgive me.” Brecken lifted Noelle from his shoulders to set her down on the street. “Go to your mother.”
Noelle turned, running to Brae. His wife turned, frowning at him when Noelle collided into her legs. Brecken forced a smile and Brae shrugged a shoulder before crouching low to the ground so Noelle could climb up onto her back. Brecken rubbed away the sweat from the back of his neck, hating that his brother was right. If he didn’t tell Brae about his orders, then she would find out from someone on the streets of Sunkai once the deed was done. If she didn’t run away from him, then she would never speak to him again, he was certain. They would never be as they once were when he returned from this mission.
“There’s also the matter of the Winter Queen.” Maxx cleared his throat, and they started walking again, following Brae’s progress through the market.
“What matter? Lathan has everything well in hand,” Brecken answered, stopping at one of the smithies. He lifted an axe blade from the forger’s display, running his thumb along the recently sharpened edge.
“Then the king hasn’t told you,” Maxx muttered.
Brecken frowned. “Told me what?”
“The king believes the Winter Queen intends to betray him.” Maxx lowered his voice as they moved forward, walking when Brae walked. “She refuses to bring winter to the city, and she has been here long enough to do so.”
“The Winter Queen obeys the will of the Creator, Maxx.”
“Yet our king is convinced she is loyal to the Sundragon.” Maxx stopped when Brae stopped, tilting his head as he watched her pause to observe the jewelry.
“And how do you know all of this?” Brecken crossed his arms.
“The king entrusted the task of watching her to Lathan, but I don’t think he knows the real reason why. He believes it’s for her protection.” Maxx flexed his hand around the hilt of his sword.
“Maxx, how do you know this?” Brecken grabbed his brother’s arm, halting him in the street.
“I stand guard over the king, and he speaks freely in front of me,” Maxx answered simply. “I hear many things, Brecken.”
“Then you speak of secrets the king has entrusted to you. It’s treason, Maxx!”
“Will you arrest me, brother?” Maxx’s brow arched.
Brecken released his brother’s arm before turning away, shaking his head. He wouldn’t arrest his brother, he couldn’t of course. Maxx told him only what he thought he needed to know and if the king was keeping secrets from him—his supposed favored captain—then Brecken wanted to know.
It’s the only way I can protect them. Brecken looked up at his wife and daughter again, his heart warming at the sight of Brae bouncing Noelle on her back.
“I thought not.” Maxx stopped suddenly, turning to him. “I must leave the city before nightfall. The Gracian Wood is unpredictable at night, but it is the quickest Path to Quintaria. What road do you intend to take?”
“I will take the army around the Gracian Wood. If Mirae Sundragon plans to cross the Kliat Plains, then I will meet her there, passing through the Night Wood from the opposite direction.”
“Do you intend to enter the Pilvaa?” Maxx’s eyes widened.
“If I must. The king requires Mirae Sundragon. I will not return to Sunkai until I have fulfilled his orders.” Brecken reached out, and they clasped wrists, linking themselves.
“Then the Creator be with you, brother,” Maxx grated between tight lips. “Once I see our sister safely out of Quintaria, I will follow you.”
“And I will watch for your banner.” Brecken pulled his brother forward, clasping his arm around Maxx’s shoulder. He lowered his voice to a whisper, “If you get to Clea in time, send her south, to our birthplace.”
“To Molderëin?” Maxx’s surprise radiated off his stiff body. “Why, Brecken?”
“Just tell her.” Brecken stepped back, dropping his brother’s arm. “Clea will know what to do there. A storm is coming, and our little sister could save us all.”
Brae’s eyebrow twitched as she watched her husband and his brother part ways. Their stony faces revealed nothing as Maxx turned to her, bowing low at the waist in respect. Brae smiled, dipping her head in response. Her husband’s brothers had always treated her with the utmost respect, as though she still held her title of princess. She’d come to love her husband’s family, and they had come to love her, but it wasn’t the same. Brecken’s sisters couldn’t replace her own, and even now, she ached for Adlae.
Yet, even with the pain, Mirae’s presence pulsed through the link in their necklaces. Brae reached for hers absently, rubbing her thumb along the dragon’s ruby eyes. She didn’t know how she felt her; she didn’t even know what it was she felt, but she knew, just as she knew the sun would rise tomorrow, that she felt Mirae.
Noelle was growing lazy against her back, her little arms beginning to lose their grip around Brae’s neck. Giving her daughter a boost seemed to wake her, her small head rising from her shoulder for only a few moments before lolling back against the curve of Brae’s throat. She sighed, setting her basket down at her feet to carefully turn Noelle around from her back. Her child squirmed until her legs were securely around Brae’s waist once more, her head resting on her mother’s heart.
Brae smiled, curving her arm beneath Noelle’s bottom before she reached down to raise her basket against her hip with one hand. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Brecken had moved forward, probably coming to help, but then stopped again. He knew better than to walk alongside her on the streets in public. Everyone knew they were married, but when she was on these streets, he was her guard, not her husband. They could not walk hand in hand in the marketplace, or steal kisses in front of one of the jewelers’ stores like so many other young couples Brae saw and envied.
But here in the Lower Village, Brae felt the most at home. Here, on these dank streets, the people remembered the Sundragon. Here the people remembered her name. There weren’t many in the High Village who acknowledged her, too close were they to the Blood Keep. Too watched were they by Roderick’s spies. The king simply didn’t care what the people of the Lower Village thought, too few were they to revolt against him. Too weak were they to stand up to him, and that was his intention.
Brae remembered a time when the Lower Village was just as vibrant as the High Village. All Sunkai had been bright and beautiful, every person in every building prosperous and well-fed. Roderick’s rule changed all that, and she didn’t know why her husband couldn’t see it. Or perhaps he did and chose to ignore it. Brae sighed, balancing Noelle carefully on her hip as she moved on, making her way through the maze of people toward the High Village.
She boosted the basket on her hip again, beads of sweat beginning to form on her brow as she tried to hold it steady. When had her little one grown so big? She didn’t remember Noelle feeling this heavy; she was testing the strength in Brae’s arms. After so many years of practicing the sword to achieve the title of Sword Maiden of Sunkai, she had thought her arms would never weaken. The thought spurred her, and she readjusted her baby, gripping her tighter.
Noelle sputtered, rubbing her face against Brae’s throat. Brae cooed to her, bouncing her carefully on her hip. The motion caused her to lose her grip on the basket, and she gasped, grabbing for it as it started to fall to the ground. The basket stopped midair, and Brae sighed with relief as Brecken broke the fall for her, handing it carefully back to her.
“I’ll take her.” Brecken reached for their daughter.
“She’s fine.” Brae stepped back, out of his reach. “She’ll wake up if you take her.”
“Are you through?” Brecken asked, following her as she squeezed through the crowd along the narrow street. “I need to return to the Blood Keep to make preparations.”
“You’re going to Quintaria on the king’s business, but you won’t tell me what the business is about,” Brae muttered, turning down a street to take the steps up to the High Village. “I cannot help but think it’s about Mirae. You have never withheld your duties from me before, not when it means you venturing outside the city walls.”
“When you are ready to tell me what happened to you last night after I returned from the Keep, then I will tell you my exact orders,” Brecken replied, walking beside her with at least a foot between them. “I am not the only one keeping secrets in our home, Brae.”
“No, you are not. But my secrets, you would not understand.” Brae kept her eyes forward, flexing her cramped fingers around the basket rim. “You have forbidden me to be who I am. You and your king have forbidden me to even speak my family name, so I cannot help but keep secrets from you.”
Brecken grumbled something under his breath, but Brae didn’t ask him what he said. She didn’t want to know, not really. Her mind was too full, her heart too pained with worry to ask him what he mumbled about to himself. Brae turned suddenly, taking her husband by surprise as she headed for the tavern. What she needed right now was a place to set Noelle down and some of Analli’s famous Quintarian tea. Brae’s chest swelled with a breath, smiling a little as she stepped through the door, despite Brecken tugging on her sleeve like a child. She knew he wanted her to go home, but she didn’t care if any of Roderick’s other guards were watching, she needed to relax.
The necklace grew hot suddenly against her heart and Brae frowned, her fingers itching to reach for it. A shudder rushed through her against her will, as though a shadow had fallen over her heart to fill her with fear. She didn’t know what it meant, but it had to involve Mirae. Brae stopped at one of the corner tables, sliding onto the bench as she set her basket underneath it. Brecken crossed his arms over his chest, glaring down at her where he stood in front of the table.
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