by Frost Kay
Her eyes still watered at the bright light, but she didn’t care. She was outside. She didn’t realize how much of her longed for the outdoors, craved it. Dark green forest and red sand gave way to more familiar trees and golden fields. Her heart squeezed in her chest, and another tear slipped down her face for another reason entirely.
Aermia. Home was so close, and yet so far away. It was a cruel joke.
She shot a glance at the open doorway. She could spare herself the pain and go back inside, not force herself to gaze upon what she’d lost, but she didn’t. She craved the view. While she felt pain and loss, she also enjoyed the beauty and the freedom of being out there, and it was more than she’d had in a long time. So, she sank to her knees and took it in, sitting until her butt went numb and the sun had moved across the sky.
The air was colder now, and a shiver worked through her, though she still didn’t move. The sunset was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen, the sky painted with rich reds, oranges, and purples.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Sage barely kept herself from jumping at the sound of his voice. Slowly, she turned to the warlord. He stood, arms and legs crossed, one shoulder leaning against the stone wall. The wind ruffled his inky hair, giving him a softer, tousled look. But it was a lie, just like everything else about him. Her traitorous heart flipped when he gave her a lopsided smile and pushed off the wall, holding his hand out for her. She slipped her small hand into his large one and allowed him to pull her to her feet.
Zane spun her to face the sunset and wrapped his arms around her, his chin resting on her head. “You like your view?”
She swallowed and nodded.
“Did you sit out here all afternoon?”
“Yes. It’s beautiful.”
“I hoped you would.” He paused and hugged her tighter. “There’s something wild and exotic about this land that makes it easy to lose yourself in it.” Zane lifted a hand and pointed to the far-off river. “Our company will arrive soon.”
Sage squinted and then gaped when she spotted what he was pointing at. It was an army. “Who is it?” she asked, her heart pounding in her chest.
He pulled his hand back and rested it on her beating heart. “The Aermian council.”
Her pulse kicked up another notch. “Why?”
“The time has come for treaty negotiations.”
“A treaty?” She all but choked.
“Rather boring business, but something we must discuss nonetheless. Come.”
She took one last glance at the fading sunset and followed him in. Sage took in the rooms as he went about closing and barring the doors.
The walls were a soft cream fresco, accented with a few colorful mosaics. One particular scene was of a red dragon drawn on the wall across from the bed. She walked up to it and ran her hand along the dragon’s scales, fascinated. Had they used jewels to create this picture?
“I should’ve known you’d be enticed by the dragons.”
Sage jerked her hand from the mosaic like she had been caught doing something naughty. Spinning on her heel, she eyed the warlord. “It’s beautiful.”
He shook his head ruefully and began rolling his sleeves up. “Out of all the pictures that caught your eye, it was the abominations that drew your attention.”
“The stones caught my eye,” she said, knowing it was only half the truth.
“They’re rubies,” the warlord said. “The palace is filled with them.”
The room fell silent, the only sound the crackling of the fire.
The warlord let out a sigh and moved to one of two large chairs placed beside the fire. He turned them to face each other and then sat down. He glanced at her and held out a hand. “Please sit.”
His serious tone turned her blood to ice. Cautiously, she moved to the seat across from him, doing as he requested. She clasped her trembling hands together and held her breath, waiting for him to speak. The intensity of his gaze made her want to squirm, but instead, she straightened and lifted her chin. If things were going to be bad, she wasn’t going to cower in her chair.
“Tomorrow, the Aermian delegation arrives.”
She stayed silent.
“And along with them, the crown prince.”
Tehl was coming with them? How stupid. Sage kept her face carefully blank as the warlord scrutinized her reaction to his words.
“You will need to be on your best behavior when they arrive.”
“I’ll see them?” she asked.
His smile held a dangerous edge. “Yes, from my side.”
His words settled in. She was going to stand at his side, like a traitor, like the consort he was always calling her. Bile burned the back of her throat, but she held herself in check. “Is there anything else I should know?”
The warlord leaned forward and pulled one of her clenched hands from her lap, lacing his fingers through hers. She stared at their hands and prepared herself for what would come.
“Know that attempted escape will result in quick and violent retribution.” His hand squeezed hers. “Look at me.”
She lifted her eyes at the command and felt as if the world had dropped away. Heat simmered in his gaze, but his expression was all calculation.
His lips curled up on one side. “If you make a mockery out of me, I will destroy your friend, then the Aermian delegation, and then everything you hold dear.”
He said this casually, as if he were merely speaking of the weather. It chilled her to the bone. He meant every word. She could see it in his eyes.
Sage swallowed past the lump in her throat and spoke in a low tone, like she was trying to soothe a dangerous beast. “And what do I tell my husband?”
He jerked her out of her chair and onto her knees in front of him. Her knees stung as he traced her face with one fingertip.
“He’s not your husband, wild one.” His hand skimmed up to the thorn collar and settled around her throat. He squeezed once gently, just enough for her to know he had complete control and held her life in that moment. “Do you know what this collar represents?”
She forced out a soft, “No,” and was pleased with how her voice didn’t shake.
“In Scythia, it is not just a method by which women adorn themselves, it is a statement of ownership. Of marriage.” His nose rubbed against her temple. “Where do you think your cuff custom originates from? Scythia,” he breathed. “You may have been married to the enemy, but it was never consummated. But my claim…” His lips curled against her hair. “It’s been validated by a doctor.”
Sage gasped and jerked back, staring into his dark eyes. “That’s a lie!”
A lazy grin spread across his face. “Is it? How could you prove otherwise? You’ve been unconscious for five days. And if any of the delegation ask about your room arrangements, they’ll be made aware of the fact that you’ve been sleeping in my bed for months.”
Horror filled her. He was right. To anyone on the outside, it would seem like everything he was saying was true. And then, something dawned on her. The execution. It had been for show, for his people to bear witness that she was standing at his side. If anyone from the Aermian council looked at the evidence, it would seem very much like she was a traitor. A bitter laugh escaped her, causing surprise to flash across the warlord’s face.
“That was disgustingly ingenious. You are a monster after all.”
He smiled. “A monster to some, a hero to others. Who’s to say what I am to you?”
“My death,” she breathed.
“And your life,” he whispered.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Tehl
The day had come.
He patted down his horse, murmuring soft words to the beast. “We have a long way to go, Wraith, and this time, we’ll have a companion.” He flicked a glance at the mare behind them. “But I need you to act honorably, okay? We don’t have time for your attitude. Sage’s mount will be spending a lot of time with us, so just get used to it.” Wraith nickered and nudged his poc
ket. Tehl pulled out the apple piece he’d placed inside it and held it out. “Be good.”
Tehl spun and faced the mare creeping up on him. She was tall, around sixteen hands, with a bold face and an off-center stripe on her face. He plucked the other quarter of an apple and held it out to her with a smile at how her ears perked. “You and I are newly acquainted, but I promise you’ll like me once you get to know me.” The mare stepped forward and lipped the apple, crunching down happily. He stroked a hand down her neck and patted her chest. “There’s a good girl. You’ll like your new mistress. She’s a little like you. Beautiful, smart, and spirited.”
“We’re ready,” Sam said, striding toward him. Right behind him were Rafe and the Scythian woman, scowling at his side.
“Is she secured?” he asked his brother.
“As much as possible. Lilja and Rafe will ride next to her. I doubt she’ll give us much trouble. We’re taking her home.”
Blaise shifted her glare from the rebellion leader to Tehl. Something about her troubled him. It was obvious she hated them, but it also seemed like she was afraid. But why? What was she afraid of? Going home?
“Are you ready?” Sam said, interrupting his thoughts.
Tehl shook his head and patted the mare once more, and then moved to Wraith. “Let’s ride.”
He was about to hop into the saddle when a familiar voice stopped him from doing so. He glanced over his shoulder to catch Gwen pushing through soldiers and warhorses. He released the saddle and turned toward her as she barreled into him. Surprise, then affection, blindsided him as the petite woman wrapped her arms around him in a fierce hug.
“Bring her back to us,” she muttered into his vest.
Tehl squeezed once and then released her. “I’ll do my best.”
Gwen scanned his face and then cupped his cheek. “Take care of yourself. You’re part of the family now, too.”
Emotion clogged his throat. “Thank you.”
She graced him with one last smile and wrapped Sam in the same fierce embrace. The Blackwells were an unexpected gift that Sage had brought with her into their marriage. Determination filled him as he swung up and into the saddle. He’d bring Sage home. If for nothing else, for the sake of her family.
***
Tehl squatted by the Potam River and stared at its dark surface, reflecting on the last few days. They’d been long and exhausting as they rode hard toward the Kugami Mountains. The small army that followed his retinue slowed them down considerably, which kept Tehl in a foul mood. He scowled at the water. If it had been just him and a smaller party, they would have arrived in a few days, not eight. He glanced at the silent, dark mountains which grew larger every day, and prayed they’d arrive soon. Time was of the essence.
A sharp puff of air left his lips as he splashed the icy water over his face and across the back of his neck. If it weren’t so cold, he’d be tempted to bathe, but he could see his breath. It wouldn’t be long until fall waned and gave way to winter.
He cast a glance over his shoulder at the camp of men. Scattered fires were burning like fireflies in the night, illuminating the outlines of the faithful protectors of his kingdom. He shouldn’t be so negative about their presence. They were heroes in their own right and were necessary for this plan to work.
He turned back to the water’s edge, his reflection shining in the moonlight. He peered at himself. It was a rough, hardened stranger who gazed back at him. Black bags had permanently made camp beneath his eyes. During the day, he put what could be happening to Sage out of his mind, focusing on what he could control, but at night, there was nothing to occupy his mind. His lips pulled downward, and he stood, kicking at his watery reflection. He needed to stop moping and focus on what was most important.
Spinning on his heel, he strode toward his tent and tossed back the flap. His advisors stood around a table, strategizing with maps of the Nagalian palace and Kugami Mountains.
Rafe acknowledged him with a lift of his chin and continued speaking: “The Nagali favored open floor plans, so a frontal attack from the Scythians is unlikely.”
Tehl stopped next to the Methian and scanned the map as Rafe pointed to lines representing an underground system.
“This is where the danger lies. Even with William’s maps, we’re not familiar enough with the tunnels to actually use them, and that’s risky.”
“Then why bring them up?” Jeren asked.
“Because the warlord chose this place for a reason. We may not know the tunnel systems, but I’ve no doubt that the warlord and his men do. We need to keep in mind that with their enhancements, they are faster than anyone you’ve ever fought, and their sight, hearing, and sense of smell are superior in all ways. We need to tread carefully.”
“How will we beat such an opponent?” Lelbiel asked. “By all accounts, we are inferior.”
“Only in physical ways,” Lilja said, her white brows furrowed in concentration. “That doesn’t mean we can’t outsmart them. Their warriors do what they’re told and don’t deviate from their commands. We can use that to our advantage. Surprise will be our greatest weapon.”
“But surely, the warlord has planned for such attacks?” Madden said.
“No doubt. One so corrupt does not keep power without calculation and skill, but he is at a disadvantage as well.” Zachael smiled with a hint of malice. “He may be familiar with Aermia, but not us. It’s a weapon we can wield.”
“And Rhys?” Tehl asked. “He was in our midst for quite some time.” He cast a glance to Rafe. “How much information does he possess?”
Rafe’s arms crossed and his eyes narrowed. “Enough to be dangerous, as you well know.”
Tehl gnashed his teeth. He expected nothing different, but even talking of the traitor made him want to kill something. “Sam…” He turned to his brother. “If the warlord does not let her go, what of Sage?”
Sam scanned the group. “We’ll get her out…”
“That’s it?” Zachael asked.
His brother stared down the weapons master. “The more people aware of the plan, the more likely it will fail. It’s safer if only a few of us have pieces of the information. That way, if one of us is captured, our whole plan won’t fall to pieces.”
The weapons master dipped his head. “Understood.”
“Should I be worried?” Tehl asked.
“You should always be worried when it comes to the spymaster,” Gav grumbled while scrutinizing one of the maps.
Old William growled and pushed away from the table. “I hate that we’re going into this blind.” He gestured to the table. “We can’t plan anything until we know where we’ll be staying. At least he can’t surround us with his army,” his advisor grumbled. “The Nagali chose well when they built their palace into the Kugami Mountains.”
“My question is, why this place?” Sam asked out loud. “Sure, it’s a fortress, but Scythia hates all things Nagali. So why not somewhere else? Yes, the mountains hobble us, but they hobble him as well. What’s so special about this place? I feel like we’re missing something.”
“He’s proud of his accomplishments, and he enjoys mind games,” Lilja offered. “He could have chosen it for the purpose of showing us what Scythia is capable of, to remind us of what they’ve conquered, or maybe just to keep us guessing. We can’t know. The best we can do is stay alert and plan for anything and everything.”
“Indeed. We’ve discussed all we can for the evening,” Tehl said with a hint of finality. “I’ll see all of you tomorrow morning.”
His council bowed and left his tent one by one, until only Lilja, Hayjen, Gav, and his brother remained.
“May I speak to you privately, my lord?” Lilja asked.
Tehl nodded, fatigue riding him hard. Hayjen clasped him on the shoulder, kissed his wife’s cheek, and then led Sam and Gav out of the tent. Tehl and Lilja stared at each other, both silent and unmoving. Her unnatural stillness unnerved him.
“Out with it, Lilja. You’re never one t
o beat around the bush.” He pulled a pouch from his waist and took a swig of the spirits, ignoring her stare. When Lilja still didn’t answer, he pulled a chair over and sat in it, gesturing to the one across from him. Holding out the pouch, he offered, “A drink?”
The Sirenidae glided to his side and pulled the pouch from his hand, taking a swig. He wasn’t surprised that she didn’t cough at the liquid that burned like fire. Nothing surprised him anymore.
She sank into the chair across from him and leveled a look he couldn’t decipher. “You’re tired.”
He chuckled at that. “That’s nothing new.”
“Are you prepared for Sage’s return?”
“Yes. I didn’t fathom how much of an impact she had on my life,” he answered honestly. Lilja smiled at him, and something loosened inside of him. He never had to put on a pretense with her. He could be blunt and honest, maybe even to the point of being rude, but she never judged him. “I miss her.”
Lilja’s magenta eyes misted. “I do, too.” She blinked a couple times and took another swig of spirits before handing it back to him. “When I asked my question, I meant something different, Tehl. That place…” She pulled in a sharp breath and looked at the rug. “It strips you down until you don’t know who you are anymore.”
“Sage is strong.” She was. He truly believed she could survive whatever came her way.
“She is, and I still worry for her.” Lilja pinned him with her gaze. “I worry for you.”
“Me?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because when you finally see her, it will break you.”
“I’m not that easily broken.”
“Indeed.” She leaned forward, her face very serious. “How will you handle it if she’s pregnant?”
Her words slapped him in the face. “Pregnant?” he croaked.
It was possible, but it wasn’t something he even wanted to contemplate. Lilja reached out and touched his clenched fist.
“Will you be able to accept another man’s child?”
“Children are blessings.” He meant it. Children were precious. Tehl glanced up when Lilja squeezed his hand.