Page 68 of The Heir's Bargain

If only that was why Moris was able to knock me on my ass.

"That's what? Two losses in a month, Captain?" Moris squatted down beside me, his hands resting on his knees. "Dare I say you're losing your touch?"

I shoved him before rolling over and pushing myself up. "I am not. I was just distracted."

"Distractions will get you killed." A wide smile split across his face. "Isn't that what you always tell us?"

"Oh, shut it," I spat over my shoulder as I dusted off my backside and headed toward the man holding a package.

"What is it?" I asked the messenger as he held out the large rectangular box.

The man shrugged. "How would I know? I was told to deliver it, so I'm delivering it."

The box was simple and nondescript, with no letter on the outside. I couldn't remember the last time someone sent me something, especially in the midst of training.

"Can you at least tell me who it's from?"

"Prince Fynneares, ma'am."

My tongue was lead in my mouth as I gripped the box. The cardboard dented where my fingers pressed into it as whistles and hollers spread across the soldiers behind me.

I snapped my head in their direction, eyes narrowed. A few quickly dropped their gazes, but others were not as smart and snickered behind their hands.

"Thank you," I mumbled to the messenger. I turned the box and hugged it between my hip and arm.

Fynn had another thing coming if he thought I would open it in front of?—

"What's in the box, Cap?" Sylvia asked.

"Nothing," I said, tightening my grip.

"Nothing? That's a big box for a whole lot of nothin'." Sylvia grinned and reached for the box.

As I shuffled it behind my back, it slipped from my hands.

Gasping, I spun, only to find Moris hopping away. I made to grab it, but as I reached forward, my body froze.

Internally, I screamed, but none of them heard me as Moris' gift swept over me, paralyzing me from my toes to my fists to my damn eyelids. I couldn't move; I couldn't speak.

But most unfortunately, I could still hear them.

Giggling, Sylvia ran over to Moris. "Quick, open it!"

Moris peeled the lid of the box open. Sylvia reached inside and snatched something from inside the box. She flipped over what looked to be a card with my name written in neat, fancy penmanship.

By the gods, I wished I could scream.

They were all dead. All of them. Sylvia, Moris, Fynn. I didn't care if leadership would need to find replacements for them or if Terin would need to take Fynn's place.

I didn't know who I wanted to kill more: Moris for paralyzing me or Fynn for putting me in this godsforsaken position in the first place.

Moris had no right to use his ability on me. It was strictly prohibited during combat training. And for good fucking reason. I could feel my cheeks turn bright red as Sylvia cleared their throat and began reading Fynn's letter.

Paper crinkled, and Moris cooed as he lifted beautiful silk fabric from the box.

Is that?—

Internally, I shook my head. I thought Fynn didn't like that dress when we were at the boutique, yet here it was.

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