Page 66 of A Shattered Kingdom of Steel

“Have you ever wondered that, maybe in marking you two as fated, the gods weren’t telling you that he’s your enemy, but rather, that you and he would become something so much more?”

Maybe she’s right. Maybe we could be so much more than enemies.

My throat works a swallow.

Once, I thought I could kill Asheros Larmanne if I needed to.

Now, I know that’s not true.

The truth is…

I’d raise a blade to my own heart before I could even consider piercing his.

Chapter Nineteen

After another three and a half long days of travel, it is a relief to see signs of civilization. Sparsely scattered farms and lonely cottages give way to towns, and finally, the city. In the weeks I’ve accompanied Asheros and his companions, I’ve been isolated from the liveliness of the city, trading it for the forest’s quiet.

Adjusting our course to hug the river, Asheros slows our horse’s pace to a trot. Riding behind him this time, instead of sitting in front, I peer over his shoulder to see what lies ahead. The late afternoon sun pierces my eyes, and I can’t help but furrow my brow. Salty air blows my hair in and out of my eyes, increasing in strength as we approach the stone city gates.

Esvelon.

I’ve only been to Esvelon a handful of times. Once with my parents and Vestella for a calm, family outing, and another as my mother’s travel companion when she’d met with Esvelon’s presiding Thane—the appointed head of the city—a proud, wiry fae male who has been loyal to my family for as long as I can remember.

As we approach the gates, Asheros lengthens his posture, shielding me from view. His shadows wrap around me with delicate softness, blurring my surroundings with a dark tint. If the others notice, they don’t show it. They keep their eyes ahead so as not to draw attention to me.

When a male voice calls out to us, I understand why.

I’m recognizable here.

The world believes I’m missing. If I’m to keep my whereabouts a secret for the sake of our mission, we can’t risk one of the city guards manning the gate knowing who I am. I would do the same if I were in Asheros’s place.

“Who goes there?” A guard bellows. From what I can tell, he’s positioned above us in the tower to the left of the gate.

“Lord Asheros Larmanne, heir-apparent to the Silver Court,” Asheros announces. Seamlessly, he’s shifted back into Asheros, the cocky, smug fae lord. Though I know it’s just for show, my heart aches for the relaxed, playful, and easy-going Asheros. The one that I’m coming to know.

The one that I might be—

My eyes widen.

The one I’m falling for.

Asheros doesn’t wait for the guards to stumble through their surprise before continuing. “I’m here on business.” He pauses for a moment, and I swear I can hear his smirk. “I’d like to be granted entry sometime this century, if you would be so kind.”

The guard coughs. “Of course, my lord. Right away, my lord. You heard the male,” he hollers. “Open the gate!”

There’s a scuffling of feet and then the sounds of chains working a crank skitter across the stone, some of it lost to the sea breeze.

Asheros dips his head. He lightly squeezes his thighs, urging our horse forward and tugs on the reins. We canter beneath the gate’s prongs, Kheldryn and Savell immediately behind us.

“That was… easy,” I grumble. I’d have to speak to the Thane about security measures at the gate.

Then again, it is a large city, though not as expansive as Illnamoor. Many travel in and out on any given day, whether to access the port, or to visit the city’s illustrious market as a buyer or seller.

“What can I say?” Asheros remarks, glancing back at me. “Few can resist my undeniable charm.”

“Charm.” I roll my eyes. “Of course.”

Asheros laughs and redirects his attention to the road ahead. I straighten to look over his shoulder, squinting to see through his shadows.

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