Page 98 of The Sorrow of Shadows

“What about Amara?” I suggest.

“In Lennox? Why would you want to go there?”

“I’ve read that Amara has white sand beaches that sparkle like diamonds in the sun and turquoise waters. This time of year, it’s the perfect level of warm and sunny all day. I’ve never seen the ocean, but I think I’d like it. It sounds peaceful.” I sigh at the daydream.

“It does sound peaceful, but do you even know how to swim?” he teases lightly.

I pinch him on the thigh. “Of course I know how to swim! I spent time in the river behind the palace grounds, just like every other child at court.”

“That is barely a river, Ophelia. The ocean is a different beast. It can be beautiful, but it can also be wild and unforgiving. Some let its beauty distract from its lethality.”

“Well, you certainly sound like an expert. I shall rely on you to teach me everything I need to know for this grand adventure.”

“Very well, dear sister. I shall be honored to teach you to swim in the ocean and all the other necessary skills for our grand adventure.” He smiles at me.

We continue our conversation, catching up long into the night. I tell him of all the weird happenings at court, Father’s questionable actions, the arrival of Prince Ayden, and everythingelse in between. I fall asleep listening to him talk, right there in the library, and it feels just like we’re children again.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

AURELIUS

“What… the fuck… was that,” Breyla pants as her eyes frantically search the area for our attackers. They were there one second, then gone the next. I had never seen anyone with a Gift like that, let alone four of them together. Even the body of their fallen soldier is gone.

My eyes roam up and down her form, assessing her for any injuries. When I find none, I turn my attention to the feisty one. Nameah surprised the both of us with how well she held her own in that fight. The trick with the light bending was clever.

“Are you okay?” I ask, gently wrapping my hand around her bicep and pulling it close for inspection. “This doesn’t look too deep; I think you’ll be fine after we get you to a healer.”

“I’ll be fine, it just burns like a bitch.” She hisses as I run my hands over the edge of the wound. “So, did I prove myself enough to you, General?” She turns her attention back to Breyla.

“Yeah, little mouse, I’d say so. You’re still alive, and you managed to take one down, which is more than the rest of us cansay. Nice trick with the light,” Breyla says with a wink, her breathing still heavy as the adrenaline wears off.

“You like that? I thought it was pretty great.” She grins ear to ear.

Breyla chuckles and pats her on the shoulder. “I’ll make a soldier out of you; I just have to get some muscle on these bones first.”

“That would be easier with more food,” she sighs. “Unfortunately, it’s not something my family has a lot of. Not since Pa died, at least.”

Breyla’s smile drops into an understanding frown. “I’m sorry you lost your father. Has your family petitioned the crown for help? We have resources in place for situations like this.”

“We have,” she says solemnly.

“And that was not enough?”

“Unfortunately, being given nothing doesn’t go far.” Her voice is hardly above a whisper.

“You were turned away? By whom?” Breyla’s voice rises in frustration.

“I was not with my mother when she went, but I believe it was King Raynor.”

“When was this?”

“Pa died two years ago, and Ma visited court to request assistance the spring before last. We’ve survived, but it hasn’t been easy.” Nameah’s voice is sullen, her eyes downcast.

While they’ve been talking, I’ve been evaluating. Before Breyla can respond, I interrupt, “I’m sorry, but we have a problem.”

Emerald and bright blue eyes stare back at me, and I fear what I have to say. “The blade Nameah was cut with was laced with poison.” I sigh, before continuing, “But I don’t know what kind.”

“Then purify it from her blo—” Breyla starts.

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