Page 54 of The Throne's Undoing

With apprehension,Tetrian warriors clad in leather and sharpened swords guided Graeson and the others down the trodden path toward the stone castle.

As they rode past storefronts and market stalls, Graeson was all too aware of the sideways glances from warriors and civilians alike. Initially, the people of Tetria greeted their princess with warm smiles and excited waves, but as their attention turned to the rest of the group and the beast by their side, their eyes widened in sheer horror.

Medenia stuck close to Nyrri, sensing the unease spreading through the city. Parents grabbed their kin, pulling them closer, as their children's expressions filled with a mix of wonder and excitement.

When they reached the castle, the iron gates creaked open. Ivy and moss stretched across the stone walls as if the earth was trying to pull the building underground and swallow it whole. From outside, the stained glass that decorated the castle's walls only marginally paled in comparison to how they sparkled across the floors inside. Inside the gates and away from the overcrowded streets, the guards led them to the royal stables, where they all dismounted and handed their horses' reins to the stable hands.

Graeson placed his horse Darling's reins in the waiting palm of a freckled-faced boy who scratched the horse behind the earwith his other hand, whispering into Darling's ear. Joy sparked the boy's eyes, and Graeson smiled.

"She's a good steed," Graeson remarked, scratching behind Darling's other ear.

The boy grinned widely. "Don't tell the others, but she is my favorite."

Darling preened, her tail sweeping the air at the compliment.

Graeson leaned over to the boy and whispered, "Your secret is safe with me."

The boy looked away, his shaggy hair falling into his face.

As the stable hand led Darling away, Graeson headed over to Terin, who was struggling to lift Kalisandre from his horse. When a guard took note, Graeson hurried toward Terin, cutting the Tetrian off.

"Here," Graeson said, reaching up. He lifted Kalisandre from the horse by the waist, folding her over his shoulder.

"Sir, I can--" one of the warriors began.

Graeson shook his head. "Please, go help Dani," he urged, nodding toward Dani, who was struggling to direct her horse into one of the stables.

The guard groaned, shaking her head. "Winter hates that cell. She's never going to get her to go inside," the Tetrian said, already walking away and shouting orders at one of the nearby boys.

"Thanks," Terin remarked with a yawn. "I was afraid I'd drop her."

"It's nothing," Graeson said, securing Kalisandre in his arms and feeling a sense of calm with her near. "We should ask to see a healer."

"My sister's mind still seems to be intact if that is your concern," Terin said wryly, running a hand across his tired face and pushing back his tousled brown waves.

Graeson arched a brow. "While I think Kalisandre should see a healer as well, I was referring toyou."

"I'm fine, Gray." Terin took a step away from the horse and stumbled.

Graeson arched a brow. "Sure."

Despite having rested throughout their journey, the bags beneath Terin's blood-streaked eyes were more prominent than ever. Sleep had never come easy to him, but after the extraneous use of his ability, the man needed to rest now more than ever.

He was a walking paper bag, disheveled and weak. His beard had grown more haggard, and his hair was past his chin.

"All right. I've seen better days," Terin admitted, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"The healers could at least give you a sleeping tonic to help."

Terin huffed. "If they do that, I'm afraid I'll be asleep for days."

"You need the rest, Ter."

Terin looked towards Kalisandre, and his brows drew together. Thoughts Graeson couldn't quite decipher deepened the wrinkles forming in the middle of his friend's forehead. "I'll think about it," he said after a moment.

"That is all I ask," Graeson said as they walked toward the group gathered outside the stables. "I need to bring you both back in one piece, remember? Or else Esmeray will have my head." The mere thought made him shudder.

Terin snorted. "I think it's a little late for that."

---