Page 50 of The Court of Truth

“I get the feeling you’re not listening to me,” Arlo states, his tone causing my eyes to snap to his as a healthy dose of guilt hits me in the chest.

“You would be right,” I mumble, swiping a hand down my face as I try to focus. “I’m sorry, please, go again,” I add, and he rolls his eyes at me dramatically, glancing at the time and fidgeting with the stack of papers in front of him before he settles his sights on me again.

“We don’t have much time, so I’ll cut it down to the highlights,” he states, and I nod.

“She might actually retain what you’re saying if you weren’t mumbling so much,” Raiden grumbles from his seat at the table. Arlo simply gives him a pointed look before circling back to me.

“We’re leaving at this ungodly hour so we don’t draw attention to our travels. The farther away we can keep the media from the tour, the better. We must be alert at all times. Not just for threats or enemy attacks, but the media too. We’re going to be under the watchful eye of the kingdom, with very few places to hide. One wrong move and you’ll be under scrutiny.”

“This sounds like fun,” I mutter, sinking back in my seat like a petulant child, but he pays me no mind.

“We’re going to have six carriages taking two routes. After much debate with the head of defense, who pointed out several things to take into consideration,” he explains, eyes flicking to Raiden once again before he continues. “The four of you will travel in two carriages instead of the intended four.”

“You wanted to separate us?” I blurt, my spine stiffening, and he sighs.

“I’m trying to keep everyone safe and I’m going off the travel plans your father used to use.”

I shake my head. “I’d rather we traveled as one, but if that’s really not possible then pairs sound better than individually,” I state, and he nods.

“That’s exactly what he said.” He points a finger at Raiden, who shrugs under the watchful eye of everyone in the room.

“What can I say? I know what she thinks and how she’ll handle things.” There’s a sense of pride in his voice, but he doesn’t turn my way to let me see it in his eyes.

“As you’ve also made me aware,” Arlo mutters, pinching the bridge of his nose. “So the travel arrangements will be Raiden with Addi, Brody and Kryll together, while Flora and I will take a carriage on the alternate route.”

“That’s not fair,” Brody grumbles, a pout on his lips as he turns to me. “Everyone keeps stealing my Dagger away from me and I don’t like it. Not. One. Bit.”

“We had a feeling you would say that so we’ve devised a plan where you can take turns traveling with Addi,” Arlo says with a sigh. “Raiden also bet me too much gold on the fact that you would complain. Can you stop being so predictable?” he mutters as Raiden grins, leaving Brody to gape at the pair of them.

“Would it not be a better idea for me to follow from the sky? I can offer another level of protection from that vantage point.” Kryll laces his fingers together as he leans forward, bracing his elbows on the table, but Arlo shakes his head.

“For now, no. That only draws a threatening level of attention to the tour and it may worry the civilians. That’s not our intention, not for now at least. Our priority is connecting with the people in the day and hunting for Clementine at night,” he explains, and Kryll nods in understanding.

“Anything else?” I ask, sensing the meeting is coming to an end, and Arlo shakes his head.

“No. I’m just waiting for Flora to wrap up her communication with Summer Oak in preparation for our arrival, then we’ll be good to go.”

Standing, I run my hands over my stiff clothing that doubles as armor. The thought of seeing the kingdom is exciting but the circumstances leave a sticky film of anxiety coating what would otherwise be a much-anticipated trip with my men.

The meeting disperses and I follow the sound of raised voices by the front door to find staff loading the carriages with luggage. “Where did these people even come from?” I murmur to the presence I can sense behind me, and Kryll hums in amusement as he splays his fingers across the bottom of my back.

“Arlo has a magical ability to make people appear out of thin air,” he muses, and I snicker.

“It seems so. Are they all necessary?” I ask, and he shrugs.

“I question it sometimes too, then I watch them load the luggage instead of me and I consider it a win. Thankfully, I don’t feel guilty for that because, as Treasurer, I know we’re paying them handsomely to do so,” he adds, and I smile.

“If you think you’re leaving without even offering a goodbye then you’re in deep trouble, Adrianna Reagan.” Nora’s voice travels through the entryway, her determination clear in the sharp tone, and I turn to see her descending the staircase with my father at her side. She’s in her pajamas, fresh from sleep, but the look on her face is far from whimsical.

“I can’t say I’ve missed how bossy you are,” I state, cutting the remaining distance between us as she reaches the bottom of the stairs and pinning her to my chest where she hugs me back just as fiercely.

“Dad, she’s being mean to me,” she hollers, waving our father closer. He huffs a laugh as he spreads his arms wide and hugs us both tight.

“No, she’s calling you out on that big mouth of yours,” he muses, offering me a wink as we slowly step apart.

“That’s rude,” she grumbles, wagging a finger at our father as she turns to look at me. “I still don’t understand why I can’t come.”

“Because it’s not safe for you out there quite yet. Not when our father here still carries old baggage. Just because I’ve been voted in doesn’t mean everybody loves our family all of a sudden. Besides, Clementine will see the pair of you as an easy way to get to me, and there’s no way in Hell we’re giving her any other opportunities to attack our family, and by extension, the kingdom.” I stroke my hand down her arm in an attempt to soothe her and she sighs in defeat.

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