Page 55 of The Court of Truth

“Thank you.” The two words hang heavy in the room, the gratitude palpable. “Truly, every single one of you, I thank you, and your soldiers. The help you have offered today is endless, the support unwavering, and the humor amusing,” he adds, smirking at my men. “We shall never be able to thank you enough for your assistance here today, except to offer our services to you and the crown whenever it is needed.”

His words speak volumes, rendering me speechless as I simply nod at him.

“Thank you,” Raiden says, bracing his elbows on the table. “We didn’t come here with intentions of expecting repayment, but your belief in our queen and offer of support strengthens our defense, so thank you for that.” The Commander practically preens under Raiden’s words, and I shake my head in disbelief. I don’t know where my vampire has been finding these strong words, compliments, and power, but it suits him. “Are we going to discuss that you’re not actually in control of the village, though? Mayor Phillips leaves a lot to be desired,” he adds, and I grin. There’s my vampire.

Brody chokes on his food, trying not to laugh, and Arlo wipes a hand down his face, hoping to hide the amusement that dances across his features, but it’s undeniable. Especially when the rest of the table breaks out into a chuckle.

“The mayor is simply that: title. He was actually born into the role, so most don’t pay him any mind,” North explains with a heavy sigh. “It’s my job to protect the village. I take it seriously, and everyone respects that. He can busy himself with whatever he does. As long as the village survives this attack and any other that may come our way, I don’t care. Now, I think it’s time we rest,” he states, nodding before murmuring his goodbyes and exiting the room without a backward glance.

“Did I hit a nerve?” Raiden asks, placing his cutlery on his empty plate, and I shake my head.

“No, I get the sense he’s quite matter of fact most of the time,” I murmur, commenting on the commander like I know him, when it’s far from the truth.

“Well, shall we take him up on his offer and find our tents?” Arlo asks, earning a round of agreements as we all leave the table.

Quietly, we stalk down the hallway and make our way back outside into the night air. With the moon to guide us, we make our way to the edge of town where the soldiers have been setting up, and my steps falter when the “tents” come into view.

“I think they’re a bit bigger than a damn tent, Arlo,” I blurt, gaping up at the large white structures.

“They’re more like a castle of sheets if you ask me,” Janie adds.

“I bet you could fit a full-sized bed or five in one of those,” Flora says with a giggle, and Arlo clears his throat.

“There are four in each, actually,” he clarifies, making her amusement spread to the rest of us.

“This is awesome. Thanks, Arlo,” Brody says, patting him on the shoulder. “Which one is mine?”

Arlo lifts his hand, ready to point it out, when a panicked holler rings through the air.

“Royal Advisor, we have some urgent news.” Arlo spins on the spot and I follow his line of sight to where a soldier runs toward us. “There’s been a sighting of the threat. Another village is under attack.”

31

ADRIANNA

Instead of slipping into the tent where my bed awaits me, we’re directed to the huge covering at the back of the campsite where the royal council command center is set up. It’s covered in the same cream drapes, protecting it from the wind that flutters outside.

Inside, there’s a wooden table with matching chairs. Flora, Arlo, Raiden, Brody, and Kryll all take a seat while I gape at the monstrosity, wondering how the fuck it even got in here. Nobody offers an explanation because I don’t ask. I’m aware there are more pressing matters at hand, but it seems my mind is intrigued by the finer details as a distraction.

Since Janie isn’t technically an advisor, she’s outside with Commander North, discussing plans for tomorrow while we figure this mess out.

“I can’t believe they acted so quickly,” Brody grumbles, wiping a hand down his face, and I sigh.

“They probably reacted to the announcement of the tour,” I offer, my answer making logical sense, but it doesn’t ease the stifling tension in the space.

“Reports confirm the attack lasted a whole twenty minutes before the entire band of raiders disappeared into the dead of night,” Arlo offers, scanning his eyes over the parchment in his hands.

“Twenty minutes?” I ask, confusion clouding my thoughts.

“They hit the home of the mages,” Arlo answers, not lifting his gaze from the document as I gape at him.

“Glacial Lake?” The words slip from my mind, a stark reminder of the few experiences I’ve had there as my gut clenches. Between Vallie plunging me deep into the icy depths of the frozen lake, to the trail up to the top of the peak, I’ve never had the best time there, but to attack them? Somewhere so serene and filled with power to fight back, it’s insane.

“What is it they’re expecting to achieve? I don’t understand,” Flora murmurs, folding her arms over her chest.

“Why hurt the kingdom if you want the crown? The people are never going to want you to rule them after this,” I think out loud, and Raiden clears his throat.

“Sometimes, people only see the power. The control, the opportunity to reign. The only solution for those people is to do it with fear. Unleashing panic throughout the kingdom will have people too busy fearing them to be worried about anything else. Before you know it, it’s too late and the source of their pain is in the position of power to ruin them. Besides, causing chaos and sowing distrust in the new queen and her council only makes us look weak,” Raiden states, and my chest tightens.

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