Page 70 of The Shadowbound King

“Come, my lady,” Andrin said. “We have a long walk ahead of us.”

The cold weight in my chest twisted into a burning, pulsing hatred. “You should leave me here,” I said. “Because the first chance I get, I’m going to kill you.”

Andrin’s blue stare was flat and emotionless. “I believe you. But believe me when I say you’ll never get the chance.”

Chapter

Seventeen

MIRELLA

Anger was a fire in my gut on the long walk back to the Embervale. Night had fallen, and the shadows were thicker than ever as we trudged the leaf-strewn path. Screeches, grunts, and the sound of shuffling footsteps followed our progress.

I paid the noises little attention as thoughts of revenge tumbled through my mind.

As before, Andrin and Rane walked ahead of me, neither slowing as we endured the long hours of seething shadow and chattering, disembodied screams. Kassander and his men were a silent, menacing presence at my back.

The air was as stagnant and oppressive as before, and sweat gathered at my nape and built under my collar. The tenderness between my thighs drove my rage higher with every step.

Uncertainty joined it. Andrin had left the Covenant without the Kree. Either my father didn’t have it, or he refused to hand it over. Both scenarios put my future in jeopardy. If Andrin couldn’t use me as a bargaining chip, what use did he have for me? Quite possibly, my life was forfeit.

Fear trembled through me. But another, harder emotion followed. If I had no future, I had nothing to lose. My choiceswere these: die or die dragging Andrin with me. It wasn’t a difficult decision. And if I could take Rane, too? Maybe I wouldn’t die happy, but I’d settle for satisfied.

By the time we passed under the arch leading to the Embervale’s courtyard, stars studded the sky, and flickering torches danced on the castle’s walls. Leaves floated toward the ground, their edges silvered with moonlight.

Ginhad met us at the base of the steps that led to the main keep, his pale hair gleaming white in the moonlight.

“Welcome back, Your Majesty,” he said, bowing to Andrin. His shoulders sagged as he looked around our bedraggled party. “It…didn’t go well?”

Andrin’s voice was clipped. “Our journey was unfruitful. Where is Othor?”

“His lordship is presiding over tonight’s feast, sire. Will you join him? I’m sure you’re starved.” Ginhad glanced at me. “I’ll send servants to attend?—”

“No,” Andrin said. “Have food and wine brought to my quarters. Did Lady Vivia encounter any difficulty in the Edelfen while I was away?”

“Not that I know of, Your Majesty. She rode out on Thraxos about an hour ago.”

Rane was suddenly alert. “She rode outnow?”

“Unaccompanied?” Andrin asked, his brow creased in obvious concern.

Ginhad swallowed. “Ah, yes, Your Majesty. A-And my lord. I advised her ladyship against patrolling the forest alone. She replied that she wouldn’t be alone because Thraxos would be with her.”

Kassander made a low sound. “Vivia is always trying to prove herself,” he said, his tone edged with both frustration and concern. He motioned toward the two Shadow Eaters standingbeside him. “No matter how often we tell her she has nothing to prove, she never seems to listen.”

Andrin’s jaw clenched. “I’ll go look for her.”

“I’m coming with you,” Rane said.

A horse’s whinny cut the air. I spun toward the arch as Vivia thundered through it on the back of Thraxos. The horse’s eyes were wild. Blood gushed from deep gashes in his flank. Droplets sprayed the courtyard’s stones as the animal charged toward us.

In a graceful, controlled movement, Vivia slipped from the horse’s back while he was still in motion. She hit the ground at a run and brought Thraxos to a halt with a firm grip on the reins.

The horse reared, his eyes rolling as he released a terrified scream. A flailing hoof caught Vivia in the space where her breastplate met the piece of armor that covered her shoulder. She spun away with a pained cry.

Chaos exploded. Andrin and Rane ran to subdue the horse. Kassander went to Vivia, who appeared to recover quickly. The castle doors opened, and Othor rushed down the stairs, his staff hefted above the ground.

“Careful, Andrin!” he shouted as Andrin struggled with the horse. The animal reared again. When he crashed to all four hooves, Andrin promptly drew him forward.

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