Page 109 of A Dagger in the Ivy

“Are you sure you don’t need a minute?”

“I’m afraid we’re going to lose time. Are you able to mount?”

Dante’s gaze follows mine, as if measuring how badly he might hurt himself by climbing up Lightning. “I can manage.”

I attempt to help him, but he manages to mount his horse with a grunt.

Once we’re both settled in our saddles, Dante’s brow furrows in thought. “Why would he be spying on us? You think Torbin sent him?”

I shake my head, feeling a mix of anger and unease. “I can’t be sure. First we need to speak to the king, then we can try to figure out what Torbin is planning.”

At Ivystone, servants greet us with polite nods and curtseys and murmured words of welcome, but I barely register their presence as I hurry through the castle corridors with Dante by my side.

Each stride feels too slow, too laden with the weight of what we must reveal. We search the familiar rooms, our footsteps echoing against the stone walls, but the king is nowhere to be found. Panic begins to gnaw at the edges of my mind, threatening to consume me with its relentless grip.

Finally, we find him in his private wine chamber, a room I never even knew existed. Dante assures me the king spends time in here when he wants a respite.

But as Dante and I enter the room, we stop short at what we discover. My breath catches in my throat, and a cold wave of shock crashes over me. The king is not alone.

Standing across from where the king sits is Osrem.

And Torbin.

CHapter

Forty

I canonly stare in disbelief. This is not the Torbin we witnessed in the fighting pit. He is calm and collected, so nonchalant, reminding me of the boy I used to know. His clothes are crisp and clean, as are his skin and hair, and his composure now tells me that the king has no idea what he’s been doing.

Torbin plays his part well, I have to admit. There’s no hint of the malice he exuded in the pit. “I’ve been so worried. Thank the gods you’ve returned.”

My muscles tense as he strides toward me, his shoulders broad, his head tilted slightly, as if he’s genuinely concerned.

When he reaches for my shoulders, my hand grips the hilt of my dagger, but before I can unsheathe it, Dante steps between us.

“Don’t. You. Fucking. Dare.” Dante holds his gaze.

They are eye to eye, and for an almost indistinguishable moment, Torbin’s façade falters. But he regains his faux expression instantaneously.

“Brother.” Torbin smiles at Dante and slaps his shoulder—hard.

I can only hope I’ve healed Dante enoughthat the impact of Torbin’s hit hasn’t ripped his wound wide open.

“Seems we have some catching up to do.” Torbin’s cocky smirk sends shivers of fear through me.

“Yes.” Dante’s jaw is rigid. “There’s much to tell.”

“That’s true. In fact, I was just informing Father of the latest news. Isn’t that right, Father?” Torbin shifts to turn to the king, his hand resting on the hilt of his sabre.

“Yes. And I have to say, it’s all rather disturbing.” The king lets out a long breath, his glare directed at me.

Wait.

What the fuck is happening?

“Simply scandalous,” Torbin says. He clasps his wrist behind his back and begins to pace. “But for the sake of our kingdoms and the deal we made, I’m willing to forgive you, Celeste. I’m an honorable man and will keep my promise to take you as my bride.”

“Forgiveme? What are you talking about? You’re the one who’s been deceitful. You’re a monster.” I tear my glare from him and face the king. “Your Majesty, your son has been keeping secrets from you. He’s working with the Shadow Tsar.”

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