Page 74 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses

“Good boy,” I whispered in appreciation.

When I looked up, Callan and another fae, a blond male with thick stubble covering his cheeks and chin, were both watching me. The stranger was clearly one of Rydian’s in his unmarked tunic. I’d seen him in the forest the other day while we’d fought the Obsidians—a skilled fighter.

“What’s his name?” I asked.

“Shadow,” the soldier answered. “Bastard can run like a shadow in the wind when he gets it into his head. But only when he decides.”

I smiled at that and shared a look with the horse whose restless energy matched my own. “Shadow,” I echoed. “Thank you for today.”

“I’ll take him for you, Your Highness,” the soldier offered.

With a jolt, I realized he was aiming that title at me. “Thanks. What’s your name?”

“Slade, Your Highness.”

“Nice to meet you. Please call me Aurelia.”

The soldier winked. “I’ll do my best.”

I handed off the reins and turned to find Callan waiting with a bemused smile.

“I don’t remember you being shy,” Callan said.

“Just rusty. It’s been seven years since anyone addressed me that way.”

Something passed over his face—there and gone before I could decipher it. “Come on. Let’s get you some food, although I warn you these reheated beans and rice are probably only fit for a rusty princess.”

Despite everything about this day, I laughed.

Like the previous nights, I lay awake while grief gripped me and my worries played on a loop. The Obsidians had grown stronger, deadlier. And they’d seemed to know me on sight. That was a problem, especially if they were acting on Heliconia’s orders.

She’d know I was alive by now.

If word got back to her that I was traveling with Autumn, she’d come for me here too. Callan claimed his army could handle her, but I wasn’t so sure. Not after how easily they’d torn through our ranks in the forest.

I hated to think I’d brought death down on those men.

The prophecy said I was supposed to save the fae, not get them killed for helping me. But according to that one Obsidian’s claims, I was only destined to do so with Callan beside me. So far, I hadn’t seen much evidence of that being true.

At least, Sevanwinds was protected. But the ward keeping danger out didn’t help me bring them back to life. And now,Sonoma was gone, taking any answers she might still hold along with her. Taking my father with her too.

A daughter of Hel.

And I’d almost given myself away in that battle. I had to be more careful, especially with so many eyes on me now. I was supposed to be the Summer heir. If my magic was exposed, there was no way Callan would believe that lie. And without my title as the princess of Sevanwinds, there would be no alliance. No help for the people I’d left behind.

Ugh.

Frustrated, I tossed my blanket aside and sat up.

Shoving my feet into my boots, I pulled on my cloak and crawled free of the canvas walls that threatened to smother me. The campfire flickered weakly against the cool night air, casting long shadows across the stones ringing it.

Most of the soldiers had turned in. Those who didn’t have the luxury of a tent were wrapped in their cloaks or blankets and gathered near the fire, the quiet murmur of their breathing the only sound aside from the occasional crackle of wood.

I glanced toward Callan’s tent, listening to the soft sounds of his snoring. Then I scanned the other tents, wondering if any of them belonged to Rydian. I hadn’t seen a glimpse of him in days. His men came and went like shadows, protecting and patrolling our perimeter.

With silent steps, I made my way to the edge of camp where a narrow path twisted up the hillside. My senses took in the sounds of the nocturnal insects. The bite of the cool wind across my cheeks and nose. The scent of earth and air.

I climbed all the way to the overlook then stood staring out over the darkened valley below. Nothing moved within it, and I found a strange comfort in the stillness. Like an old friend who’d changed its appearance but shown up after all, however unexpected.

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