Page 57 of Vow of the Shadow King

If circumstances were different . . . But what is the point of wishing for what can never be? Both Faraine and I must face the fates ordained for us by the gods. We cannot save each other. We cannot even save ourselves.

“Big King!”

I pull back from the wall, hastily order my face into stern, stoic lines. Only then do I turn to meet the approach of Captain Toz. He lumbers down the passage, taking up most of the space with his bulk. A slighter figure hurries in his footsteps, armor clanking noisily with each step. Yok. I pointedly turn my gaze away from the boy, focusing my attention solely on his captain. “Yes?”

Toz presses his fists to his chest in a respectful salute. “I’ve been searching high and low for you, Big King. Word has come in from beyond the walls. Signs ofwogghain the ruins of Zulmthu Town. Folks was scrounging among the ruins, looking for what’s left, and said they was chased out by the beasts.”

My chest tightens. Memories of the carnage in Karthur Channel flood my brain. “How many did they report?”

“Couldn’t say for certain. One of ‘em claimed a dozen, another said there was only two or three. Enough to cause trouble.”

“True enough,” I agree. “We cannot have wildwoggharoaming so near trolde habitation. Where one or two have gathered, others may be close by.”

“Want I should take some o’ the guard to investigate?”

I shake my head. “You must be exhausted, Captain. You need to rest.”

“I’m fit enough, Big King.” Toz shrugs his massive shoulders. “I’ll bring a handful of ready fighters with me, see what’s to be seen. If we find a nest of devils, we’ll take care of them in short order.”

I don’t like it. There were fighters among the slain in the channel. They were just as dead as all the rest. “I’m going with you.”

Toz puts up a hand, his heavy brow lowering. “No need, Big King. You stay. Go about your kingly duties. Let us do our jobs.”

“I would feel more at ease knowing—”

“I’ll go with him!”

I turn my gaze sharply to Yok. The boy looks shocked at his own impudence, but he puts on a brave face and continues. “Your pardon, my King! But please, let me go. Let me prove myself to you. I know I . . . I know I let you down. But I can do better, I can do more.”

Eagerness shines in the lad’s foolish face, all underscored by grim determination. I heave a long sigh. Can I really be too angry at the boy? He hadn’t known Faraine was gods-gifted, after all. Nothing could have prepared him for what her touch could do. And he’d done his best to keep her in her rooms, a more difficult task than any of us could have anticipated.

I eye the boy up and down. I’ve known him his whole life. How many times had Hael strapped her infant brother to her back, carting him around with her as she, Sul, and I went on our childhood adventures? Later, he’d trailed after us on fat legs and tiny feet, demanding to be included. He’s now a gangly lad, nearly full grown. Inexperienced, sure, but there’s only one known remedy for that.

“Very well,” I growl. Yok salutes smartly, his eyes shining, and I hasten to add, “But both of you, be wary. Cave devils are notoriously crafty beasts. If you find more than a dozen in the nest, come back for reinforcements before you engage. Do you understand?”

Both Toz and Yok give me their solemn oaths. Then they’re off, tromping back down the passage, eager to get to their hunt. I’m left watching them go. Wishing I was about to mount my morleth and ride out with them.

Instead, I have my own trial to face. A trial of temptation I fear I may not have the strength to withstand.

23

FARAINE

I lie in my narrow bed and watch as thelorstlights beyond my window slowly come back to life. The trolde night is over. Morning has come. Possibly my last morning in this world.

Brow knotted, I sit upright, push back my bedclothes with a determined shove, and swing my legs over the edge of the bed. There I sit, gripping the mattress hard. Drawing long, steadying breaths.

Then, slowly, I touch my lips. As though even now I might catch Vor’s mouth and force it to connect with mine. I feel him there, so close and yet so impossibly far.

I know why he resists me. I know I’m not the best choice for him. Ilsevel would have given him the leverage he needs over my father. Without her, the alliance is not strong. But that doesn’t make it worthless, does it? Perhaps our marriage won’t bring the political advantage he sought, but surely we could make things right.

Turning my head slowly to the window once more, I watch thelorstlight play on the delicate lace curtains. Mythanar awaits. Out there, beyond. This is it: my last chance. My final opportunity to convince Vor that we belong with each other, regardless of kingdoms and politics, regardless of perils and fates. We, the two of us, must choose to make a life together, no matter what dire threats loom in whatever uncertain future.

But if I fail to convince him . . . if he continues to blind himself to the truth that is so plain to me . . .

A little growl in my throat, I push out of bed and stalk across my room to the water basin. There I wash with care, trying to ignore the flutters dancing in my stomach. When I’m through, I turn to the wardrobe, sort through the gowns which were salvaged from the queen’s chambers. All these gowns were made for Ilsevel, all in the bold, vivid colors she favored. I shove that thought down as hard as I can. Today, at least, I must not think of my sister. Today, I must be focused.

In the very back of the wardrobe is a gown of dusty pink. Not a color suited to Ilsevel’s olive complexion. I pull it out, hold it up for inspection. The color is right, but the style? It’s very strange. A simple gown with thin straps over the shoulders and draping, off-shoulder sleeves. The bodice is split in a deep V that exposes far more than I am used to displaying. The skirts at least are ample and layered, and the whole thing is secured by a dainty little belt. It’s so much simpler than the gowns I’m used to, with all of their structured undergarments, their stays, their petticoats. Those required assistance both dressing and undressing. This, however, I should be able to slip on easily.

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