Page 55 of The Curse Between Us

With love,

Edric

Zephyr read the letter again, his chest tightening with every line. There was no comfort to be drawn from the fact that Edric and his kingdom were also suffering. It only spoke to Abyss’s growing power, to the creeping darkness that seemed to be consuming everything in its path. He had known it was coming, but to see it spreading across their lands—it was more than he could bear.

With a sigh, Zephyr tossed the letter into the fire, watching as the flames devoured it, turning it to ash. There was no point in drafting a reply. Edric would be here in two days. They could discuss it all then.

Zephyr only hoped that when they met again, there would still be time to find the answers they so desperately needed.

Chapter Fourteen

The sun was just beginning to rise as Edric made his way down to the stables, the first light of dawn casting long shadows on the stone floors. The halls were quiet, still, but as he passed through them, a few attendants shot him curious glances, whispering amongst themselves, but none dared to stop him or ask where he was headed. His boots clicked loudly against the cold stone tiles, and the noise seemed to echo through the otherwise empty corridors, ruining any illusion of a quiet exit. Edric sighed under his breath, adjusting the heavy pack that weighed down his shoulder. If nothing else, he had learned over the years that some things—like his presence—were impossible to conceal.

As he approached the stable doors, Edric's gaze swept over the familiar sight of his horse, a strong and capable steed that had borne him through many journeys, some far more perilous than this one. He had made up his mind to travel alone to Eskarven, to reach Zephyr and offer whatever aid he could. He didn’t want to cause a stir, didn’t want to draw attention to himself. There was so much going on, so many pressing matters to handle, but Zephyr's kingdom was in trouble, and Edric would not sit idly by.

He was in the midst of saddling his horse when a heavy hand landed on his shoulder, startling him. Instantly, Edric’s hand flew to the hilt of his sword at his hip, his muscles tensing, ready for action. But as he whipped around, his grip loosened when he saw Marsh standing there, grinning as always, with Eileen and Victor right behind him.

“Easy there,” Marsh said, holding his hands up in mock surrender.

Edric exhaled sharply, his heart still hammering in his chest. “What is it?” he asked, irritation creeping into his voice, though it was quickly tempered by relief. If they had come with more bad news, with more reports of strange happenings or further trouble, he wasn’t sure how he’d handle it. His patience had worn thin.

“Everything is fine.” Eileen stepped forward, her expression softening as she regarded him, her gaze kind but stern. “Except for you riding off to Eskarven unescorted.”

Edric scowled at her, tightening the straps on his saddle. “I’ve crossed the mountains alone before,” he grumbled, trying to keep his tone steady. He had done it many times—why should this time be any different?

“Not all the way,” Victor pointed out with a smirk. “And certainly not since the pits have opened in the road.”

Edric’s jaw tightened. He had heard about the pits—strange, deep fissures appearing in the roads, swallowing wagons and sending merchants fleeing in terror. The earth itself seemed to be shifting, and Edric knew he probably shouldn't ride through that without a proper escort.

“You can’t go out there on your own,” Marsh insisted, folding his arms across his broad chest. His eyes were serious now, concern flashing beneath his usual playful demeanor. “We need you safe, Your Majesty. Eskarven may need you, but Rafria needs you too.”

Edric’s frustration melted into something softer, something more vulnerable. He understood the concern, but he still hated being treated as if he couldn’t handle it. Still, his duty to his people weighed heavily on him, and he couldn’t deny that the risks had grown far too great to travel alone.

“Fine,” he said with a sigh, throwing up his hands in mock surrender. “But I won’t take all of you. Someone needs to stay behind to help Alec and Herbert should anything happen in my absence.”

Victor’s face split into a grin, one eyebrow raised in knowing amusement. “Of course. We knew you would say that.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “So, you decide who rides with you to Eskarven, and the other two will remain here.”

Edric glanced between the three of them, his gaze lingering on each face. Marsh stood patiently, a half-smile on his lips as if waiting for Edric to make the decision. Victor, ever the smirker, leaned casually against the stall door, arms crossed in a relaxed stance. Eileen, however, was rocking slightly on the balls of her feet, her eyes gleaming with a quiet excitement. She had never been one to shy away from adventure.

The choice was clear.

“Eileen, with me,” Edric said, his voice firm. “Marsh, Victor, you will report to my brother in his office. I’m sure he’ll have plenty for you to do.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Victor saluted with a mock flourish, a wide grin spreading across his face. With a quick wink at Edric, he turned on his heel and left the stables, his footsteps echoing through the hall as he made his way out.

Marsh hesitated, then reached out to place a hand on Edric’s arm. The weight of his touch was firm and reassuring, a silent bond that they had shared for years. “Be careful,” Marsh said, his voice low. There was no mistaking the gravity in his tone. “We don’t know what it is that we’re facing.”

Edric swallowed thickly, his throat tightening at the sincerity in Marsh’s eyes. He had not had much time recently for his friends, between his constant trips to Eskarven and the myriad of responsibilities pulling him in every direction. Their concern for him, their care, only made the guilt rise in his chest.

“I will,” Edric replied quietly, then looked to Eileen, who had moved to stand beside him, the same fierce determination in her eyes. “And Eileen will watch out for me.”

“I will,” Eileen said firmly, nodding at Marsh as she shook his hand, her small frame appearing dwarfed next to the larger man.

“Best be on your way, then.” Marsh stepped aside, clearing the path to the stables’ exit. “Safe journey, Edric. Eileen.”

Edric gave a small nod, raising his hand to wave at Marsh, his heart heavy with the weight of the unknown. As they left the stables behind, the early morning air was crisp, the sky still a faint blue as dawn broke over the horizon. Eileen rode quietly by his side as they made their way through the castle grounds, the rhythmic clip-clop of their horses’ hooves filling the silence between them.

Eileen remained unusually quiet for the first stretch of their journey, but once they passed through the outer gate, she nudged her horse forward and came alongside Edric, her voice soft but unwavering.

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