Page 44 of A Vow of Wrath and Ruin

“Ah, very well then,” he took my hand. “We will ready ourselves to leave. Is Baylis awake?”

“Yes, she’s awake, and she is also ready to depart.”

“Good,” Tharan said, leading me into the palace. “Have everything packed and ready in an hour.”

My stomach tightened. “So soon?”

“There’s no sense in putting it off.” He squeezed my hand.

“You’re right.” I was going to have to face my fears sometime, so I might as well get it over with.

I stared at the bedchamber we shared for the last few weeks. It had become my home. I hadn’t felt comfortable in anyone’s bed but my own in a very long time, and Tharan made me feel like this was ours, not just some place where his lover slept. I ran my hand over the intricately patterned quilt, tracing the delicate designs made of fine thread.

“Aelia, it’s time.” Tharan stood in the doorway to his dressing room. His hair was tied back in an olive ribbon, and he wore his royal doublet, complete with the seal of the Alder King on the breast. I sucked in a breath and the sight of him. Power seemed to radiate from every pore. His skin glowed with vitality… with magic.

“What about the crown?” I asked.

“I am not that audacious. I’ll put it on when I get to Elohim.

“I wish I could see you walk into the Great Hall. I’m sure your grandfather will be shocked to see you.”

“More like annoyed. But he did agree to see me, so I guess that’s something.”

“I’ve heard stories of Elohim. How the streets are paved with gold.”

Tharan chuckled. “Not quite. White marble or granite, but yes, it is very lavish.”

I quickly changed into my traveling outfit: leather boots and a white tunic with a burgundy sweater over it.

“Are we meeting back here, or should I meet you in Elohim?”

“Back here. I doubt they’d let you through the gates.”

“That’s very true.” I strapped my dagger to my thigh.

“Ready?” he asked with a smile.

“I guess. There’s one last thing I need to do.”

I grabbed the Scepter of the Dead from where it sat on a plush pillow. “Take this, and I’ll meet you out front shortly.”

Tharan nodded, taking the scepter from me.

Can I come out for the trip?the Morrigan’s voice whined in my ear.

I rolled my eyes. “You can come out when we get to Ruska.”

Fine.

I kissed Tharan on the cheek and quickly ran to the stables, where Arion waited for me. He greeted me with a snort, and his breath turned to vapor in the cool air.

I snagged an apple from a barrel and laid it flat in my hand before offering it to Arion. He nibbled it delicately. I ran a loving hand over his velvet fur.

“I’m sorry I can’t take you on this adventure, boy.” I leaned in one last time to take in his scent before planting a kiss on his mane. We’d been through so much together, and it felt wrong to leave him. But he’d be safe here.

“Be good.” I gave him one last pat before returning to the castle.

Tharan entwined his hand with mine. Two carriages sat, ready to depart in opposite directions. Royal advisors and the palace staff lined the walkway, waving to us as we passed. Before we parted ways, Tharan turned to face them. “I appreciate everything you do for this kingdom and the Wild Courts. I will be gone for a long while. While I am away, Fionn, Master of Coin, and Wren, Master of Forestry, will be in charge. Please give them the same respect you would give me.”

---