Page 61 of The King of Frost and Shadows

Me.

When my eyes met the prisoner’s, I realized no amount of training could have prepared me to survivethis.

20

LIRA

Out of every possibility, of course it would behim, the man who might want me dead more than anyone else here.

Lorne.

“What’s wrong,Princess?” The tall guard chuckled, taking in my expression. “Too good to be chained to a man with a bad leg?”

Understanding dropped on my shoulders as I took in his mangled calf. I didn’t know what I’d expected, but it wasn’t the large scar, like his entire calf might heal despite the damage it had suffered.

The guard laughed, hitting Lorne on the back, almost friendly, and said, “Yeah, we’re surprised he survived as well. However, you two won’t make it far, based on what Eldrin has in store.”

“And Caelan, right?” I lifted a brow, my gaze settling on him. I wanted to make it a point that it wasn’t only Eldrin behind the planning. Eldrin already had too much power and control, and Tavish’s wings were bound, just like theprisoners’ wings, on what he could do. I hated that he owed Eldrin such a large debt, but in the next hour, that wouldn’t matter. With all eleven of them teaming up on me, I’d be dead.

The blue-haired guard who’d been there the night I arrived shook his head as the tall guard scowled.

“Just like a Seelie to believe they can correct us in our own house,” he spat and tugged on Lorne to move him forward to chain me to him. “You’re the reason why the king has killed two of our own, and you deserve the slowest, most torturous death we can provide.” He glanced at the other ten, ignoring Lorne. “Anyone who delivers your death for me will be heavily rewarded since I can’t do it myself.”

“Oh, don’t worry.” The dusky-haired woman rubbed her hands together. “She’s our priority once the game begins. After what she’s done to all of us and killing my boy, it’ll be an honor and privilege to slice her neck.”

My lungs seized, but I forced my face to remain relaxed. I didn’t want to encourage them by showing fear. I’d already come to grips with what my future held. Instead, I focused on the guard and Lorne.

With each step Lorne took on his injured leg, he limped and winced.

He wasn’t well enough to be part of the game, but pointing it out would be useless. No one cared. This was a form of punishment and a means of entertainment. Besides, most of the contestants here appeared to be his friends or allies, so that would gain him even more favor.

His injury gave me a slight advantage since it would impact his ability to lug me around. Despite his strength, the extra weight on his leg would cause him problems. He’d want to help me get to the end of the trial before he tried tokill me. I could only hope that meant he’d protect me in the meantime, but hatred did funny things to people. I’d realized that with Tavish. Underneath his hostility, he was kind and gentle, but his parents’ deaths and his banishment from his home had changed him into something else entirely.

The taller guard reached me, and when he squatted, he slammed his armored shoulder into my side.

I stumbled back, but slender arms slid underneath my armpits, holding me up. “I got you,” Finola grunted as Torcall appeared at my side.

Torcall wrinkled his nose, shoved the taller guard back into the dark-blue-haired guard and said, “Struan, you know better than to harm any of the prisoners before the gauntlet.”

I managed to swallow, but my chest tightened more. I hadn’t realized that Finola and Torcall hadn’t left yet, and if we hadn’t been in a roomful of other people, I very likely would’ve thanked them. Instead, I forced my feet back underneath me and stood tall. Finola released me.

“Of course thekingwould have his most trusted guards watch over hispet.” Struan’s wings spread out, fluttering to help him back on his feet. “I don’t know how you can stand to protect her.”

Torcall didn’t flinch and instead leaned forward. “Because I’m loyal to the king of frost, darkness, and nightmares. His royal blood is the only reason we haven’t been weakened more than we already are by these blasted lands we’re forced to live on. Withouthim, we’d all be starving and near dying. You’d best remember that before your words and actions are seen as treasonous.”

“I’m certain the people would be thrilled to have a new contender in the gauntlet,” Finola added firmly.

“I didn’t speak ill of the king, only of the Seelie sunscorched and why she’s still breathing.” Struan held the cuff and gestured to my leg. “I’m just putting this on her, so don’t attack me.”

“Then don’t do anything foolish,” Torcall countered.

Taking a moment, I scanned the area and noted the way the ten other contestants glared at me. They weren’t even paying each other attention, making my blood run cold. Even if Lorne didn’t plan on killing me right away, the others did. I needed to remember every damn attack and defense Finnian had taught me. They would come in handy.

The cold, dark metal slipped around my boot, and when the lock clicked, he dropped the chain, making me realize how heavy the metal was as it clanked against the cool, smooth floor.

“Is everyone prepared for the game?” the guard next to the door asked.

“Yes,” Struan answered. “She’s chained.”

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