Page 14 of Lady of Ashes

“We need to go,” Talwyn said, trying to work her way out of his grip. “They will be waiting for us.”

“Talwyn,” Azrael growled at her, tightening his hold.

“Az, it is ?ne,” she bit out, the earth below her rumbling slightly. “Let’s go.”

She wrenched herself from his grasp, grabbing his pack. Before he could say anything else, she snatched his hand and Traveled to the Fire Court. They landed outside the Fiera Palace gates. She dropped his hand, shoving his pack into his arms, and strode through the gates without a backwards glance. She knew Azrael wouldn’t push this here. Not in front of the other Courts. They were always a united front in the presence of others.

She also knew he’d bring it up later. Even if later meant weeks from now. She could feel his eyes boring into her back as she breathed deep to calm her temper and magic. A sentry openedthe main door for her, bowing slightly. When she stepped into the entrance hall, a few of the staff were rushing about here and there, and her eyes fell on the mortal prince and his guards. His hazel eyes locked onto hers. There was something different about him. Something harder, more imposing.

She smirked at him as she said, “Good evening, Crown Prince.”

“Queen Talwyn,” he said with a slight bow. “I was unaware you were accompanying us on this journey.” His two guards had come to his sides, hands casually on their swords, as if they thought they could do anything to her with them.

“I am not joining you, but Prince Azrael is,” she answered, gesturing behind her.

“Do you know the plan, then?” Callan inquired, shifting his gaze to the prince.

“Likely little more than you do,” Azrael replied.

“Glad to know it is not just me being kept in the dark then,” Callan muttered, and Talwyn almost laughed out loud at his musings.

“Where is Sorin?” she asked.

“Preparing I assume,” Callan replied with a stiff shrug.

Talwyn studied the mortal prince with a tilt of her head. Despite his best attempts to hide it, she could see his anxiousness underneath. He was ready to return home, likely to get away from Sorin and Scarlett.

“And are you prepared for what awaits you upon your return home, Crown Prince?” Talwyn voiced now.

Callan’s hazel eyes dragged back to hers and held a steely resolve. “I am prepared to serve and protect my people from whatever … threats may be in store. Their wellbeing is a higher priority than my own.”

“Spoken like a true prince,” drawled a female voice. They all turned to ?nd Eliza striding towards them. She was bedecked in her usual attire, although she had more weapons than usual. She carried a pack on her shoulder, along with a bag in her hand.

“Where is Sorin and the rest of his cabal?” Talwyn said when Eliza came to a stop before them. She detested all of Sorin’s Inner Court, but Eliza was by far the worst with her insufferable arrogance and smart mouth.

“Cabal?” Eliza questioned. “Such interesting names you have for us, Majesty.”

There was a slight rustling of smoke near the braziers, and Rayner stepped into view. “Do not stir things up, Eliza,” he chastised quietly. “We have enough to worry about right now.” His gaze shifted to Talwyn and Azrael, and he bowed slightly in greeting. He had his own weapons adorning him and a pack gripped in his hand as well. Talwyn still couldn’t believe Sorin’s entire Inner Court was going to the mortal lands. Such utter stupidity.

Of the three of them, Rayner was the only member of Sorin’s Inner Court who she could stand to be around for longer than a few minutes. Probably because he rarely spoke. When he did speak, though, he was respectful and tried to keep the peace. Not that she was fooled by his seeming aloofness. He was as deadly as the rest of them. She’d only seen him unleashed a handful of times, and while she’d never admit it to anyone else, he’d been terrifying.

“Rayner,” she greeted in response. “One of you needs to ?ll me in on the plan.”

Eliza opened her mouth to snap a reply, but Rayner cut her off. “The prince will be here shortly.”

“We both know Sorin will not tell me everything,” Talwyn retorted.

“It is not my place to reveal his plans, your Majesty.”

There was almost a note of regret in his voice that sent Talwyn’s nerves into overdrive. She glanced sidelong at Azrael, who was watching her, before she quickly averted her gaze once more.

“Since two of the three parts of this little party are not aware of the plan, maybe it would be best to share before everyone jumps into the unknown,” Talwyn stated, crossing her arms in front of her.

Prince Callan stepped forward at her words. “I am in agreement with that idea.”

Eliza smirked at both of them. “Too bad you two don’t really get a say in the matter. This isn’t a majority rules situation.”

“I damn well get a say if you are taking my Second and my ring,” Talwyn snarled in return.

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