Page 12 of Crown of Iron
“Always,” I say, throwing my arms around him.
I cling to Leif for several minutes, soaking in the sweet smell of his cologne and finding peace in the strength of his arms. This isn’t the love I dreamed of, but it’s powerful in its own way. I'll stand tall with him by my side. He will encourage and support me through the tough times to come, and I'll do the same for him. We may not be in love, but our love for each other runs deep.
My hold on him loosens, and Leif steps back. “All right, I guess we’re enlisting you in the Lucent army and finding a way to get your father back.”
I nod and grasp Nortus' reins. “Thank you, Leif.”
“Don't thank me yet. You still have to charm your way in with the most intimidating band of soldiers I've ever met.”
I turn to him with wide eyes. I hadn't even considered what my father's soldiers would be like. They’ve always remained on the front lines of the war. Those who fight for our kingdom are a society of their own, battling for those within the walls of the capital. It stands to reason he would have chosen the best to fight under his direction. They would be strong and steadfast in their resolve and apparently, intimidating.”
“Charm my way in?” I repeat.
“More like fight.”
I swallow to wet my dry mouth. “Yeah, fight sounds about right.”
Leif mounts his horse and cocks an eyebrow. “Come on, Raelle Mansi. You didn't think life was going to get easy now, did you?”
“No,” I murmur.
The decision to set out on this journey was complicated in itself. I figured that I would have to prove myself physically capable, but to hearLeif say it makes me realize how difficult this all may be. As future queen, there’s little I’ve had to do to prove myself worthy of the title so far. I’m still in the shadow of the king. I get many of the perks of being royalty with little responsibility. Without that status preceding me, that’s all about to change.
For hours, we follow a narrow path, gradually inclining through a dense forest. When we break free of the treeline, it feels like days have passed since the sun last touched my skin. I squint against the light and take in a trail leading straight to a clearing with a wooden fence and rustic buildings. Clashing of metal, laughter, mumbled conversations, and an array of animal cries fill the wide-open space. It’s a far cry from the bustling city square.
“Hold on a second,” I say to Leif.
He stops his horse and turns in his saddle. “Are you all right?”
“I just need a moment to get my head on straight.”
With a roll of his eyes, Leif mutters, “Oh, now you want to be sensible.”
I ignore his playful jab and turn my attention to Basecamp. Everyone goes about their day dressed in shades of brown and green, and armed soldiers keep watch on wooden towers overlooking the treetops. The army is less refined than the king's guard, and every one of them appears frightfully lethal.
I curl my lips between my teeth and ask the Statera for guidance and strength. It's rare to encounter someone who serves in the army. Everyone knows once you choose the life of a soldier, you’re not likely to come home. And the ones who live a long life find it hard to leave behind the camaraderie they find within their camps, with my father being a rare exception. The bond between soldiers is impenetrable, and I question if I can wiggle my way in.
My mission would be easier if I could tell them who I am. These soldiers not only protect our people but serve the crown. If they knew I was their future queen, they may jump at the opportunity to help me rescue my father. I can't so much as tell them I'm the general's daughter, let alone their next ruler. The second they found out, I’d be sent packing.
With the odds stacked against me, I doubt I'll ever overcome them all. But I won't fail from a lack of trying. I’ll do everything in my power to win these people over, and I'll do it as their equal.
Leif clears his throat, and I glance up to find several soldiers lookingour way, including the ones in the towers with their arrows nocked. I pull my hood over my head and urge Nortus forward. Leif steers his horse in step with mine, and we ride to the entrance.
“Captain Stone,” says a hefty man with a silky black braid to his waist. “Yourfriendis not welcome beyond this point.”
I shoot the gatekeeper a sidelong glare, and Leif says, “She's not myfriend; she's a recruit.”
The large soldier, in a sleeveless shirt, rubs his huge bicep and smirks against his bare shoulder. “Really?”
“Really,” I counter.
“Very well. I wish you luck, little lady.”
The patronizing tone of his voice heats my skin, and I fight the urge to dismount Nortus and prove his assumptions about me wrong. “Keep your well wishes, soldier. I don't need them,” I say. The words flow from me with the authority Borin spent years teaching me to radiate.
He snorts and turns back to Leif. “I can take her to the general.”
I grip my reins and shift in my saddle. The new general, who was my father's second in command. Our meeting was inevitable. I just didn't expect it to happen so quickly. I've barely thought of what I'll say to him. Not to mention, how I'll persuade him to allow me to join his regiment and help in the search for my father.
