Page 112 of Queen of the Night
“Don’t kill them. Please,” I beg, still panting, my voice rough.
Renton looks at me, somewhat disappointed, as he purses his lips. “I already promised their lives, darling. I’m a man of my word. Besides, it will endear the people of the kingdom to me if I’m not the one to kill their beloved,weakking and his lowly commanders. I’ll let them do it themselves.”
“His people won’t kill him,” I hiss.
He laughs, sheathing the blade. “Oh, but they will.”
I try to spit at him, but it has never been one of my talents, and it lands far short of his annoying billowy cloak and shiny boots. A dirty hand claps quickly over my mouth, making breathing difficult once again.
He smiles with apparent approval. “The flower is blooming.”
I meet Ikar’s eyes across the distance, fighting despair. Something in his gaze bolsters me, reminds me to stay strong.But how?
Renton turns and signals with a nod to the three men holding Ikar, Darvy, and Rhosse. In tandem, they raise the pommels of their swords and slam them down. The three men fall to the ground. I scream beneath the hand over my mouth, writhing until my throat feels as if it’s collapsing beneath the pressure of the man’s arm. He squeezes tightly, sending gloam colder than sheets of ice through me as dots dance before my eyes, and then it’s all black.
Chapter 62
Ikar
Iwake in the back of a wagon. The distinct lack of fresh air moving about me tells me it’s enclosed, but with my eyes covered and my hands and legs bound, it’s difficult to properly scope out the situation. My head throbs, and I muffle a groan as I attempt to move. I lay still and think back to the last thing I can remember… the nymphs… that kiss with Vera.Vera.
An image of her with Renton flashes in my mind, reminding me what got me here, and immediately my chest tightens with a mixture of rage and concern. Where did he take her? I have to trust that Renton truly does want her to bridge, and that he won’t hurt her. It’ll at least give me a chance to get her back.
“Darvy? Rhosse?” I whisper.
A swift kick in the ribs forces a surprised shout from my lips as my head slams against the ground.
A man’s harsh voice barks from my left. “No talking.”
I suppress another groan. Can I not go a day without an injury?
It’s not long before the large wheels bump across cobblestone streets, which indicates we’re in a larger town or city. I continue to listen carefully, preparing for escape. A heavy breath sounds from beside me, followed by another from my other side a few moments later. I have no doubt it’s Darvy and Rhosse signaling their awareness, and it’s enough to buoy me as I prepare myself to fight with no weapon. We’ve been through worse; we can do it again.
The wheels roll to a stop, and the neighing of a disgruntled horse sounds from outside the wagon. Then the wagon door swings open with a loudcreak,and the familiar smell of a stable washes over me. Anticipation thrums in my veins as the binding around my feet is cut. I’m roughly yanked from the wagon, and I expect some sort of fight, words… something. But I’m left alone, still blindfolded and wrists tied.
I attune my senses, testing the amount of lucent available… listen for my brothers. I hear the scuffle of boots, followed by a door moving on oiled hinges, and then, a familiar voice.
“Ikar?”
Nadiette?
I stand there, confused. She rushes closer, and her fingers fumble with the ropes until I’m free. I immediately pull the tie over my head to see her freeing Darvy and Rhosse…in my own stable.
“What’s going on?” I ask slowly, frowning as she comes my way.
She throws her arms around me. “You’re safe.”
I remain stiff and unmoving.
Her eyes scan over me. “Did they hurt you? Renton promised he wouldn’t. I know this doesn’t make sense, but I had to do it for your safety and our kingdom.” She hardly takes a breath before continuing. “Waylon is on his way with his andthe other low king’s armies. We must marry, or there will bewar. You returned just in time, but be assured, preparations are already underway.”
“Unbelievable,” Rhosse mutters from behind me.
“Preparations?” I pry her arms from around me and set her back, and her brows drop in disappointment.
“For our wedding. So there’s nowar.”She says it slower this time, appearing to grow irritated that I didn’t listen closer the first time. “We must hurry.” She reaches for my hand, and I step back.
Did she truly plan awedding I told her I’d never participate in? I shake my head in disbelief. I wasthatclose to finally bridging with Vera. To finally healing our kingdom of the disease of gloam and preventing our enemies from taking my kingdom. Now I’m here, Vera is captured again, and the flower is gone.
