Page 89 of Kiss of Ice

“Oh?” Kam glanced towards the bathroom again. What was taking her so long?

“I’m sure you’ve noticed the angel scripture on the palace has been glowing brighter of late.”

“Yes? What of it?” He was only half-listening. Maybe she was taking a bath? Or maybe she was crumpled on the floor, distraught and devastated.

“Oh, it’s not my place to say, your Majesty. The Council will explain. May I tell them they can come to the palace?”

“Yes, yes of course. I would be happy to see them after the wedding.” He got up and walked to the bathroom, putting his ear to the door. “Do you think she’s all right?”

“Who?”

“Ren, of course. Why is she taking so long in there?”

“Lady Morenna isn’t in the bathroom, your Majesty.”

Kam turned to her, frowning.

“Then where is she?”

“She left several hours ago. I’m afraid I, ah, helped her to escape.”

His jaw tightened.

“She left? Where to?”

“I’m sure you know where she went.”

“She defied my orders.” He fought to hold on to his temper. “She deliberately disobeyed me. And you dared to help her? I should have you thrown in the cells.”

“I will accept whatever punishment you deem fit, your Majesty,” Ruth said calmly. “But I believe I was acting in Lady Morenna’s best interests.”

“And I’m not?” he yelled. “Is that what you’re saying, witch?”

“I’m saying you should start by listening to whatsheneeds, your Majesty. She needs answers. And in case you haven’t noticed, she’s been ordered around for far too long.”

Kam’s eyes narrowed.

“How dare you presume to tell me what to do. Guards!” The soldiers ran in and stood to attention. “Take this… this interfering baggage back to the servants’ quarters and make sure she stays there.” His eyes flashed. “I’ll deal with you later, wiccan.”

He stalked from the room, vibrating with anger. Ren had flouted his orders. She’d gone to see her father even though he’d expressly forbidden it. And to think he’d felt guilty about what had happened.

He wouldn’t make that mistake again. She would learn to obey him, or she would regret it. He unfurled his wings of mist and light and soared into the sky, letting his fury drive him.

Thirty Seven

Ren limped along the road towards town, one hand pressed to her side. She had briefly considered saddling Mistral again, but the horse was exhausted from the long ride to Valkar. And anyway, she was in no condition to ride.

Her torso ached and she guessed at least one rib was cracked. It hurt to inhale deeply, so she tried to keep her breaths shallow.

She had a vague plan about getting to the main inn and resting there overnight. Then at first light she’d head back to Valkar and take Mistral before anyone was up and about. Even if she had to ride slowly, she’d be back in Arjhan by noon.

Perhaps Kam wouldn’t even know she’d been gone.

Kam.

Her stomach twisted in misery. Her father had stolen fifty years of his life. No wonder Kam hated him. It all made sense now.

That time she’d overheard them speaking at the palace. When Kam had threatened to break her. What had he said?That’s what you’ve forced me to become, Salaq. Someone with as few morals as you.

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