Page 77 of A River of Golden Bones

“Two Wolves scared to enter a boutique.” A giggle escaped my lips at the ridiculousness of the situation.

Sadie grinned. “More comfortable with daggers than rouge.”

“To be clear, you don’t need any of this, Sadie, if you don’t want it.” I waved at the window. “Navin only has eyes for you, just as you are.”

“I know,” she said. “But it’s frightening to think about.”

“What?”

“Who would I be if I could be anything?” She pinned me with a look and my eyes began to well, even as I laughed at it all.

“I think I understand that better than anyone.”

Her brows pinched together as she looked at my smile and tears. “You okay?”

“If Briar were here, I’d know how to dress. But if I could be anything? I wouldn’t just be the forgotten Gold Wolf or Briar’s twin or even Grae’s mate.” The thoughts were still spinning within me and I was too afraid to pin them down or make sense of them.

Sadie hummed in agreement, as if she could make sense of all the words that I couldn’t. “In a pack, we are told exactly where we rank and what that means for us: how we can act, who we can love, how much we can dream for. Before now we only existed as one part of a bigger beast,” she said. “But now as individuals...” She blew out a long breath.

“They’d have never allowed it,” I said. “We were all just pawns in Nero’s own game.”

“If we defeat Sawyn, it won’t matter what anyone else says,” Sadie said with fierce confidence. “You can claim that kingdom and make your own rules if we win.”

“We?”

She shrugged. “Hector and I talked about it. After we rescue Maez, we’re coming with you. We made ourselves targets the second we left with Grae. Either you win or we die, so we might as well help you.” She grinned, shuffling her feet closer to the window to escape the gale of icy wind. “In your kingdom, will you let humans and Wolves be together?”

I hadn’t thought about it before then—that I might be able to make decisions that would affect other people like her, but the word came tumbling out of my mouth. “Yes.”

Sadie pulled out her dagger and held open her palm. “Then I pledge my sword to you.” She slit her hand and held it out to me. “My future ruler and regent.”

“You’re so morbid,” I muttered.

“The word is ‘sanguine.’” She smirked. “But yes, always.”

I took out my knife and did the same, knowing that this was a declaration to myself as well. I thought to Grae, to our confessions in the forest. It was time I showed him all I was willing to fight for.

Vellia’s voice whispered back into my mind:Whatever it is you want from this life, Calla, I hope you have the stubbornness to take it.

No more silent submission. I would be the ruler of Olmdere or I’d die trying.

“I accept.” I shook her hand, our blood oath tying us together to whatever end. “Welcome, Sadie Rauxtide, Knight of Olmdere.”

We both balled our cut hands into fists, turning back to the shop window.

“I’m freezing my tail off. Do you want to go inside?” I asked. Sadie nodded. “Celebrating your knighthood by perfume shopping.” I guffawed, shaking my head.

“I think I’m going to like your court, Your Majesty.” Sadie laughed, holding open the door for me. “Don’t drip blood on the carpet.”

When Sadie and I returned to the wagon, spirits buoyed, only Ora was there. Sitting at the kitchen table, they had needles held between their clenched, ruby red lips and pieces of fabric strewn across the table all around them.

“Oh good,” they said, their eyes landing on me. “I was doing some mending of the costumes for the performance, now that you’re going to be a little star.”

Sadie leaned into me and muttered, “What does that mean?”

“I’ll explain later,” I replied.

“I’m going to go sit up front and sharpen my knives,” she said, clapping me on the back and then lifting her bag of makeup, “and try not to stab myself in the eye with this kohl stuff.”

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