Chapter 67
Ro
Ihated this castle.
Hated what it stood for.
The man inside.
Hated that my final moments would be this cold, unforgiving tomb. What I didn’t hate, however, was that I would die protecting those I loved and cared for most, let alone the entire continent. If ever there was a purpose worth dying for, it was this.
My arms already bruised from where the soldiers gripped their fingers with unrelenting force.
We marched along the polished stone floors, as hard and immovable as the man that sat upon his gilded throne.
As grand as the castle was, and spacious, I found myself hating that it wasn’t bigger.
That I couldn’t have just a few more steps before meeting my fate.
Pangs of armor clanking against armor screeched loudly in my ears with every jostled step until finally we reached the dais. My escorting guards knelt, forcing me down with them. The silence was all-consuming.
“Ah, my little spy. I have to be honest, Ro, I didn’t think you’d make it back.”
Unlike you, I honor my bargains, I thought.
When I remained quiet, one of the guards shook me violently in warning.
Seconds continued ticking by, stretching just the way I needed them to, until I finally said, “I’ve come to share what I’ve discovered.
The Order in the north is preparing for war.
With the dark magic they wield, Windguard will stand no chance when they decide to strike. ”
He huffed in disbelief, casting the idea away with a frivolous wave of his hand.
“My army is the largest on the continent. Several continents, actually. We’ve conquered magic wielders before, I harbor no doubts that we will succeed again.
Besides, I know how to handle those with magic.
” He had the nerve to chuckle, his guards joining in.
“Once those Order members venture down this way, the iron-laced food will dampen their power. The only reason it doesn’t now is because I supply them with burdock root.
But you see, I am in control of when that runs out. ”
My lips peeled from my teeth. “You’re poisoning your own people?
” That was why the locals had been getting sick, like Kasia's husband. How The Order targeted and snatched those showing the signs. Why Braxius and the horses had been quiet on my journey north, because I’d been dosed with iron, and it’d quieted my ability.
Iron dampens magic when worn or held, I could only imagine the havoc it wreaks inside magical blood after prolonged exposure.
The king and those around him seemed to draw joy from seeing my horrified realization.
“Your arrogance will be the fall of your kingdom.” I spat at the floor and my nose wrinkled with hate.
The laughter stifled.
“Anything else other than your pitiful little warning?” the king asked, boredom striking his slim, angled features.
My nerves built by the second. “Yes.” I paused, tossing in every effort to prolong this interaction.
The king shared glances between his staff, some of them feeding him grapes. “Well, would you like to share with the class, or do you need a formal invitation?”
Snickers from ostentatiously dressed members of his court echoed in the great room.
“I didn’t just come to warn you about the power that I’ve seen, about the threat that is coming to your towns.”
Another grape was placed in his mouth by someone who looked at him as if he was a god. “Yes, yes. We’ve been over that,” the king tutted.
“I came to offer counsel,” I said, raising my chin.
The king held my stare for a moment before bursting into riotous laughter. His court members joined in, staff and soldiers alike. I let them consume the moment, not rushing to my defense to explain. The longer I had, the better, even in a place as foul as this.
“You’ve caught me in a good mood today, spy. If a successful king such as myself would, for some gods unknown reason, look to you for counsel, what would you advise me?” His smile never faltered, amusement gleaming in his viper eyes.
I swallowed. “You need to send the army north, now, before they’re prepared to move.
Catching them off guard will be your best chance for weathering the coming storm.
Even still, you will lose many, if not most, of your army.
This enemy should not be underestimated, and if you think you have allyship with them, you’re mistaken. ”
The smile slid from his face. “You are a foolish girl with nothing in that tiny magic infested brain of yours. You don’t think I can’t see what you’re doing?
Asking me to remove my army from Highcrest’s borders when that pompous King Nicholas prepares for siege?
To put distance between my soldiers and your precious little camp? ”
“They are only there because you invaded first,” I snarled, unable to contain the pure rage that coursed through me when I considered how many of my people had fallen at his whim. This man sat in luxury while my people bled, and he held no remorse for it. “I can tell King Nicholas to stand down.”
His eyes turned cold, calculating. “You know, I considered what to do with you if you came back. Spy on retainer, I thought maybe. But you are too impertinent to trust.”
“You can kill me, but know that your death will follow soon after. And in that moment, when you see it coming, and realize it was your own flippant superiority that was your undoing, my warning will play in your mind as the last song you’ll ever hear.
” Envisioning the terror on his face in his final moments brought me one last glimmer of happiness in this world.
I, at least, could die knowing I had done my part in keeping my loved ones safe.
Whether a sword cut me down where I stood, or if I was hauled away to the dark, dank dungeons to be executed, I would welcome death’s embrace like a friend.
A life lived with honor, a purpose fulfilled, a heart that loved.
Taja casually plucked another few grapes, then leaned forward, his velvety green robes draping over his sides.
His jet black hair was long and loose below his corrupted crown.
“I think you would be all too happy to die here today. For no other reason would someone allow their tongue to flap in my presence, as you have done. So, here’s what I’m going to do.
A kindness, if you will.” The glint in his eye told me the opposite would hold true.
“There happens to be a convoy sent from the camp in the north, refueling with supplies. You almost missed them, but it seems fate wanted to play her hand. I think I’ll send you back with them.
If they are as dangerous as you say, you’ll have an opportunity to speak reason with them.
Beg for my kingdom, as you seem so insistent on me doing.
” His snake eyes narrowed upon me. “Of course, they shall know of your treason within their ranks. Hm, I wonder what they’ll do with you then. ”
The thought of being sent back north, to be drained of magic, had my stomach plummeting to the floor. I had no bargaining chip, no way to sneak out, so I hurtled the threat toward him. “They will know that you sent me, and your allegiance will fall sooner, dooming you and your kingdom.”
His serpent smile reappeared. “Will you? Tell me what you’ll say.” He watched me with feigned interest.
I went to speak, but a guard hooked a piece of cloth over my head, wedging it into my mouth. I yelled against it, but my screams came out muffled. They made quick work to tie the fabric so tight it felt like it could cut the sides of my mouth.
“Always underestimating me, Miss Collins. You think I’d send an unruly guest to my allies in the north? No, I’ll send them a quiet one.”
A foul smelling cloth covered my face. I fought against the arms that held me, but they didn’t soften their grips.
Despite telling myself not to breathe in the drug, my body eventually decided for me.
It burned my nostrils and throat, causing my eyes to tear.
A moment later, my head spun. Reality distorted until I couldn’t even recognize gravity. Darkness encroached my vision and—