Chapter 27
There’s a pounding in the distance.
Groaning, I turn onto my side, begging for the sound to die. It doesn’t. The pounding resumes, growing much louder this time.
“Zaira! Get up! It’s first light!” Rynthea shouts on the other side of my door. “King Draedor is ready for us!”
I spring up with a gasp, swinging my legs to the edge of the bed. That’s a mistake, though, because as soon as I’m on my feet, I stumble sideways and have to catch myself on the nearest storage chest.
Shit.
Maybe I shouldn’t have had another glass of wine as I settled into the chamber last night. I needed something to distract me from the constant thoughts of Thane, though. It helped for the most part. Helped me go straight to sleep.
I’m regretting it now, though. I hold on to the smooth wooden edge of the chest, breathing evenly as I squint at the closed terrace doors.
A bold stretch of sunlight streams in through the gap in the curtains, highlighting clean wooden floors.
Even without my spectacles on, I can make out silver flecks in the stone walls.
“Zaira!” Rynthea calls again, banging on the door. “I can hear you moving. Don’t make me break this door down.”
“I’m coming!” I release the chest and throw my arms out to my sides to balance myself. When I feel stable enough, I head to the door as steadily as possible, unlock it, and pull it open.
“Orvena’s sake,” Rynthea says as she looks at me from head to toe. “You look like pure shit.”
“Ugh.” I press a palm on my throbbing right temple. “I feel like it, too.”
“I should’ve warned you that Bernwood’s wine is strong. Takes more for most beastials to get drunk, so they enhance it. One glass is enough to knock a mortal on their ass.”
“It could be an aftereffect of the talmoon I smoked with Kelrean last night, too,” I say with a pathetic wince.
“I told you not to get mixed up with that goof. Was he here last night?” She scrunches her nose, peeking into my room for signs of him.
I glance back. All she’s gleaned, I’m sure, is an unmade bed and my filthy rucksack on the floor.
I recall last night’s events with the prince.
Going to the tent. Taking a stroll with him.
The heat of the flames on my skin as I sat by the fire.
The taste of sweet, spongey bread and wine.
The feeling of talmoon coursing through my bloodstream…
and of course Thane punching Kelrean square in his face.
It was all so very interesting. However, what I remember most is how it felt being with Thane in the carriage. And then on the stairs. Followed by his threat to gouge the prince’s eyes out if I let him into my room.
To my surprise, Kelrean never showed up at my door. I was partially relieved by that, honestly—not that I really think he has beast warts, like Thane said. I just wasn’t sure if I was up for hanging out with him after the naughty things I’d done in the carriage with Thane.
Knowing Kelrean is attracted to me, and I to him, leaves me unsure of what might’ve happened between us. Would Kelrean have tried to kiss me? If so, I don’t think I would’ve denied him.
But what does that make me? A woman thinking about kissing two men in one night? I have a feeling that, if something were to happen between me and Kelrean, I would have been comparing his kiss to Thane’s the entire time.
“He wasn’t here,” I tell Rynthea, shifting on my feet.
“Good. Well, hurry up.” She rests the handle of her scythesword on her shoulder, the edge of the blade mere inches from one of her horns. “Everyone’s already downstairs.”
“Shit.”
“Yeah. Shit. Wash your ass and get dressed so we can go.”
Rynthea stalks away, and I close the door, hurrying to find my specs before searching for a proper outfit from the wardrobe. I decide to go with tan leggings and a burgundy tunic. We still have so much ground to cover in order to break Analla’s curse. We can’t afford any more delays after this.
I go to the washroom, glad one of the helpers has already been here to fill the washbasin. I give my teeth a solid brush as well as my hair before collecting my things and hurrying out of the chamber…all while fighting dizziness.
Downstairs, I catch Rynthea and Algar standing in front of a broad glass window that reveals distant mountain peaks and fleecy white clouds. And off to the right, cloaked in his familiar black garments and buffers, is Thane.
It takes everything in me not to react to the sight of him.
Externally, I succeed. Internally, not so much.
My heart races, and I feel these odd flutters in the pit of my belly. It doesn’t help that when our eyes connect, amusement swirls in his, and a faint smirk tugs at the corners of his lips.
Yeah. He’s going to hang last night’s events over my head for as long as he possibly can.
“You’re all here! Wonderful!” Queen Jenia’s voice echoes through the main hall, bouncing off the rotunda and stained-glass ceilings.
I wince, turning to find her. It’s still too early for me.
“I hope you have time for a quick breakfast before your departure.” She saunters in our direction in a powdery pink gown, her crown glinting in the sunlight.
And just behind her, dressed in a dark-purple doublet and beige trousers, is Kelrean. His eyes instantly land on mine.
I smile and wave hello, feeling a blush blooming under my brown cheeks again.
When Rynthea confirms that we have time to eat, Queen Jenia leads us to a dining room so large, it could fit at least three of the dining halls in the Meriva refugee camp. There are four lengthy tables in the room. The one she’s chosen could seat twenty people.
I pull out one of the high-backed chairs and sit.
Rynthea takes the seat left of me, Algar to my right, and Thane sits directly across from me.
Kelrean and Queen Jenia take seats at the head of the table.
Kelrean, of course, is still ogling me and smiling, despite the redness around his nose that comes awfully close to a bruise.
You’d think after being punched in the face over me that he’d lose interest. I suppose it only intrigues him more.
Thane glares at him with his arms folded, not even trying to hide his disdain.
When the helpers pour us goblets of fresh pomegranate juice, I grab mine and take a few sips. It’s good, but I wish it was tea. I need the jolt of caffeine so I can snap out of this haze.
“Ah, you’re all still here.” King Draedor’s voice booms through the dining hall. My head throbs once again. Were they this loud yesterday? “Suppose you younglings are as foolish as I thought.”
“Sweetheart,” Queen Jenia titters.
He takes the seat next to her but not before dropping a kiss on her forehead and the top of Kelrean’s head.
“Yes, Your Majesty, we’re still here. Are you going to tell us how to get to Elphar and back safely?” Rynthea asks.
“I made you a promise, didn’t I?” The king grunts as a plate full of food is placed in front of him by one of the helpers.
After the royals, plates are set in front of us guests, piled with steaming chopped apples in cinnamon sauce, sweet rolls, strips of meat, and poached eggs.
My stomach grumbles but not as loudly as Rynthea’s.
She digs straight in, and I follow suit, resisting a moan as the flavors burst on my tastebuds.
Algar’s delighted moan, however, fills the dining room, and the king and queen laugh at his unconventional flattery.
“As I’m sure you all know, the journey to The Shallows is one of the most dangerous,” King Draedor says, chewing.
“There are vicious creatures of all kinds and many less desirable paths. I nearly made it to the Temple of Elphar. I was so close I could taste it. But then I came across a creature I’d never seen before.
There was no way I could beat it alone.” He eyed each of us.
“And not to boast, but if a shifter such as myself couldn’t find a way around it, I don’t think the lot of you will, either. ”
“We’ll take our chances,” Thane says.
King Draedor scans Thane thoroughly before sipping from his goblet. “I hear you struck my son last night,” he says, but I don’t miss the hint of venom in his tone.
“Accidentally,” Thane replies, as if bored.
“How do you accidentally punch someone in the face?” the king counters.
“Your son just has one of those faces, Your Majesty.” Thane shrugs. “Very punchable up close.”
“Thane,” I hiss with a frown. He’s going to ruin this for us if he doesn’t shut his mouth.
Surprisingly, Queen Jenia stifles a laugh.
King Draedor zeroes in on Thane with a growl as he tightens his grip around the handle of his fork.
“Now, now. It’s quite all right, Father.” Kelrean interrupts their stare down. “Our friend here was drunk and exhausted last night. In fact, I believe he was bordering on delirium, so I offered him mercy. All is forgiven.” His teeth glint as he flashes an arrogant smile at Thane.
“You’re correct, Your Highness.” Thane takes a bite of his eggs. “I was a fool who had way too much to drink last night. And perhaps a little too much fun.” His eyes slide to me as he chews. My cheeks turn hot. “I appreciate your forgiveness.”
Well…that was the worst apology I’ve ever heard. The king and prince seem to accept it because they grunt and nod, holding their heads up high.
“As I was saying,” Draedor goes on, giving Thane a pointed look, “I wouldn’t have made it so far through The Shallows without the Kelvanite Sphere.”
“What’s that?” Rynthea asks around a cheek full of food.
“There is only one in Thelanor, created by an ancient sorceress named Frevella. She lives a short hike from Bernwood, higher in the Alvanite Mountains. She’s been a wonderful ally of mine for quite some time, and had it not been for her, I wouldn’t be able to tell you any of this.”
“What exactly does the sphere do?” Kelrean inquires.
“It guides you, shows you to the safest routes,” his father answers. “It was a valuable resource…until it wasn’t.”
Wait…what does that mean?
“If you stand any chance of making it to that island and back,” the king continues, “it can only be accomplished with the Kelvanite Sphere.”
“Is it here with you?” Rynthea probes, scanning him.
“No. It always returns to its creator after use. That is how the true essence of its power is restored.”
“So, we have to make a stop to see this Frevella person first?” Thane asks. I’m glad Thane is able to lose the sarcasm. I suppose even he knows the royals of Bernwood have their limits and shouldn’t be pushed past them.
“That is correct.” The king runs a thick claw over the edge of his goblet, making a light scraping noise. “But be warned, my friends. Though Frevella and I are allies, she will not allow you to have the sphere without a price. And I don’t mean with coin or treasure.”
My chest tightens at that. What could she possibly ask for? Blood? A limb? One of our hearts? I glance at Thane, who doesn’t seem the least bit concerned about King Draedor’s warning.
“We defeated a swamp monster,” he reminds the king. “I’m sure we can handle an elderly sorceress.”
“An arrogant one you are,” King Draedor counters with a chuckle. “It’d be wise not to underestimate Frevella. Besides, she will not see you all without confirmation that I sent you.”
Thane frowns as he looks from the king to Rynthea, who also appears confused.
“My son and two of our finest guards will travel with you up the mountain to see her.” He gives Kelrean’s shoulder a squeeze.
Thane stiffens. Oh, now he’s concerned.
“It is truly my honor,” Kelrean declares with a cheery disposition. Then he aims his focus on Thane. “I hope me taking this brief journey with you doesn’t present any issues.”
“Shouldn’t be a problem,” Thane says. Right after the words leave his mouth, I feel something warm skate up my inner thigh and give it a squeeze.
I stifle a gasp as I jump in my chair. I look to Thane, but he’s too busy staring down the prince.
There is a small challenge in his eyes as his magic hand inches higher up my thigh.
I shove it away, flustered, and the sensation vanishes.
“You all right, Zaira?” Algar murmurs.
“Yeah—I’m fine.” I force a smile at him as I pick up my goblet and take a nervous sip.
Thane clears his throat, finally looking away from the prince to finish off his food.
“Very well!” King Draedor’s voice reverberates through the room as he rises from his chair. I squeeze my eyes shut and wince once again as my ears ring.
Kelrean and the queen stand with him, and we follow suit, raising our goblets as he does.
“Though it pains me to see you all make such a grave decision, I wish you nothing but success on your quest,” the king declares.
“We’ll pack food and supplies to last you the duration of your travel up the mountain.
Kelrean will direct you straight to Frevella’s cave with a scroll of my consent.
And crew?” He assesses each of us with his impenetrable feline gaze.
“No matter what happens, guard your heart and protect it at all costs. Because once you make it to The Shallows, your entire life will change. And believe me, it will not be for the better.”
Suddenly, the king’s face contorts, transforming into something completely unexpected.
My eyes widen with shock.
Rynthea’s shoulders tense.
Algar hisses through his teeth.
Thane narrows his gaze.
The right half of King Draedor’s face, which was once picture perfect in its human-lion form, is now thick with scars that have clearly been created by claws. The vicious marks start at his forehead and stretch all the way down to the middle of his throat.
And the worst part about it?
His eye is missing—a gaping hole now in its place.