13. Chapter Twelve
Chapter Twelve
Isoria
My heart raced. An hour. I didn’t know if Archer had any enchantments in his quarters that could alert him when others entered or left or otherwise prevent me from leaving, but I had time to at least try.
And I had to try. Mama, Aunt Aurora, Zinnia, and countless others were running out of time, and any one of us could be next. Bren. Or even me, which would make it much more difficult for me to escape and return to Everhaven if I lost my ability to shift.
Whatever knowledge the castle library might hold, surely another in Rainsong would have something similar.
I refused to trust that Archer wasn’t withholding information from me about this supposed blood bond or manipulating me somehow in his attempt to hunt down every last phoenix shifter.
I had to believe he was capable of any sort of evil and trickery to get what he wanted—the absolute eradication of my kind.
Once I left the castle, it would be easier to lose myself in the capital and keep low, to do my research quietly and then get home. I had to escape Archer’s clutches.
I went back to the guest room, cursing the fact that I’d lost my pack in the tumult in the graveyard at Solea's temple. My spare clothes would have been useful now. I tugged on my leggings and tunic, dirty as they were, and prayed they wouldn’t draw too much unwanted attention.
With Archer returned to his bedroom in the rear of his quarters, it was easy enough to slip through the other empty rooms. Onyx was snuggled in an armchair in the sitting room nearest the exit, and the smallest tug of regret made me pause.
He lifted his head at my approach, blinking lazily.
“I’m sorry to leave you with a monster like the prince, but at least he seems to take care of you.
” I patted his head in goodbye and padded toward the door.
I hesitated at the door, pressing my ear to strain for any noise.
All I heard was the shifting of feet, likely from a posted guard.
Unless Archer had told them not to permit anyone to leave while I’d been asleep, I couldn’t think of any reason why they’d stop me from exiting. They were there to keep intruders out.
Forcing myself to exude confidence, I opened the door with my chin lifted high.
There were two guards, a male and female, and neither so much as glanced my way.
I tried to walk as if I knew where I was going, but it didn’t take long before I found myself hopelessly lost in the twists and turns of endless halls.
When I caught the eye of a passing servant, I offered a sheepish smile that I realized a moment too late was a dead giveaway I didn’t belong.
Something in the gleam of his eye revealed his amusement, but he didn’t question me. Hopefully he was used to guests and didn’t find it suspicious I’d been unescorted. “Can I help you, miss?” he asked kindly.
“I’m afraid I should have waited for a guide, but I am searching for the exit.”
He chuckled. “Follow me.”
Built from rough-hewn stone, the castle itself was ancient and imposing, an old fortress that had been crafted for function rather than beauty.
But generations of extravagance in the royal family had softened it through both magic and decor.
Artfully arranged portraits that had been painted with enchantments to tell a story rather than show a single picture added entertainment and intrigue on numerous walls.
I caught smatterings of conversation in dramatic exchanges, the noises of a full-blown battle, and the heartfelt whispers of lovers in a forbidden tryst as we passed various pictures in different halls.
The plush carpet beneath our feet cushioned our steps, while the outdoors brought warmth inside as we passed through open courtyards full of fountains and citrus trees, jasmine and water lilies, sunning lizards and countless collections of colorful parrots and birds.
At last, we reached the main entrance, thankfully without anyone else stopping us.
Time had lost meaning while I’d wandered. How much of my hour was left? Had Archer summoned a servant to prepare me, one that would have already alerted him to my absence?
Thanking the male, I tried not to make the quickening of my steps obvious as I descended the steps and crossed the front courtyard. Beyond the gates, a narrow bridge spanned the Bluemist, separated the castle and its grounds from the rest of Rainsong.
And beyond was the full bustle of the city.
Beneath the setting sun, it was a brilliant sight to behold.
As far as the eye could see, crowds were moving from shop to shop, some preparing to end their day while others were readying to begin their nights.
Inns offered cozy respite or an evening of entertainment and drinks while taverns were a rowdier, more exciting option for locals.
The scents of food tempted me everywhere.
Carts lined a few streets filled with the wares of sellers who moved about the city rather than luring the buyers to them.
“Charms!” one called. When he met my gaze, his eyes lit up with the hope of a purchaser. “All the way from Brytwilde across the ocean.”
I raised my eyebrows in spite of myself, scanning his cart. He had rows and rows of odd assortments, some that seemed hardly noteworthy at all. Discarded buttons, some tarnished and scratched, necklaces, bracelets, and plenty of other baubles all in varying conditions.
“On their continent, many fae store portions of their magic in charms, so when their reserves grow low, they have a way to replenish quickly no matter how exhausted they are,” the shop owner confided in me, his bushy brows and drooping mustache twitching with his excitement.
He ran a finger along one particularly long, tufted ear before fiddling with his beard.
“If a fae passes without anyone to claim their charm, it’s left for the taking.
I trade for them when they arrive on shipments.
Pick one up. You can feel the magic emanating from each! ”
“Oh, thank you, but I don’t plan on purchasing anything today.” I offered him a quick smile and hastened onward before he could try to argue.
All I had were the few coins in Mama’s emergency stash back home, the ones from long ago when we’d fled Rainsong. I didn’t know if they’d be enough for a night in the dingiest inn, and I certainly wouldn’t be wasting them on baubles.
Each step further away from the castle buoyed me with hope. How many miles was I from Archer now? Two? Three?
The scents of food drew me toward an inn overlooking the Bluemist and the alligators dozing on its bank. I hadn’t eaten since hours before reaching Solea's temple last night, and now the sun was setting on another day. My aching stomach warned me I’d have to feed myself somehow, and soon.
But this one was too fine and a little too close to the castle for my comfort. I wanted one tucked away and unassuming, not this lovely building close to the gleaming river.
I pressed onward, overly conscious of how my simple garments were a sharp contrast to the vibrant colors most of the fae I passed wore. Without the budget for new clothing, I’d have to pray I could lose myself far enough in the capital that Archer’s guards wouldn’t easily hunt me down.
The crowds gradually grew thinner as I moved deeper into Rainsong’s streets and away from the water.
I passed more residential dwellings with elaborate gardens surrounding them, like quiet sanctuaries concealed within the chaos of the capital’s heart.
Here, more shops were closed for the day, not trying to compete with the nightlife along the water.
I started searching hopefully for a more unassuming inn as twilight settled over the city. Was my hour up? I glanced at the stars, briefly comforted by the thought that the same constellations watched over my loved ones in Everhaven.
Are you stargazing now, Mama?
The ache of grief in my chest was more violent than I’d expected, like a physical blow that stole my breath.
I paused in the street, studying the couple across the way who, thankfully, only gave me a passing look of disinterest. I took a few more steps, realizing I’d become faint, my knees wobbling under my own weight.
I need to find food.
Another step. Sweat beaded on my brow and another spasm of pain rocked through me.
I swallowed thickly, panic setting in. This wasn’t grief or hunger. This was too extreme, too awful. Reaching for my well of magic, I confirmed it was still there, a steady thrum of warmth resting in my chest and flowing through my blood. It wasn’t the plague or curse then, either.
The blood bond.
My hope dwindled as my heart raced with each unsteady breath I took.
Archer was right. I squeezed my eyes shut, my illusion of freedom shattering.
I’d have to return to the castle and admit defeat, or this cursed bond would kill us both.
“My lady? Are you all right?” The voice was gentle, if unexpected.
I stiffened and turned to find a guard in Emberglade’s royal uniform approaching me, his brow furrowed with worry.
His curly black hair was cut short, though some unruly locks hung near his rich brown eyes.
I didn’t recognize him from the hallway, making me wonder when he’d found me—or started following me.
“Forgive me.” He dipped his head deferentially.
“His Highness explained that you are his betrothed and might want to explore the wonders of this half of Rainsong, since you grew up on the far end of the Lower District. He asked me to be discreet when following you if you left his quarters, since you’re not used to guards escorting you everywhere, but to ensure your safety.
My name is Grey, one of His Highness’s guards. ”