Chapter 48
Forty-Eight
Earlier this morning, when the orcs presented skinned-and-butchered venison to Verity, her face wrinkled with delight.
Now the savory aroma of steak and potatoes permeates the dining room as we devour our supper.
Utensils happily clink against plates, and despite their drooping shoulders and faint bruises, an air of contentment surrounds the sleepy girls.
After two days of training, everyone has worked up an appetite—so much so that Beatrix doesn’t bother correcting the girls when they talk with their mouths stuffed, bragging about the damage they did to each other.
Near the crackling of the hearth, the youngest of the girls performs a high kick, nearly toppling into the flames before Rett snatches her up.
The others hardly flinch, too engrossed in their conversations.
There are mentions of favorite techniques, the ache in their muscles, and the relief of washing off the dirt and sweat.
Tomorrow is our last night here before we leave. I’m disappointed by the thought of not being here to continue their training, but they will have to persevere without me. Pleasant chatter carries on until eventually the empty plates are cleared and the pupils begin to drowse.
Beatrix meets my gaze, her expression growing serious after the last student leaves for bed. “Where will you head next?”
My jaw tightens. “To the City of Alexandria. There’s no other choice.”
Rett frowns, shaking his burgundy curls. “That would be reckless. You don’t have the numbers to storm a castle.”
“We could find a different way inside. I’ve snuck out before. I can sneak back in. I know of a mercenary captain and he can—”
“I’m not disagreeing,” he says, an edge to his voice, “but if your plan fails, you will need an army, hidden and waiting to rescue you. You can’t go undefended.”
Beatrix releases her lips from a tight line. “He might be right.”
Rett’s hand finds my shoulder, enveloping it. “We should gather forces in the Beast Realm for an invasion. The Empress will lend her support.”
I shrug off his touch. Does he not realize every delay is another day Klara is alone in that castle with Balor?
Beatrix and Rett exchange guarded looks. She places a gentle hand on my arm. “Perhaps you might send scouts ahead and have them quietly assess before you make your next move.”
He gives her a quick nod. “I’ll dispatch a spy to gather information. Then he can report back to us in the Beast Realm.”
I get up from the table and leave.
* * *
The midnight bell tolls; I count the chimes to be sure everyone is fully asleep.
The only sounds breaking the stillness are the occasional creaks or snaps of the old manor settling.
When the time is right, I slip out of Beatrix’s chambers and tiptoe downstairs, guided by the dim glow of a single candle.
I silently creep outside into the moonlit garden in only my nightgown and cloak, striding to the far end, where I know I can’t be seen from the house.
Along the fenced path, I catch a glimpse of the gazebo standing next to a pond.
The grass is undisturbed, save for my footsteps, as insects chirp while I walk by.
Sitting on the cold bench, I try to calm my doubtful mind, remembering why I’m here—to practice the magic that I’ve been denied access to. I slowly reach inward, seeking that ember of power buried within.
At first, nothing happens.
I shut my eyes tight as my frustration builds. Something prickles. Heat flows through my veins, stacking like stoked coals. I focus it into my palms—and a tiny flame erupts in my cupped hands!
The fire wavers but holds its shape.
I’m impressed by what I’m capable of when an angry man isn’t telling me what I’m forbidden to do, when I’m free to be myself, powers and all.
Carefully, I experiment with making it wax and wane. The fire’s flickering light reflects on the pond, dancing across the calm surface. I manage a few moments of control before it gutters out, leaving only tendrils of smoke behind.
It isn’t much, but it’s mine.
Conjuring fire feels like a victory, so I sit under the clouds and stars, smiling softly.
Flushed with success, I try summoning the flame yet again. I close my eyes, reaching deep within that simmering well of power. Heat surges down my arm, beginning to manifest in my palm.
Hushed voices sound in the distance before I’m able to fully form it. I hastily snuff out the budding ember as two figures emerge from the shadows—Alisse and Robert, hand-in-hand, kissing and groping each other as they stumble down the footpath. They freeze when they see me.
Alisse’s eyes narrow and her lips purse. “Oh, apologies,” she says, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “We didn’t mean to disturb, Your Grace.”
I rise swiftly, grabbing my candle. “No matter. I’m heading in.” I make to pass, but Alisse blocks my way.
“Strange time to be skulking around,” she comments. “Trying to forget how your Keeper discarded you for a real princess?”
Robert shifts on his feet, clearly uncomfortable. “Come on, Alisse, let me escort you back. Another storm is forming, and I don’t want to get caught in the rain,” he insists, tugging on the lace shawl looped around Alisse’s arms.
“What? Have nothing to say? No wonder they replaced you so easily.” With a dramatic sigh, she flounces away, casting a scornful glance backward. I overhear her whispering to Robert, “You would understand if you knew the horrible things Vennisa told me about what she did…”
So much for thinking I could gain her respect.
I rest against the railing, peering around the gazebo’s edge to watch them leave.
Turning the corner, Alisse collides with Rett’s broad chest, making him yelp in surprise.
She curses and snaps at him before stomping off with an apologetic Robert.
Rett scratches his head, wearing a dazed frown as he watches the retreating pair.
He pauses, staring at the now-empty garden.
I hold my breath, praying the shadows hide me, but he sees me immediately, his face lighting up with a broad smile.
Rett’s approaching footsteps crunch on the gravel path, loud and purposeful, and his bulky body blocks the moonlight, darkness playing across his surprised features.
“I didn’t expect to find you here.” He clucks his tongue.
“Sneaking around is a dangerous pastime for a queen in hiding, don’t you think? ”
My cheeks burn, but I lift my chin ever so slightly. “I’m able to look after myself just fine.”
Rett leans in, voice dropping low. “You wouldn’t need to if you finally agreed to marry me.”
The back of my neck bristles. “I don’t need a husband.”
He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “You’re being stubborn, Tabitha. The realms grow more dangerous by the day. A queen needs allies.”
“Allies, perhaps,” I say, folding my arms across my chest.
With an edge of impatience, he argues, “We needn’t make a big deal about not being in love.”
I study his face, frustrated that he refuses to leave it alone. “My freedom isn’t to be bartered for power or protection. I’ve already done that my whole life.” My voice cracks. “I simply won’t do it. I don’t have it in me anymore.”
Rett’s orange eyes flash. He reaches for my hand, but I pull away.
“Can’t you see I’m trying to help you?” he insists.
“You wouldn’t have to worry anymore. We have entire war councils itching to go into Alexandria, but first, we need to convince my mother—and the only way to do that is to unite the old-fashioned way.
Think of all the people we could help if we joined together. ”
Recognizing his offer comes from a place of generosity, I breathe out slowly. “Yes, I’m well aware, but I’m afraid of rushing into a decision—I’m scared I’ll regret it. Beatrix was right. I need to be more patient.”
“Two different issues—”
“For so long, all of my decisions were made for me—to such a degree that I question everything I do now,” I say, my voice quivering.
As I turn to leave, Rett steps forward and gently grasps my hand. “Wait. Please.”
I pause, my body stiffening.
“Of course, you want control over your life. I do understand that.” His tone is soft and comforting, causing tears to well in my eyes. I rapidly blink them away. “The choice is yours alone. I’ll support your decision, whatever that may be.”
“I’m just… I’m just so scared of making another mistake.” The breeze sends a loose curl across my face.
He pulls me into his arms, wrapping me in a hug. His warm breath shoots onto the top of my head. “Never mind all of that. I’ll find a way to help you, even if we don’t marry. I promise.”
The wind gusts again, snatching at our clothes and making it difficult to stand upright. I burrow deeper into his arms, smelling his freshly laundered shirt. Hot tears spill forth down my cold cheeks, dotting the fabric across his chest.
Rett tilts my chin up. “Whatever comes next, we’ll face it together. As allies, as friends, anything you need. You have people who care about you, Tabitha. Don’t forget that.”
* * *
Thunder rumbles as I roll over, the sheets tangling around my legs. Sleep evades me, my mind churning, no matter how I try to calm myself.
The pinging of rain on the roof fills the empty silence. I stare up at the ceiling, listening to the storm building. With a frustrated sigh, I kick at the covers, trying to get more comfortable. A pit of dread settles in my stomach—one I can’t seem to shake.
Lightning flashes, momentarily illuminating the room in stark brightness. Not a second later, thunder cracks loudly, and I flinch as the wind howls, rattling the shutters.
I squeeze my eyes shut. They hurt and won’t stop fluttering. Gradually, the storm lulls me into a fitful sleep—
A scream shatters the silence.
I whirl around to see armored figures dragging a helpless Klara through a castle corridor. She wails and struggles in vain as they disappear. I sprint after them.