As I swing onto my black stallion, I resolve to stay loyal to Erzur. I won’t let myself forget who I made promises to. I feel a flash of pain in my heart at the decision. I never thought of this when Verity first left, I think unconsciously I wanted something like last night to happen without feeling guilty. But that can no longer be. Sometimes, people that are loved are best left forgotten.
“Ready?” Moritz asks me as he rides to my side.
I nod. “Quite. Haru will arrive with the refugees in a few days. When she does, Navi and my councilors will take over in my absence.”
“Let’s hope it’s a short trip then,” Moritz says, tossing a scarf around his neck.
I glance up at the cloudy sky, Fall is indeed upon us and the days grow cold. “I trust you and Erzur will keep your distance from each other.”
Moritz scowls. “It’s unfortunate the Warrior-Queen feels compelled to join her future husband.”
I grunt in response, but a wicked grin tugs at my lips. It’s unfortunate indeed. Behind us, I hear the squeaking of wooden wheels on the courtyard stone. A sick feeling squeezes my stomach. A horse, ridden by a soldier, stops beside me. Behind it, a cage mounted on wheels rolls to a slow halt.
Sadal grins maniacally. “It’s good to see the sun again.”
“What is he doing here?” A sharp, lilting voice barks.
“He’ll join us and tell us what he knows of the Shades. He’s no danger to us,” I say, turning towards Cleo. I’m struck again by how similar her eyes are to Verity’s. The fierce blue orbs, otherwise so plain, are narrowed on Sadal.
“It’s not my safety I’m worried about.” She leans forward, hands straying to a dagger at her waist; the only weapon I’ve permitted her. “It’s his.”
“You won’t touch him,” I say commandingly. “He is my prisoner. Not yours.”
She curls her lip at me but the old Bloodbane witch arrives and pats her genially on the shoulder. “Come, dear,” she says, smiling. “Let’s ride near the handsome Fae King.”
Cleo follows her reluctantly and they take up a position beside a bored-looking Moritz. I cock a brow at him as the old witch coos over his nicely-combed locks and he glowers at me. Suppressing a snort, I turn back towards the stables. We still wait for one party member, and I’m not surprised she’s decided to arrive late. It’s a typical power move from Erzur. If she can make us wait, what else can she make us do? I shift agitatedly in my saddle, itching to be on the road.
I hear the soft clopping of horse hooves echo towards me and then Erzur comes into view. Riding a magnificent white stallion and dressed in light, flowing riding clothes, Erzur looks every bit the Warrior-Queen. She looks beautiful and regal, but I know the ugliness within. I turn my head, pretending to study the open road, as she stops beside me.
“Shall we?” She asks, smiling prettily.
I sigh. “Onward.”
We gallop out of the fortress and onto the rocky road that leads towards the mountains and the wastelands beyond. I let Moritz take the lead so I can bring up the rear. For a time, Erzur rides beside Moritz, goading him with her sweet smiles and innocent, biting remarks. I sigh, watching the way his shoulders stiffen, and the anger radiates off of him. He doesn’t take the bait though, and eventually Erzur grows bored. I grimace as she slows to take up a spot at my side.
“What an adventure this will be,” she quips, smiling broadly.
Her dark eyes glitter with malicious glee as she stares at Moritz’s back. “It will certainly be eventful,” I muse, trying to sound impassive.
“It’s too bad that little Bloodbane minx couldn’t attend,” she says snidely. “I’m sure she would revel in a chance to be beside you again. Or not.”
“Erzur,” I say, warning lacing my voice.
She doesn’t seem to care. “You know, I bet she would just jump at the opportunity to be your mistress. Your whore.”
I wrench back on the reins abruptly and Erzur swivels in her saddle, surprise painting her delicate features. “That’s enough,” I say, keeping my voice low. “I would remind you of the sacrifices she made for this kingdom, a kingdom of which you will soon be part. She is beloved by the people for these sacrifices. And her importance will never be forgotten. Take care in what you say, because my patience grows thin.”
Her eyes, wide with surprise, narrow as a scowl twists her pretty lips. “Thank you for the gentle reminder, my love,” she sneers.
Erzur kicks her heels into her mount’s side and rides forward, keeping to herself. I scowl at her back, watching her go. We may call each other as many pet names as she likes, but Erzur will never be anymore than a treaty to me. A means to an end. And I will never forgive her for her coldness to Verity, for taking such pleasure in her humiliation.
I move again, catching up with the rest of the group. Sadal lounges in his wooden cage, munching on a carrot. His black eyes twinkle as he stares at the scowl on my face. “Trouble in paradise?” He calls. I ignore him, hoping he’ll grow bored. “Verity gave me trouble too. New wives can be so needy, don’t you think?”
Rage boils in my gut and I question myself for bringing Sadal and Erzur on this trip. But I can’t trust either of them out of my sight. My knuckles are white as I hold tightly to the reins. “With as many brides as you have, I would think you would do better keeping them happy,” I say icily.
“It’s more about them keeping me happy.” He grins wickedly.
My scowl deepens. “Pig,” I mutter under my breath.
Sadal leans forward, a far-away gleam in his eyes. “Do you know what I did before I became the dark god?”
“Some form of dark torture,” I snap.
“Wrong,”
