He stepped closer, just as a tear slipped from her left eye. Before he realized what he was doing, he reached up and wiped it away, his thumb gliding across the scar on her cheek.
Nora drew in a short, sharp breath.
“Sorry.” He dropped his gaze and wiped his wet thumb on his pants. A swallow, and he met her gaze again. “It’s not all up to you. I don’t know if that thought came from Sharai or from your own mind, but it’s a lie.”
“It didn’t come from Sharai, and it’s not a lie.” A tear slid down Nora’s other cheek, and though Krey’s hand twitched, he didn’t wipe it away this time. She continued, “I’m the only one who can legitimately take his crown. I’m not trying to be dramatic. It really is all up to me.”
“Is it?” His voice was thick with skepticism.
She nodded, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth.
“So should the rest of us leave?” His anger was building again, though he tried to control it. “Are you planning to go to the palace and do this thing on your own? Nora Abrios, the savior of Cellerin, the loneliest queen in the world?”
She squeezed her eyes shut, and he cursed himself for hurting her. “That’s not what I mean.” Her gaze met his, challenging him. “I know I can’t do it all alone. But I wish I could.”
“Why the hell would you say that?”
“Because once the fighting’s over . . .” She stepped back, pressing herself against the side of the barn. Her hands came up to her mouth, and she drew in a shuddering breath, then let it go.
Krey’s anger faded again. She was so close to crying, and he was so close to stepping in and holding her. Bad idea. He locked his knees, pressing his boots into the ground.
Nora spoke again. “Once the fighting’s over, I’ll be alone. Zeisha and Kebi will live their storybook romance in Deroga. Sarza will find something to do, maybe work at a tailor shop. Ovrun—” She clenched her jaw for a moment, like that was the only way to prevent a sob from escaping. “If we save Ovrun, he’ll find a way to work on a farm, his own or someone else’s. And you?” Though tears still filled her eyes, she smiled. “You’ll go off and change the world. Because that’s who you are.”
“And you think you’ll be alone.”
She shrugged. “I’ll have Dani and my orsa. That’s how it always used to be. It was enough.”
“Was it, though?” he asked softly.
A sound—it could’ve been a hiccup but was probably a suppressed sob—formed in her throat. She looked down and whispered, “No.”
“Nora.” When her expectant eyes met his, he briefly lost his breath. Her pink cheeks, her glistening eyes, her parted lips . . . why did she have to be so beautiful? He pulled air into his lungs. “Whatever I do with my life, I’ll make room for your friendship. If you tell the royal guards to let me past the gates, anyway.” He tried to smile, and it must’ve been successful, because the corners of her lips turned up.
“You will?”
“How could I not?” he asked, hoping she didn’t catch the passion behind the words.
“Sharai says—no, Krey, don’t give me that look! Just listen. Sharai says all my relationships will change when I’m queen, because everyone will be my subject. Even my husband, when I get married. He’ll be the king, but I’ll still be the one in charge. She says monarchs don’t have the same types of friendships other people have.”
“Sharai’s an idiot.”
“I know you don’t like her, but she’s helped me a lot. She’s got way more experience leading a country than any of the rest of us do.”
“I refuse to believe a queen can’t have friends. That’s just stupid.”
“I don’t want to believe it, but I suspect it’s true.”
Krey shook his head. “We don’t even know when you’ll become queen. Let’s focus on today.” That was certainly what he needed; the thought of Nora being holed up in a palace while he lived a life separate from hers was tearing him up. “You’ve gotta stop blocking out the rest of us. Yes, you’re the only one who can legitimately take the crown. But that doesn’t mean you have to fight alone. Let us help you. That’s what we’re here for.”
Nora stared at him silently for a long moment. Then a deep exhale came from her mouth, like she was releasing something she’d been holding onto. He didn’t think she’d let go of Sharai’s ridiculous words yet, but maybe she’d at least let her friends help her fight for the crown.
“Thanks,” she said. “For being there.”
Krey smiled. “Any time.” He turned to walk to the house for breakfast.
“Wait,” Nora said.
He pivoted to see her standing there with her arms wide. Damn it, again? The hug right after she and Ovrun had broken up had nearly killed him. But he couldn’t leave her hanging, not after telling her he’d be there for her. Krey walked into her embrace, holding her tight, way too aware of her softness pressing into him and the scent of her hair and her warm breath on his neck. Damn it, damn it, damn it.
He pulled away before his body could betray just how much he enjoyed her closeness. “Let’s go to breakfast,” he muttered, already striding that direction.
18
“Have you ever seen a dragon?” I asked Ulmin as we walked, hand in hand, through the palace grounds.
He laughed. “I’ve seen large birds and tried to convince myself they were dragons.” He pointed toward the palace fence. “I’ve heard there are unicorns in the forested area east of here. I think I spotted one when I was a little boy.”
“Let’s go look for one,” I said.
“Now?”
“Why not?”
And that’s how he ended up skipping meetings to wander through the woods with me all afternoon (trailed by an annoying guard, of course). We didn’t see any unicorns, but the day was magical.
-Letter from Ambrel Kaulder to Dani Kaulder
Dated Barna 3, 180 PD
Nora watched Krey walk toward the house. Her cheek felt warm where he’d wiped a tear away. He’d dropped his hand just as she’d been about to reach up and cover it with her own.
She’d liked the feel of his thumb on her skin. She’d wanted to touch him back. What was that about?
It reminded her of when she’d first met him. She’d found him attractive—striking, rather than handsome. He’d intrigued her with his magic, his willingness to stand up to her father, even his sarcasm.
Not long after that, she’d kissed him in the palace garden . . . if a brief touch of the lips, followed by him pulling away and asking what the hell she was doing, could actually be called a kiss. Once he’d calmed down, he’d told her about Zeisha.
Her crush had dissipated pretty quickly after that, especially when she’d reconnected with Ovrun. Now that she’d ended things with him, her overly romantic heart must be on the prowl again, looking for its next defense against boredom.
That had to be all she’d felt when Krey touched her cheek. Then at the harvest party earlier in the month, when her silly, boy-crazy mind interpreted his glances as gazes of desire. And just now, when his arms came around her, and she feared he’d feel the pounding of her thrilled heart against his chest.
She’d always wanted adventure and excitement. Add in the rebound effect of a break-up and the stress she’d been under since Ovrun’s capture, and it was clear she wasn’t truly attracted to Krey. She just missed having someone to touch, to distract her from reality. She’d recover from this stupid infatuation as quickly as she had the first time.
Except this is different. I know him now. Really know him. Krey could rile her up faster than anyone. He called her out on her stupid decisions, and he expected her to do the same for him. Yet he had a gentle side that kept catching her by surprise. He’d known just the right words to say when she’d blurted out her fears today.
They’d spent so many hours together lately, delving into old books, getting way too excited about strategy, giggling together when they were too tired to do anything else.
He’s my
best friend.
Warmth filled her chest, even as goosebumps sprouted on her arms and legs. When had he become her best friend? How had it happened, when she’d tried so hard not to let anyone get close?
Even without Krey standing here, she could picture him perfectly. He was the same height as her, with hair that perpetually needed cutting. His jaw was strong, his nose a little big, his eyes sharp and passionate, his lips, well . . . really nice. He had the body of a runner—lean, long muscles in his arms and legs.
Striking, she thought again.
Those wiry, strong arms had felt amazing wrapped around her. And his eyes, when he’d told her he’d remain her friend, had locked onto her, like they’d never let her go. Then there was that thumb, calloused and gentle, setting her nerves alight as it skimmed across her scar. By the sky, she could stand here all day, getting lost in the memory of those sensations—
“No!” She said it aloud, following the word with a brisk shake of her head. Crushes and best friends and racing hearts had only been acceptable when she’d thought her coronation was decades away. Krey’s promises were nice, but they came from a hopeful eighteen-year-old who wasn’t ready to look reality in the face. It didn’t matter how much they both wanted to continue their friendship; her crown would still push them apart.
Time to let go of fantasies and act like an adult and a future queen.
Ignoring the tightness in her chest, she squared her shoulders and walked toward the house for breakfast.
By evening, Nora was fuzzy headed and exhausted, having spent all day in the stable with no one to talk to. After dinner, she and her friends trudged to the large, open barn to wait for the rest of the key leadership team.
Krey said, “I’ve been thinking all day. We can assume the king forced the emissary to tell him everything Sarza said. Plus, he knows Nora was there. That means he knows she’s actively planning to take him down.”
“He probably already knew,” Nora said. “With more and more New Therroans and soldiers in the capital changing their allegiances, I’m sure there are rumors.”
“This is different,” Krey said. “One of your rebels infiltrated your father’s palace grounds. He may not have much more information than he did before, but how do you think he’ll react to her making it past his guards?”
“Not well.” Despite the realization, Nora couldn’t seem to drum up the proper amount of concern in her sleepy state. A massive yawn exited her mouth. Every other person in the circle followed suit. “You’re right, Krey,” she said. “Sarza’s security breach is exactly the type of thing that would panic him.”
“That’s what I thought too,” Krey said. “Ulmin will be warier now. The army will probably crack down on the capital even more than before.”
“How does this change our plans?” Kebi asked.
Krey shrugged. “What plans? We’re building a coalition of New Therroans, disloyal soldiers, and former militia members, but we still don’t have a strategy for taking down the king. And we need one. Before he starts acting even more insane.” His gaze fell on Nora. “Sorry to—”
“Don’t apologize for calling him insane. I know it’s true.” She drew in a long breath. “Let’s start by agreeing on one thing: we need to keep Sarza’s trip to the chapel secret. Anyone who finds out will ask too many questions. The information in that little book can’t spread further than this circle.”
“You’re not going to tell Sharai?” Krey asked, his gaze piercing.
She’d considered it as she worked today. The former Minister of Lysting could advise them on how to prevent others from taking advantage of the stone’s power. But Nora couldn’t justify telling anyone else. “The more people who know this secret, the more likely it is to get out. We have to tell the rest of our leaders something, though. This meeting needs to light a fire under us.”
“Fire is good,” Krey said. “A plan is better.”
Nora nodded, but didn’t respond. The militia’s three representatives were entering the building. She stood to greet them. Over the next half hour, the rest of the key leadership team arrived. Nora somehow found enough energy to run the meeting.
Much of the news the leaders shared was good. The rebels scattered among farms continued training in magic and weapons. More New Therroans in the capital were begging Hatlin and Sharai for a chance to fight against the king, hoping it would lead to freedom for their people. Army dissidents, anxious to devote themselves to a more compassionate leader, held secret meetings throughout Cellerin City.
There were problems to solve too. A militia member was pregnant; one farmer regretted letting people stay on his land; and a couple of dissidents had asked to transfer to different farms. Nora tried to guide the group to fair conclusions as quickly as she could.
That done, she squared her shoulders and ensured every eye was on her. “You should all know that my father recently became aware of our growing strength.”
Several leaders spoke at once. Nora raised her eyebrows, waiting for the room to go quiet. She turned to Sharai. “You had a comment?”
“What precisely does he know, Your Highness?”
“All I can say is that we’re in greater danger than ever because my father has greater reason to fear us than before.”
People shifted in their seats, clearly uncomfortable with her vague answer.
Nora nodded at a militia leader who’d raised his hand. He stood. “Princess, we spent months with our minds controlled. We’re following you because we thought things would be different. Now you’re keeping secrets from us?”
Defensive anger sprouted in Nora’s chest, but a deep breath calmed her. “Thank you for sharing your concern. Let me be clear: you’re free to follow me or not. I won’t retaliate if you leave. That’s the difference between me and my father. I’d like to tell you everything I know, but I’d be putting you at risk if I did. When I’m your queen, I’ll have to decide what information I can share and what burdens I need to carry alone. I’m asking you to trust me to do that now.”
The young man narrowed his eyes. “I could tell you I’m walking to the palace to reveal everything I know, and you wouldn’t stop me?”
Nora hesitated, but only for a moment. “Every day, any of the rebels on these farms could turn on me. That’s the risk of giving people freedom, isn’t it? So yes, I’d let you go, but I appreciate your warning. If I hear you’ve fled, I’ll protect my people.”
The young man still didn’t look happy, but when he spoke, the challenge had left his voice. “I’m not going anywhere, Your Highness.” He sat again.
Nora found Krey in the audience. He gave her a miniscule nod and a half smile. A raised hand caught her attention. “Yes, Sharai?”
“I have a suggestion. May I come forward to speak to the group?”
Nora wouldn’t allow just anyone to do such a thing. However, she and Sharai still met frequently, though they lived on different farms. Their respect for each other kept growing. “Please do,” Nora said, beckoning her.
Sharai stood and approached. “We’re building a coalition, but it’s primarily centered on the capital. Citizens throughout the rest of our land might’ve heard the king is occupying New Therro and Cellerin City, but how does that affect them? More importantly, why should they support an eighteen-year-old queen if she steals her father’s crown?”
Nora bristled at that, but she knew it was true.
“We don’t just need allies who will fight,” Sharai said. “We need a populace who will cry out in joy when they hear that Nora Abrios is queen. Our people must love her so they’ll want to serve her.”
She turned to speak directly to Nora. “I’ve long thought you should tour the nation, generating excitement and building support. I hesitated, knowing word would get back to your father. Now, however, you say he’s aware of the danger we represent. I guarantee you, he’s already doing whatever he can to root out our rebellion.” The corner of her mouth lifted, her keen eyes turning bright. “It’s time for you
to go public.”
“He’ll hunt me down if I do that,” Nora said.
“He will.” Sharai’s thin lips spread into a wide smile. “But he can’t catch up if you’re flying on a dragon.”
Nora stood, arms crossed against the evening chill, watching the sky.
Last night, when she’d asked Osmius to take her on a tour of Cellerin, he hadn’t given her an answer. Instead, he’d told her to meet him the next night, in the same fallow field where he’d landed after the trip to the palace.
She hadn’t been waiting long when he arrived, his wings sending cold ripples through the air as he descended. Nora-human, he said once he’d landed, come here.
She stepped toward his dark silhouette. Osmius lowered his broad head to her, and she hugged the underside of his wide neck. Maybe he sensed the shame she felt after her bad call at the palace. Maybe he wanted to assure her that all was well between them. Whatever it was, she drew in his strength. Thank you.
He lifted his head. I shall take you on a tour of the land, but it would be unwise for me to take you alone, he said. In order to remain safe, you should surround yourself with others who are willing to protect you. Unfortunately, the more people I carry, the slower I fly.
I’ve been thinking about that, she replied. Two of us can ride on your back. I’ll bring Krey and Hatlin along, because they can fly on their own. If things get dangerous—
Osmius interrupted, Turn around, Nora-human.
Nora obeyed, blinking into the thick darkness.
I shall share my sight with you, Osmius said.
A moment later, Nora had the strange experience of seeing herself from the back. But that wasn’t all she saw. She stepped back with a sharp gasp.
The Stone Eater (The Magic Eaters Trilogy Book 3) Page 21
