Did she have any idea how much that hurt? How much he still loved her?
In the early days after Nora’s disappearance, Dani and Ulmin had spoken often of how empty the house felt and how worried they both were. Then, with no warning, Dani had turned cold. Ulmin had captured her mind and interrogated her, learning that Nora had visited the palace. His daughter knew he was a brain lyster. She wanted to stop him . . . and Dani was on Nora’s side.
Another betrayal. Knowing how disloyal Dani was, Ulmin had hesitated to leave her at home during this trip. However, some of his most trusted guards were at the palace, guarding her quarters. They all knew the consequences if their loyalty slipped while he was away.
With Dani no longer a reliable ally, Ovrun was a breath of fresh air. He cared for Nora, and he was deeply devoted to his king. Ulmin had found immense relief in their talks of late, in knowing that he didn’t need to control Ovrun anymore. The young man’s loyalty was firm. Even Ovrun agreed the torture had been worth it. Sometimes truth only came through pain.
A knock sounded at the door. “It’s Ovrun, Your Majesty.”
“Come in.”
Ovrun entered, bleary eyed but dressed in his guard uniform. He bowed respectfully.
“Have a seat, son. Pull the chair up to the bed.” Ulmin watched Ovrun lift the heavy desk chair and carry it over. He was a strapping young man; no wonder Nora had apparently fallen for him. For the first time, a thought occurred to Ulmin. Maybe Ovrun was the key. Surely he could convince Nora of the truth.
Ulmin smiled as Ovrun sat. “Do you remember in Deroga, when I told Nora she could do better than you?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I don’t often apologize, but I must say . . . I regret that.”
“Thank you.” Ovrun’s face was unreadable.
“You told me your relationship with her ended shortly after that battle. How would you like the chance to be close to her again?”
Ovrun’s eyes widened. “Sir?”
“If we find her . . .” Ulmin chuckled. “Pardon me, when we find her, my heart’s desire is to prepare her to be a good queen. In the past, I made the mistake of holding back knowledge from her. I wanted to let her enjoy her childhood, rather than seeing the ugly side of ruling. I created a girl with naïve, idealistic notions of what a nation should be. When I bring her home, she’ll need a great deal of education.” Ulmin leaned toward Ovrun. “She’ll also need a partner who sees the truth and can help her see it too. Someone who can one day become a good king. Someone like you.”
“Your Majesty.” Ovrun swallowed. “I’m honored, but I’m content in my current role . . .”
Ulmin cut him off with a raised hand and a smile. “I know you are. That’s why I can trust you with more.” He wasn’t under any illusions about Ovrun’s ability to lead a country, but if the young man could direct Nora’s heart back to her father, that would be enough.
A sharp rap sounded at the door. “Your Majesty! An urgent message!”
“Come in.”
The female guard entered and bowed.
“Yes, yes, what is it?” Ulmin asked, suddenly annoyed. His fingers twitched, aching to enter his pocket for fuel.
“Sir, a letter from the mayor of Elda.”
Elda was a town less than fifteen clommets away. From what Ulmin had heard, Nora had attempted to visit them a week ago, and, they’d refused to let her enter. Far too few communities had responded in such a way, and he appreciated those who had. He took the letter from the guard and ripped open the envelope.
As soon as he read it, a low laugh formed in his chest. The mayor had heard the king was nearby and was inviting him to speak to the loyal citizens of Elda. Ulmin couldn’t say no to that. He turned to the guard who’d handed him the letter. “Send a rider ahead to tell the mayor we accept. As always, we’ll ride at night.”
24
Dani, what was I thinking?
What seemed perfect last night is humiliating in the light of day. I threw myself at the crown prince. I convinced myself I was falling for him, but I’ve known him less than two months. Now I’m questioning everything. Maybe I only fell for the idea of him, for the thrill of being chosen by royalty.
And Ulmin? For all his sweet words, how do I know he really cares for me? He’s probably making the best of an arranged marriage he doesn’t even want. How can I trust anything he says when neither of us has a choice in who we marry?
I made a fool of myself yesterday, telling him I wanted him, saying no one’s ever made me feel the way he does. I imagine him laughing as my carriage departed, carrying away a starry-eyed, silly girl.
I sent him a message saying I can’t see him due to a headache. It’s not a lie.
I gave a big piece of my heart to him, and I wish I could take it back.
-Letter from Ambrel Kaulder to Dani Kaulder
Dated Barna 9, 180 PD
Krey squirmed in the tall grass, accidentally elbowing Nora. “Sorry,” he whispered.
“It’s okay. I wasn’t asleep.”
“You should be. The dragons will tell you if they see anything.”
“I’m afraid I won’t wake up.”
He laughed. “Vin can always come breathe on you again.”
“No thanks.”
He could hear the smile in her voice. Despite her words, her breaths grew as slow and even as the others in their group. Krey needed rest too, but his mind wouldn’t allow it. Their plan had too many holes. And he didn’t know how to fix it.
The day before, they’d flown back to the area where they’d nearly encountered the king two nights ago. The dragons had landed outside a nearby town that had recently welcomed them with open arms. Sarza and Sharai had quietly visited the mayor, who’d given them good news: rumor had it the king was nearby, in the town of Ravind. The mayor agreed to write a letter in the name of the mayor of Elda, inviting the king to visit. He even knew someone who could forge his fellow mayor’s seal. He’d promised to have the letter delivered after dark.
Nora predicted that in order to be safer, her father would travel to Elda at night. As soon as darkness fell, Osmius, Gild, and Vin had flown their passengers to a spot off the road leading out of Ravind.
All three dragons were now circling far too high for anyone on the ground to spot them. They’d tell Nora if they saw the king and his people. From there, they had more strategies and contingencies, but everything would likely go out the window once they confronted the king. Krey’s stomach churned as he reviewed all the things that might go wrong and how he’d respond if they did.
Nora shifted, letting out a small sigh, drawing Krey’s attention. By the stone, she perplexed him as thoroughly as the upcoming confrontation did.
What had he been thinking the night before? She’d stood near enough for him to feel her breath, and somehow, he’d gotten it in his head that she wanted him to kiss her. He’d almost done it too. Looking back at it, he realized how stupid he’d been. Of course they’d stood close; they were talking quietly. She’d only taken his hand because she was glad he was safe.
But as soon as her skin touched his, he’d been done for. Like an idiot, he’d woven his fingers with hers and had nearly thrown all his pent-up desire into a kiss that probably would’ve resulted in her slapping him.
I’ve eaten brain matter. I loved the power it gave me. Part of me wants to experience all that again. And none of that is gonna change. It didn’t matter that Nora’s intelligence made Krey’s heart beat faster, that her laughter turned him on in a way he didn’t know laughter could, that her round hips and full lips annihilated his rationality.
None of that mattered, because she needed someone trustworthy to help her rule her country. And that wasn’t Krey. His cravings weren’t strong these days, but they certainly weren’t gone. They might overwhelm him at any moment. He’d gone back to his dark fuel once. Who was to say he wouldn’t do it again?
He shifted from his side to his stomach. His coat made a crappy pillow.
“You need sleep too.” Nora’s whisper barely reached his ears.
“Yeah. Sorry to wake you.”
“It’s okay. I’m not that tired.” She touched his arm. “By the stone, Krey,” she breathed in his ear, “you’re tense.”
He heard her sit up next to him. Then two hands found his tight shoulders and started kneading them. Even through the fabric of his shirt, her touch was warm and terrible and wonderful. Krey’s muscles loosened as his heart raced.
He should tell her no, but this was a thoughtful gesture. It would be rude to push her away. Nora was just being kind. She knew he needed to relax if he was going to be effective when the king came. So he slowed his breathing down, trying not to think about who was touching him, urging his mind to go still.
Somehow, he drifted off.
When she was pretty sure Krey was asleep, Nora reluctantly took her hands off his shoulders and lay on her back. The rest of the group was quiet.
Touching him had been a bad idea. She’d told herself the only reason she was doing it was to help him get the rest he needed.
I’m a terrible liar. Even when I’m lying to myself.
Ever since their quiet encounter outside New Therro nearly twenty-four hours ago, Nora had tried—again—to settle into a new way of thinking. Time to get over her childlike crush. She might become the Queen of Cellerin tonight. She had to prepare for the realities of ruling.
Except she couldn’t stop thinking about how she wished he’d closed that miniscule gap between their lips. Today, despite frequently reminding herself to act like a queen, not a hormonal teenager, she’d felt more drawn to Krey than ever. As they’d traveled, he’d pushed past his fear of dragon flight to talk with her about their plans for tonight. And even with the wind devouring many of their words, she’d had the same thought she got when they read books: there was something so right about them strategizing together.
When they’d landed, she’d repeatedly caught herself staring at him. Her attraction was both undeniable and confusing. Nora had dated Ovrun, who was pretty much temptation personified. One of her fears after breaking things off was that she’d never find a “normal guy” attractive.
Yet somehow, Krey, with his wiry muscles and smaller frame, his smirk and kind eyes and sharp jaw, captivated her utterly. She wanted him in ways that weren’t the slightest bit friendly. She’d touched him tonight because it was what she’d longed to do all day. Because the darkness had given her courage. Because it felt safe, with him on his stomach and her kneeling next to him, his shirt between her hands and his back, plenty of space between their lips.
This is so stupid. She stared at the stars overhead. I’m torturing myself for no reason. Whatever feelings she’d developed, she couldn’t act on them. She had to settle for Krey being her friend . . . and she still doubted whether that was possible in the long run.
One thing was certain: Krey couldn’t ever sit at her side as king. She couldn’t expect him to love her if she was ruling over him. He was too strong, too self-assured for that.
Nora closed her eyes, trying to focus on the confrontation she hoped was coming between her and her father. It seemed less scary and convoluted than her feelings about Krey. The cool breeze teased her skin, and sleepiness fell over her again.
Nora. It was Gild.
Nora sat up. She’d actually gotten a little sleep, thank the stone. I’m awake.
A single rider on orsaback is galloping toward you. Despite the urgency of her message, Gild’s voice was calm and soothing. He shall reach your position in perhaps ten minutes. Several clommets behind him are fourteen riders, moving more slowly. I assume the king is one of them.
Nora reached out to Osmius. You need to land.
I am coming now.
Has anyone seen Kadin? My father’s feather lyster?
Vin’s breathy, deep voice reached her mind. If he is in the air, I shall find him. Again.
Nora shook the shoulders of Krey and Sharai, the two people she was sleeping between. “It’s time,” she said quietly.
The message passed through their small group. “It’s time.”
Nora and Krey fueled up with ice and, in Krey’s case, feathers, all provided by the mayor who’d allied with them. Zeisha had plenty of grass to eat, though she’d do all she could to avoid using her magic in combat.
Nora shoved one more bite of ice into her mouth, groaning at her full belly. “Sarza?” she called softly. “Any visions? At all?”
“Nothing.”
The rider shall reach you soon, Gild said.
Nora drew in a deep, calming breath. “Let’s go.” Together, their entire group crouched and ran to the road. Krey, Zeisha, and Sharai crossed to the other side. They all dropped to their bellies.
The sound of a running orsa met Nora’s ears. “Here we go,” she whispered. She catalyzed some fuel and listened as the hoofbeats neared.
The moon overhead shed just enough light for her to see the silhouette of the orsa and rider. As they approached, Nora shot dense balls of ice at the animal’s torso. She knew Krey was doing the same.
The orsa let out a bellow. It slowed but didn’t stop. Nora continued aiming ice at it, with the same result.
A moment later, the animal fell on its side, throwing its rider.
“Got it,” Kebi murmured as they stood and rushed toward the moaning royal guard. Nora’s heart dropped. She’d hoped Kebi wouldn’t need to shoot the orsa.
The man didn’t seem to be seriously injured, but he was stunned enough to be easily subdued. Leaving the others to tie him up, Nora rushed to the orsa.
“OHH-AHH,” it bellowed, pain clear in the cry.
Nora cursed, holding back tears, and rubbed one side of its squat snout. Her other hand gently stroked its chest, stopping when it encountered the arrow lodged there. “Oh, by the sky, I’m sorry.” If only ice had been enough to bring it down.
“Can I put it out of its misery?” Sarza asked.
Nora stood and turned away, sniffling. “That would be good.”
Moments later, the animal’s voice went silent. Nora coughed, trying not to sob as the sweet, strong smell of Anyarian blood filled the air.
“It’s done,” Sarza said softly.
Nora was glad she couldn’t see the yellow blood on the seer’s knife. She pulled in a quick, deep breath and spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. “If he’s tied up, let’s go.”
“Almost done,” Krey called.
When he finished, they ran down the sides of the road toward the place where they planned to confront the king.
Vin’s voice rang out in Nora’s mind. I have the flyer.
Excellent, Nora said. Bring him to us. She reached out to Osmius and Gild. Where are you?
Osmius said, I took all your packs to the location we discussed. Now Gild and I are waiting by the road. He couldn’t let the king see him, so he wouldn’t be part of the coming confrontation unless Ulmin was killed or rendered unconscious. They’d talked about giving Osmius shield fuel but had agreed the risk was too great. He was a creature with magic in his very essence; an anti-magical substance might harm him.
At least they had two dragons who could help them defeat the king. Assuming everything went as planned.
Which Nora knew it wouldn’t.
They reached their destination. Vin dropped Kadin, the flyer, at their feet. Nora gave the man a quick, heartfelt apology. Then Krey squeezed his neck until he passed out. They gagged him and tied him to a nearby tree.
Nora called out, “Everyone but Zeisha, eat your shield fuel!”
Zeisha needed to keep her ability to connect with the Well, just in case. The day before, Nora had pulled her to the side, asking if she could reduce the king and his guards’ oxygen as she’d done in Deroga. Zeisha concluded it would be too difficult while they were riding galloping orsas. If she was to use the Well, she’d have to figure it out on the fly.
“Sorry, I can’t eat it,” Sarza said.
�
�Why not?” Nora asked.
“I finally had a premonition.”
“What did you learn?”
“That I’m not supposed to eat shield fuel.”
Nora groaned but couldn’t argue with the seer. She was kind of jealous; she didn’t want to eat the stuff either. Not only would it take away her ice lysting power; she’d also discovered it kept her from communicating with dragons. But she couldn’t risk her mind being stolen by her father. After sending the dragons a quick Talk to you later, she fought her gag reflex to get down two swallows of shield fuel. “Everyone get in position,” she commanded quietly.
She, Sharai, and Sarza climbed onto Vin’s back. Krey, Joli, and Kebi mounted Gild. The dragons hovered on either side of the road, far enough back that the king’s group wouldn’t see them. Zeisha settled in the tall grass away from the road, ready to connect with the Well if the right opportunity came along.
Nora had warned Joli and Sharai that they might see magic that they couldn’t explain during this confrontation. Joli didn’t seem to mind such secrecy, but Sharai had seemed genuinely hurt.
“I want to help you,” the former minister had pleaded. “When you don’t share things with me, you’re tying my hands.”
“I wish I could tell you more,” Nora had replied. Sharai’s experience and connections had been invaluable as they traveled Cellerin together. But the secrets Nora was keeping—about Zeisha’s gifts and the stone’s capabilities—seemed to have put a wall between them, and she wasn’t sure how to tear it down.
The Stone Eater (The Magic Eaters Trilogy Book 3) Page 27
