Page 93 of An Archer's Redemption

I cried out but was helpless to stop our momentum.

The cavern spun above.

Larinda’s bloodied face grinned down with maniacal hatred.

Kelså’s grip vanished as she reached the current.

I threw my arms out, reaching for the edge of the Well, but its glassy surface slipped from my fingers. A thunderous clap rang through the chamber as the Keeper and Heir vanished beneath the raging river of magic.

Chapter 38

Jess

Istrode into the throne room with Ethan trailing a couple paces behind. He’d interrupted my breakfast with several urgent missives and news of one important, unexpected visitor seeking an audience.

As I squirmed my way into asomewhatcomfortable position on the throne, Ethan unfurled a scroll the size of his thumb and began reading.

“Constables in Cooper are reporting a strange death that appears to be a wild animal attack. This time it was a dock foreman. I will get this to the High Sheriff as soon as we finish this audience.”

He rolled the scroll back up and shoved it in a pocket, then took the next scroll, then the next, and so on. Five messages later, he unfurled the final one and glanced up.

I’d been at the golden doors, lost in thought, and barely heard him.

“Majesty, it appearsGuardsman Realeft Oliver yesterday.”

The mention of Keelan brought my gaze to his.

“That puts him back in the capital tomorrow or the next day. The scroll doesn’t say anything about his investigation.”

“Did he say anything else?” I asked.

Ethan couldn’t hide the smile that curled the corners of his mouth. “No, Majesty, only that he would be here soon. The scroll was written by the Chief Constable, not Guardsman Rea.”

“Of course it was,” I huffed under my breath, just loud enough for Ethan to hear. When he stifled a laugh, I shot daggers his direction.

“Sorry, Majesty. Howveryinconsiderate of him.” His smirk widened to a grin.

“Are you not needed elsewhere,High Chancellor? A message to deliver? A cliff to jump off?”

“I will find a cliff straightway, Majesty.” A laugh escaped as he offered an exaggerated bow. When he rose, his smile vanished, and his voice lowered. “Jess, please be wary of your next audience. The Order is growing in influence across the Kingdom, faster than I ever could have imagined. You have worked too hard building a solid reputation and good will to see a battle with the clergy do you harm. Most of their Priests are doing good work for people who need it. We may have ears in every corner, but they have wagging tongues and powerful voices.”

I considered his words and nodded.

Ethan disappeared through the massive double doors, and the royal page entered.

“Ambassador Wilfred, Majesty.” The page bowed toward the throne and waited for my reply.

“Great,” I muttered. “Send him in.”

Danym strode slowly down the center aisle, his eyes locking onto mine and never wavering. I thought he looked a little too proud of himself and regretted holding this audience without Ethan by my side to offer calming words or wisdom—or simplyto hold me back. I wanted nothing more than to strangle the life out of my guest.

Danym stopped a few paces from the dais and bowed. “Majesty, thank you for seeing me.”

Ethan’s words echoed in my head, and I resisted the urge to spit curses at the man. Instead, I stood and stepped down from the dais toward the Council table.

“Please, join me for tea. It has been a long morning already, and my back cannot take sitting on the throne one moment longer.”

If he was surprised by my cordial offer, Danym didn’t show it. He nodded once and stepped toward the table.

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