Page 60 of The Stolen Kingdom

Her stomach turned violently at the thought of what might’ve happened if Eyphah hadn’t spoken. Without another word, Maris turned and bolted, the drums echoing in her ears as she raced toward the House of Arago.

12

Valda stood at the edge of the stone balcony, her gaze sweeping over the line of soldiers assembled below.

She never thought Edemus of all people would welcome her with open arms, not after what happened in the last hearing. Seeing the Skylian soldiers and a couple of civilians looking up at her with mismatched and battered armor made her chest expand with pride. Perdita had been abused with countless attacks by both Vulcanians and rogue Skylians, and yet, Edemus sided with her, even it meant he would be put to his death by Arwin Yet, the men she sent months ago had held firm in protecting the city.

“These are all the men and women I can offer,” Edemus said. “I know it is not much, Your Highness, but their loyalty runs deeper than any steel I could forge.”

“You got us weapons as well, Edemus. We are more than thankful for your help in trying to get back to Oberon Castle,” Isen said, standing next to Valda.

Valda’s jaw clenched as she appraised the weapons stacked along the edges of the training grounds. There were spears, swords, and daggers.

Valda turned her head just enough to catch Edemus’ expression. The older man looked tired and full of regret. She was more than sure that he was doing all he could to make amends after how he treated her at the last hearing. Maybe he wanted to be on the right side of war.

“I managed to gather supplies as well,” he continued. “Food, water, even medicine, whatever we could spare and scrape together. The people of Perdita know who the rightfulruler is, and we will not bow down to Arwin or any fake queen who might come to us.” Edemus swallowed hard, his trembling hands rubbed against one another. “We’ve lost many, but we will not lose our pride in serving the rightful queen.”

Valda’s eyes flicked to Isen, who kept his hand on the handle of his sword, ready for any order she might give. She shook her head at him, and his stance relaxed.

“You didn’t sound so eager to let me rule in the last hearing.”

“I know. I’ve said things I am not proud of. But I will make this right. Stay. Use Perdita as a sanctuary if you wish. I will put everything at your disposal.”

Valda’s eyes met his, unblinking. She studied the man before her, and albeit scared, he seemed to be speaking the truth. “I could use a respite from all of this,” Valda said, her attention turning once again to Isen. “What do you say, Captain Hurley?”

Isen shrugged, then nodded. “We could all use it...”

***

Valda cursed under her breath as Cerberus leapt onto her lap, distracting her for just a second from the raucous din of the tavern. The screaming laughter and off-key singing had become unbearable.

She had agreed to stay, knowing her presence would reassure those still on the fence about joining her army. Yet now, as the night dragged on, her patience wore thin.

Isen had already mentioned he was retiring for the night, but Valda lingered, nursing the remnants of her ale. Her pitcher was nearly empty, though her desire to endure the impromptu party was completely drained.

Patting Cerberus’s flank, she watched the cat leap gracefully to the floor, her golden eyes flickering up to Valda’s face with a curious tilt of her head. Valda jerked her chin toward the exit, and Cerberus followed her. Leaving a few golden coins on the table next to the empty pitcher, Valda pushed her chair back with a scrape and headed toward the door.

The inn was a couple of houses next to the tavern, and Valda couldn’t wait to go back inside and rest for the night. She hadn’t felt Maris today. Maybe tonight she could see her.

Inside, she greeted the innkeeper with a curt nod before ascending the narrow stairs. Cerberus trailed closely behind, her soft paws barely making a sound.

The moment Valda opened the door to her room, Cerberus padded inside, claiming her usual spot by the crackling fire. The cat stretched luxuriously, extending her frontpaws before letting her tail flick lazily. Finally, she plopped onto her side with a contented sigh.

“Ready for bed, aren’t you, girl?” Valda asked, peeling off her orange blouse, neatly folding it before placing it at the foot of the bed. Left in her chest wraps and slacks, she ran a hand through her hair, her shoulders loosening with relief.

Cerberus replied with a wide yawn and an adorable trill before pawing at the rug beneath her, making a small nest.

A sudden knock on the door pulled Valda’s attention away from Cerberus.

The cat’s ears perked, and her purring stopped. Valda frowned, her attention shifting from her pet to the door. Maybe it was Isen coming in to give the final report for the night.

Without hesitation, she opened the door.

A woman stood on the other side, leaning casually against the frame. Valda recognized her immediately—a Skylian she had noticed back in the tavern as she was leaving for the inn. Placing a hand on the hilt of the Heaven Sword, Valda tilted her head back to have a better look at her. The way the woman fidgeted suggested she wasn’t entirely there of her own volition.

“Can I help you?” Valda arched a brow.

“Edemus… he sent me,” the woman said.

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