Page 137 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

“Neither Kristoff nor anyone in his bloodline knew of the child.” Daemonikai continued. “The Oracle confided in me, making me the second to know, in case she slept for a thousand years, and this knowledge was needed. Otherwise, I was sworn to silence. It was not my story to tell.”

The court finally went quiet again.

“Now, the Northern Throne is vacant, and a new Dragaxlov is needed. I will bring him to this court, and introduce him to all of you after I have paid him a visit to make sure he accepts the Northern Crown.” He looked toward the Northern Clan leaders. Some faces were pale; others glowed with grudging hope. “Until then, there will be no further discussions about the throne.”

***

“You’re not fully recovered enough to be going on a trip, my lady,” Nora said again, concerned.

“I told you, I’ll be fine.” Sinai packed the bag with everything she would need.At least my voice had returned.

“Fine,” her maid relented. “But perhaps I should inform one of the Grand Rulers that you are awake—”

“Don’t you dare,” Sinai hissed, whirling on her. “No one must know I am fully awake. No one must know anything until I’m out of this Citadel.” She pinned the girl in place with a hard look.

“Oh. Al-alright, Mistress.”

“Good. Now stop standing there like a statue and help me pack. After what I’ve been through, don’t you think I deserve some rest? A little time away from the kingdom for peace and relaxation?”

Nora nodded as she hurried to obey. “True, it’s a good idea. I only worry because you’re still undergoing treatment, and I wish for you to recover fully.”

Sinai rolled her eyes. Nora could be dramatic, but she had been a loyal personal maid for centuries. Still, no treatment was worth staying in this kingdom—not when discovery loomed over her like a sword at her throat.

Since opening her eyes three days ago, Sinai’s only thought had been to regain the strength in her legs and flee as far and fast as she could, before the investigation caught her scent.

It was still hard to believe the Oracle had revealed so much. Sinai had the stars to thank that the old crone had fallen into a critical state before she could speak Sinai’s name.

Frankly, considering the magnitude of what had come to light, it was a wonder the Oracle still lived at all.

“Should I pack your coin box?” Nora’s voice cut through her thoughts.

“Yes, pack all of them. Even the one I saved centuries ago. Get a larger box if you must.”

Nora turned, blinking at her in surprise. “But that is a great deal of coin, my mistress. Why would you need such a ridiculous amount for—”

“If you don’t want me to decorate your face with a dozen slaps, you’ll learn not to question me unnecessarily. Since when do you take liberties with me, Nora?”

Nora dipped her head and quickly turned away. “I-I apologize, Mistress. I’ll pack the coins right away.”

Sinai said nothing, watching her work with narrowed eyes. She didn’t know how long she would be gone. Perhaps years, perhaps forever. She needed enough wealth to live comfortably, and she would need every resource she could muster to search for Lord Zaiper.

She needed to find him. Just didn’t know if he would be in any of his hideouts or the secret caves.

Zaiper.

It was still difficult to believe that Razarr was dead. How was the lord coping with it?

For all his ruthlessness and wickedness, Sinai knew Zapier had cared for his head guard. Hell, they went back millennia.

Razarr had been the only one Zaiper kept by his side through every rise and fall, through every turn of the centuries. The only constant.

Sinai felt a bit of satisfaction at Razarr’s death. It was fitting that Zaiper should finally experience pain. After manipulating her into carrying out his schemes and leaving her to rot in a dungeon for months, it was only fair he should suffer.

Limping to the window, she suppressed a painful wince with each step. Below, soldiers swarmed the courtyard. The entire garrison of Greyrock had been arrested and subjected toinvestigation. The fortress was in chaos.I need to be gone before it all comes crashing down.

Now, as for what she was leaving behind... Her Daemon.

No.KingDaemonikai.

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