Page 73 of Princess

His neutral expression turned to exasperation.“She’s exhausted from the birth but I can’t stop her.Half her archers will stay under Rodrigo’s command here at the citadel, and the rest will go with her once we decide where she can me most strategic.They’ve been training for close-quarter combat.”

“And you?”I asked.From the look on his face, I knew he didn’t like what he had to say next.

“Missy wants me with Landan to protect her friends.”He shook his head in resignation.“Can you spare me?”

Beck guarded King’s back and it had been that way since Caleb stepped down as King’s second.When I took command, it didn’t change.King had my back, and Beck had his.This couldn’t be easy for the grumpy Shadow Warrior.

“Landan needs you, and I feel better knowing you’re with him.Inform your men that they leave this evening.Nokita?”

“I want to go with you and King.”His eyes flashed with anger.“I want revenge for Maylin.”

“How does Maylin feel?”

“That she needs to be kept under guard and no one can risk that she will die and turn into a monster.The Shadow Women have agreed to watch our children.”He grit his teeth and then forced himself to relax.“They also agreed to do what needs to be done if the worst happens.I don’t think I could.I am more useful to you.”

“Then you’re with us.”Nokita and his family didn’t deserve this.He would get his revenge.

I turned my attention back to Rodrigo.“You will command five hundred Shadow Warriors here at the citadel.You are their leader.Trevor will be your second, if you approve.”

“He is out for blood.I need him.”

I looked at Caleb, Eagle, and then Alden.“What is your decision?”

“With you,” said Alden.

“The island with Rodrigo,” Caleb tossed out.

“Eagle?”I asked when he didn’t immediately answer.

“With you.Elright will keep half the snipers and the rest will come with us.”

These men knew their job.“It’s settled.Meet with your commanders and give them their orders.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

King

Though it seemed like a long day, it also flew by.Marinah and I ate a quiet dinner while Nikayla slept in her crib.

“A penny for your thoughts,” I said.

She smiled.“My thoughts are worth at least a nickel.”

“My father said it to me when I was quiet,” I told her.“It’s funny that I almost gave him back the same joke once.”

“You don’t often speak of your father,” I said.

“Greystone took his place after I discovered what I was.Before that, the sun rose and set on him.My worship turned to almost hatred after I knew what Shadow Warrior meant.I blamed him for my mother leaving too.”

“Did you forgive him before his death?”

“Yes, and I told him so the night before he left to fight hellhounds.”I let out a short chuckle.“I was a true pain in the ass as a teenager.Not even Ruth holds a candle to the shit I pulled.”

“He would be proud of you,” I said.

“Maybe.He was a man of peace.He blamed the first Shadow Warriors for the loss of the women.He felt that peace was the only way they would return.”

“Did he love your mother?”

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