Page 89 of Destiny Redeemed
“We’ll see.” His tone was clipped as he mounted his horse again, extending his hand to help me up.
We rode without stopping, the landscape growing harsher as we traveled north. By mid-afternoon the next day, we reached a small village nestled at the foot of snow-capped mountains—the last outpost of civilization before the fringe territories.
“We need to stop here,” I said as we approached. “This is our last chance for supplies. It’s going to get much colder from here on out.”
Anderic nodded curtly. The villagers eyed us warily as we purchased thick furs, provisions, and medical supplies. After securing our goods, I touched Anderic’s uninjured arm.
“Wait here. I need to make one more stop.”
I’d barely taken three steps before I heard him following behind me like a grumbling shadow.
“Where are you going?” he finally asked, his curiosity apparently overcoming his desire to give me the silent treatment.
I pointed to a stone building at the end of the street. “The bank.”
“Why would you need a bank?” The furrow between his brows deepened.
“I have a feeling we’re going to need a lot of money soon.” I kept walking, not elaborating further.
Inside, I approached the teller and presented my credentials. Ten minutes later, I emerged with several bank token notes, each worth a small fortune. Anderic’s eyes widened as he caught sight of the amount.
“How do you have that much money?” he asked, genuine shock breaking through his anger.
I gave him a flat stare. “I’m rich, Anderic.”
“But your family lost everything after—” He stopped himself, clearly remembering my earlier claims about changing the past even when he didn’t want to believe.
“That was the past. I’m in present, remember?” I said simply, tucking the notes into my inner pocket. “Are we going to stand here discussing my finances, or shall we continue to the mines?”
He muttered something unintelligible under his breath—likely unflattering—but mounted his horse without further comment. As we rode away from the village, the temperature dropped dramatically, and the wind carried the first biting promise of snow.
The fringe territories loomed ahead, and with them, Commander Maxwell and whatever secrets the northern mines contained. I only hoped we’d make it there before our pursuers caught up with us—or before the fragile truce between Anderic and me shattered completely.
Chapter 22
The walled village stood ahead of us, its rough-hewn stone barricade stretching into the distance. Watchtowers punctuated the wall at regular intervals, and the iron-reinforced gate stood as an imposing reminder that no one entered the fringe territories without permission. Two guards in military uniforms stood at attention, their faces hard as they scrutinized each traveler.
Exactly as I remembered it.The last time I’d seen this gate was when I’d been forced through it in chains, my family in tow, stripped of everything but the clothes on our backs.
“Let me handle this,” Anderic said, straightening his shoulders as we approached.
I bit back a laugh. “By all means, Your Highness.”
He shot me a glare before striding toward the guards with all the arrogance of a man who’d never been denied entry anywhere in his life. I followed a step behind, already calculating how much money I’d need to part with to fix the mess he was about to create.
“Halt,” one guard barked, holding up a hand. “State your business.”
Anderic lifted his chin. “I am Prince Anderic Voltaire, heir to the throne of Aetheria. I demand entry immediately.”
The guards exchanged glances before both burst into laughter so hard that one had to wipe tears from his eyes.
“And I’m the King of Aetheria,” the taller guard wheezed, slapping his thigh. “Should I bow to myself, then?”
The second guard snorted. “Perhaps we should build you a new palace while we’re at it,Your Majesty.”
Anderic’s face flushed crimson. “What insolence! How dare you mock the crown? I could have you both flogged for such disrespect!” His hand drifted to his sword hilt. “When my father hears of this—”
The laughter died instantly. Both guards’ hands moved to their weapons, expressions hardening dangerously.
