Page 90 of Destiny Redeemed
“Is that a threat, boy?” the first guard growled.
Wonderful. Just wonderful.
“Forgive my companion,” I interrupted smoothly, stepping between them. I laid a restraining hand on Anderic’s arm, squeezing hard enough to bruise. “He’s had a difficult journey, and his sense of humor needs work.”
Anderic opened his mouth to protest, but I dug my nails into his arm until he winced.
“We’re merchants,” I continued, lowering my voice conspiratorially. “Looking to secure some… special items from the northern territories. For the right clients, of course.”
I pulled out the bank notes, casually allowing the guards to see just how many I had before selecting half and offering them with a demure smile. “Perhaps you gentlemen could help expedite our entry? We’d be ever so grateful.”
Their eyes widened at the amount. The taller guard cleared his throat, suddenly professional. “Well, I suppose we could make an exception. For merchants.”
His companion nodded eagerly, pocketing the money. “Official documentation can be… flexible for the right consideration.”
“You’re too kind,” I purred.
The gates creaked open, and the first guard waved us through with a bow to me and a sneer to Anderic. “Only for the gracious lady’s sake are we allowing your companion entry. Keep him on a shorter leash, my lady.”
Anderic’s eyes darkened to midnight blue, a muscle working in his jaw. I could feel the fury radiating from him in waves.
“Thank you, gentlemen. Your assistance won’t be forgotten,” I said, practically dragging Anderic through the gate before he could start a war.
“Not a word,” I hissed as the gates closed behind us. “Not. One. Word.”
I dragged Anderic away from the guards until we were safely out of earshot. Crossing my arms, I fixed him with a meaningful look that I hoped conveyed the full extent of my exasperation.
“What?” he challenged, a defensive edge to his voice.
“What?” I mimicked. “You nearly got us killed with that royal decree nonsense. These people don’t care if you’re the king himself. Out here, titles mean nothing—only money and survival.”
Anderic ran a hand through his golden curls, his expression darkening as he surveyed the muddy streets and dilapidated structures around us. The fringe village sprawled before us—a maze of ramshackle buildings, weathered faces, and desperate lives.
“Fine,” he sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. “I’ll listen to your advice. But this place…” His voice trailed off as his gaze swept over the squalor.
“Not quite the royal accommodations you’re used to, is it?” I couldn’t keep the bitterness from my voice.
“Commander Maxwell,” I continued, redirecting our focus. “He’ll be at the official building. I know the way.”
Anderic’s blue eyes narrowed. “How could you possibly know that? How could any of what you’ve told me be possible? It doesn’t make sense, Ilyana.”
I met his skeptical gaze steadily. “You might not believe me, Your Highness, but it’s the truth.Mytruth.”
We walked in silence after that, Anderic’s expression growing increasingly troubled as he took in the reality of exile. Children with hollow cheeks played in the dirt with makeshift toys. The stench of unwashed bodies and desperation hung in the air. Haunting memories surfaced with each step I took—this path was etched into my soul.
Here I was again, standing on the very street where I’d had vegetables, dirt, and rocks thrown at me daily. Ironically, those were actually some of the better memories I had of this place.
Anderic stopped suddenly, his attention caught by a group of small children huddled near a puddle, pushing crude boats made of bark across the muddy water.
“Why are there children here?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
“When the head of a family commits a crime, everyone is exiled,” I explained flatly. “Husband—if not executed, wife, children—it doesn’t matter if they’re innocent. The punishment extends to all.”
Anderic’s jaw tightened, a muscle working beneath his skin. He said nothing, but I could see something shifting behind his eyes.
We continued until we reached a stone building marginally better maintained than its neighbors. Two guards flanked its entrance, their uniforms crisp despite the surroundings.
“This is the official building,” I said.
