Page 19 of Oath of War
‘You can use the one I was in. It’s rather cosy,’ I muttered.
‘Yes, sire.’ The guards saluted before dragging the bound and gagged chancellor away. Reynard smirked, turning to the gathered nobles.
‘Go home. Prepare for war. Any household with their own guards must return with them in two days. Those who don’t comply will forfeit their wealth. As for your grievances, I will open petitions tomorrow morning. You are welcome to bring them up then. For now, I grant you leave to put your affairs in order. Go!’
Gasps rang out, and several nobles left quickly. Others lingered, protesting, but Reynard silenced them with a sharp gesture. As the throne room doors closed behind the last of them, my strength finally gave out, and I crumpled to the floor.
1. I kneel before you, Dark Lady. (Domina Tenebrisis an official title of the dark fae empress.)
2.Vjesci (s./pl.) /pron: vi-yes-chi/— an undead demon that preserved the thoughts, personality, and body of a person. Their cry is a premonition of upcoming death.
Ifrowned, looking up at two sets of glowing eyes: one swirling with crimson light, the other blazing gold like the midday sun.
‘Godsdamn it! I thought the healer did her job,’ Orm muttered, his voice sharp with agitation.
It took me a moment to piece things together. I recalled Reynard dismissing everyone before a wave of dizziness washed over me, then nothing. The realisation that I had fainted like some delicate damsel in distress sent a flush of heat to my cheeks.
Orm and Ari seemed oblivious to my stirring as they continued worrying. I closed my eyes again, letting them fuss to their heart’s content.
‘She did, but Ani spent several days in prison, and gods know what they did to her. Give me a moment to check her injuries.’ Alaric’s voice lost its soft timbre once he opened the collar of my dress. ‘Hrae! Those bastards strangled her. These bruises . . . I am going to flay the skin from their bodies for this.’
‘Get in line. How serious is it? Is her life in danger?’
Orm was frantic, and I tried to speak, but the raw emotion on their faces stole my voice. I took a slow, deep breath to centre myself, the scent of their closeness soothing my senses.
‘No, but she’s exhausted and malnourished. There’s a cut on her neck, but it’s superficial, as well as her other bruises and cuts. The healer repaired her biggest wound well enough, though it’ll leave an ugly scar,’ Ari responded as he ran his hands over me, whispering an incantation. Warmth spread through my body, dulling the ache and pulling me into a haze of comforting magic.
The feeling of weightlessly swaying welcomed me as I slowly awoke. I smiled, enjoying the sensation, too sleepy to pay attention. When a deep yawn interrupted the moment, I pouted, then cracked an eye open to look at my surroundings. I was cradled in Orm’s arms, bundled in a cloak, riding on a horse through the city.
After days in a cell, I wanted to enjoy the fresh air, so I wriggled free, taking in the cool breeze, decadent architecture, and intricate gardens of the noble mansions lining the street. It wasn’t long before the luxurious area gave way to lively and colourful shops with loud street merchants advertising their goods, but it was the smells—oh gods, the scent of food being cooked—that made my mouth water.
The aroma of freshly baked bread and exotic spices overpowered everything else. My stomach rumbled, encouraging me to leave Orm’s protective embrace. He tensed instantly, and when I looked up, the ring of gold in his eyes grew bigger. A woman carrying meat pies came closer, and I could feel a tremor running through his body as he moved his horse away.
‘Please, let them come,’ I whined. I would have killed for a meat-filled pasty or a sweet roll so sticky with sugar I’d want to lick my fingers raw. But each time I caught the eye of a seller and waved them to approach, Orm glared at the unfortunate soul and whatever money they thought they’d make quickly lost its appeal under the commander’s hostile stare.
‘They’re just merchants,’ I murmured, noticing the way Orm clenched his sword.
‘Or assassins,’ Orm countered darkly. ‘Ihrain is still at large, and the empress has made it clear she wants you dead. Reynard may have claimed the throne, but his enemies—and yours, especially since your proclamation of support for him—are everywhere. No one is safe until the lords of Dagome officially name him their king.’
‘I know, but—’
‘No buts, Nivale. I just lived through the worst days of my life, thinking you were lost to me. When I couldn’t feel your Anchor, and Vahin told me he couldn’t reach you . . . itbrokeme. Even now, holding you, I can’t help wondering if I’d paid closer attention, those bastards wouldn’t have taken you, wouldn’t have brutalised you. The marks on your body . . . Gods, I can’t—’ His voice cracked as he held me tighter.
‘Orm, stop,’ I interrupted gently. ‘They didn’t ... I was unconscious for most of it. Like a sleeping beauty, only with rats.’
It was a poor attempt at levity. He clenched his jaw, and his horse snorted in agitation, mirroring his fury.
‘You don’t remember, but I do. And it haunts me. I failed you, Nivale.’ His golden eyes burned with guilt.
‘You didn’t fail me. You found me. And now Reynard is king. The rebellion succeeded. I’ll face the empress’ trial, and it’ll work out.’
‘Worked out?’ He barked out a laugh. ‘I barely have you back, and you have to do that damn trial. I can’t even fight for or with you.’ Orm signed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. ‘It’s difficult. I just ... I love you so fucking much, Ani. It terrifies me.’
I smiled, brushing a hand against his cheek. ‘Then trust me to fight my battles. I’ll make it right. Even a dragon rider in shining armour needs to have a little faith.’
He barked a laugh. ‘My armour isn’t shining these days. Maybe Bryna can fix that—she was practically drooling over it before ... everything.’
I chuckled before sighing. ‘You know I’m not reckless—mostly—but they had Ari . . . and when I’m done with whatever they throw at me, even the empress will have to agree to my terms.’
