Page 27 of Oath of War
Alaric’s lips curled into a faint smile. ‘The man had a mate. A woman who fought her way through her people’s warriors to reach the Dark Mother’s Temple, where he was imprisoned. They say the ground was soaked with blood before she knelt and begged the goddess for mercy. Moved by her strength and determination, the Dark Mother defied the other gods, allowing the female to attempt his salvation.
‘When they emerged from the temple, they spoke nothing of what transpired, but the man was forever bonded to her, enthralled in her service. That’s how our customs came to be, why women will always be above men—to guarantee we never stray again.’
I couldn’t help a dry laugh. ‘Only the dark fae could think of such a trial—and such an elaborate excuse to ensure women rule.’ I turned to Ari, my voice softening. ‘But I can fight. I’ll fightthe world for you. For all of us. And I’ll live, if only to spite that silver bitch. Let’s see how she reacts when I return, blessed by her goddess.’
I faced the mirror again, taking in my reflection. The woman staring back at me wasn’t just a battle mage. She was a dignified domina, wearing her courtly armour, ready to face kings, empresses, and gods for her men. And cause bloody mayhem to save them, if necessary.
‘I think I’m ready to see our new king now,’ I said, a determined smile curving my lips.
We were expected—or at least that’s the impression I got as we breezed past deferential guards and officials, not one asking us to wait or offer a reason for our presence.
We arrived at a small, ornate door, and Orm pushed it open without knocking. I didn’t know if he knew we had permission or assumed that no one would dare to stop him.
The sight that greeted us drew a gasp from my lips as I gazed at row upon row of books and scrolls. It was the palace library. At its centre stood Reynard, bent over a map of the Lowland Kingdoms. Several tomes lay scattered around him, their titles hinting at being about the Necromancer’s War or magical defences.
Up close, Reynard Erenhart was even more formidable than the bloodstained warrior I’d seen before. Even dressed for comfort, he radiated authority and control, a wild bear of a man so similar to Orm. But his eyes lacked the warmth of Ormond’s and seemed as if they were assessing one’s worth even whenfocused elsewhere.
I found myself squirming uncomfortably, but then the new king looked up and smiled. The transformation was startling. It was as if I stood before an entirely different person.
‘Lady Annika,’ he said warmly, gesturing to a chair. ‘Please, sit down, little sister, and tell me how you tamed my cold-hearted brother. Orm’s lack of romantic success had me thinking he was saving himself for his dragon.’
‘We’re here to discuss plans, not my past love life,’ Orm barked, his cheeks reddening under his brother’s teasing.
‘I didn’t tame him. I just love the wild beast as much as I love the man,’ I said, smiling at Alaric, who’d found some wine and was offering me a goblet. He stood behind me with a hand resting on my shoulder, and I promptly covered it with mine just in case he needed my touch to silence the Lich King’s voice.
Reynard chuckled before his tone shifted. ‘Well, then. If you’ve come to plan, then let’s plan. But first, I need to know everything about your kidnapping. Annika, what happened the night you were taken?’
As we settled into nearby chairs, I recounted the events in detail: the lanara poisoned dart, Ihrain’s involvement, and finally, the revelation I had saved for last.
‘What do you think about the chancellor and his lapdog Ihrain, Your Majesty?’ I asked, noticing his wince at the title.
‘They’re power-hungry fools that think arranging a deal with the Lich King gives them an advantage,’ he said with vehemence. ‘The chancellor thought acting as king would secure his hold, and I’d wager your abduction was his final move to usurp the crown. Damned idiot—his ambition nearly destroyed the kingdom.’
‘You’re wrong. He didn’t want to be king.’ My voice cut through the tension. ‘Both the chancellor and Ihrain are agentsof the Lich King. They came to Dagome from the Barren Lands, and they aren’t the only ones. His people are everywhere.’
‘What?’ Reynard jerked from his chair and started pacing the room. ‘How? The Barrier—’
‘The Barrier is fading,’ I said, my voice steady. ‘And even at full strength, it only stops those with foul magic. It was made that way to allow dragon riders to pass, but it means that any human, or even a mage of the High and Primal Orders, can pass.’
He slammed his hands on the table, the sound reverberating through the library. ‘Damn it! I was supposed to be defending this kingdom—the Lord fucking Marshall, and I’ve been following the orders of the enemy’s dog this entire time.’
Orm approached his brother, his voice low but firm. ‘We all were. It doesn’t make you less of a leader. What matters now is that this kingdom needs you more than ever, my king.’
Reynard’s shoulders sagged. ‘Our rebellion wasn’t supposed to end with me as king. I’m a general. I will see this country through the war to come, but that’s all. There isn’t a drop of royal blood in our family tree. The crown isn’t mine to take, and judging by the unrest, the court and town agree.’
‘Royal blood? What difference does your parentage make when you’re the best person for the job?’ Orm insisted. ‘If you don’t accept the title, there will be civil war as the nobles scramble for power. And while we’re busy tearing ourselves apart, the Lich King will laugh himself hoarse all the way to enslaving us all. Youwillbe king becauseyou’rethe only one who can drag this kingdom out from the hole it’s fallen into and stop that undead bastard from destroying our home.’
Reynard shook his head, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. ‘Fuck, Orm. Not holding your punches, huh?’
‘Someone has to make you see sense,’ Orm replied with a shrug. ‘I know it’s a thankless task, but I know of no better man to do it. I’m sorry, Rey.’
The brothers exchanged a look of weary understanding. Acting on instinct, I stepped forward, placing a hand on each of their shoulders.
‘We’ll stand with you,’ I said softly. ‘Against all enemies. We are—’
My words cut off as a wave of magic surged through me, stealing my breath. I dropped to my knees, instinctively reaching for my Anchors, trying to ground myself with their strength, but nothing helped.
When I caught sight of my arm, it took a moment to realise my skin was glowing, a crimson hue surrounded by a strange haziness. However, the fear I felt from seeing it disappeared as an immense wave of aether poured into my body.
