Page 92 of The Raven Queen

Joya shrugged. “They didn’t mention soldiers. But it seems the slavers have quite the enterprise in that part of the country now.”

I shook my head, wondering if the world would ever get better. “We’ll make sure we get them to the settlement tomorrow when we leave at first light,” I promised her. “In the meantime, thank you for accommodating us. I know you weren’t expecting more mouths to feed or bodies to house.”

Joya smiled sadly. “I’m never expecting anyone, and yet they keep coming. Everyone looking for a safe place.” Her gaze was distant for a moment, fixed somewhere beyond me, then she licked her lips and nodded inside. “It’s a tight fit, but at least we can help everyone. It looks like you’ve all been through a lot.” Her gaze lingered on Zion and Saira. “Those are Corvo guards,” she noted. Even if they’d dressed down from their normal garb, their weapons were etched with the Corvo seal.

I realized Joya was watching me, waiting for a response.

“You forget I lived in Corvo City for twelve years,” she said, and glanced at Liam, sleeping on the cot inside, Hills at his bedside. “And if I didn’t know any better, that is the young prince.”

Joya eyed me closely, more curious than anything, and I inhaled a deep breath. I knew we couldn’t keep the secret of who Del and Liam were for very long—I didn’t want to. These people deserved to know what trouble might come their way. But I hadn’t thought I would have to address it quite so soon.

“There’s plenty to tell,” I confessed, scrubbing the side of my face. “But for now, we need to keep these people safe. We’ll address everyone when we’re ready.”

Joya’s brown eyes softened, and I knew she would remain quiet. “I’ll have Sacha help me get some food together for everyone. And some water.”

“Thank—” I looked past Joya to see Del marching toward me. There was a strange look on her face, one I hadn’t seen before, and the last of my easiness vanished. She looked...angry.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?” she asked, coming to a halt in front of me. It sounded more insistent than a mere request.

Joya’s gaze shifted between Del and me, and if I didn’t know better, I would have said she looked rather intrigued. I cleared my throat. “Let me know if there are any issues with the supplies. Or with the feed for the horses.”

“Of course.” Joya bowed her head, which I had told her a dozen times to stop doing, and she left me alone with a fierce-eyed Del.

I was almost afraid to speak, but I turned to face her, bracing myself. “What’s wrong?”

Del clenched her hands on her hips and tilted her head quizzically. “It’s funny how, in all our conversations over the past week, you failed to mention that you’re theGhost King,” she said in a rushed whisper, and my cheeks flushed red.

I glanced around to ensure we weren’t the center of attention, then took Del’s hand. I led her toward the shade of the old General Store that wasn’t much more than boards hardly standing.

“First of all,” I started. “It’s not like we’ve had a ton of time to talk.” I wasn’t sure why I was feeling defensive. Or maybe it was that I didn’t like talking about this kingly business. Ever. “Second, it’sjusta name—”

“Just a name?” Del gaped at me. “I’ve been receiving weekly reports on the rumored Ghost King and his supposed amassed armyfor years. And you’re telling me it’s you—it’s been you this whole time?”

“No. Well, yes, I guess, but that’s what the Ghost King is. A rumor. I am no king, Del. You know that as well as anyone.” I rubbed my temple. “Are we really arguing about this?”

“No, I just—I see these people looking at you as if you are everything to them...” She scowled, her annoyance obvious. “I didn’t realize.”

I peered around the abandoned town, at this world so different from any Del’s ever known. One of strife and loss and constant movement. An existence that hinged on hope and camaraderie. Whatever misgivings Del might’ve had, and whatever it was that she’d heard, when she looked at me, I didn’t want her to see anyone but me. Not a rival or a king, even an outcast one.

“These people came out here with nothing, Del. They were either forced away from their homes, or they fled from them in fear. So no, it’s not a kingdom, and I am no king. But it is a refuge, and it’s all they have left. AllIhave left.” Her eyes shadowed with regret, and my mind wandered back to Fallen Wood and my life with my sister, Jake, and my friends. We lived on the outskirts of existence because our lineage was connected to a dangerous past that threatened the core beliefs tying the Seven Kingdoms together.

“You know I come from a long line ofGhosts,” I told her. “It’s what your people have always called me and mine. Only now, the nickname has taken on a life of its own. As the raids and displacement worsen, people use the name to rally survivors together. To bring them here.”

I took Del’s hands, peering into her thoughtful brown eyes as she absorbed words I’d never spoken. Not to anyone. “I’m not amassing a vast army. And we don’t want to fight—many already have just to be here, with us. But my people will fight if they have to. So will I.”

“I guess it makes sense now,” she muttered and huffed an exasperated laugh.

“What does?”

“All the people you know. I mean, you were granted an immediate audience with theassassin twins,of all people.”

I chuckled at the moniker and lifted Del’s hand. “I guess there are perks to being a nomadic outlaw,” I teased and brushed my lips across her knuckles. My eyes didn’t leave hers as I said, “I rescued a princess along the way.”

Del smiled, a real, heart-stopping smile, and the uneasiness or shock she had was gone for now.

“And,” I continued, “she’s had my heart ever since.”

Del practically snorted and rolled her eyes. “Wow. What a line—”

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