Page 107 of Of Kings and Thieves

“I’ll always find you,” I promised fiercely, holding her tight. “I’m so sorry I left you. Never again.”

Laney kissed my cheek. “I knew you’d come back. I’m glad the scary lady didn’t hurt you too bad.”

I stroked her hair, marveling at her selflessness after all she had endured. My brave sister, concerned for me rather than herself.

“How do you feel?” I asked gently.

“Okay,” she said, but shadows lingered in her large eyes.

Remorse washed through me once again. I would spend the rest of my life making it up to her. I held her close, whispering, “The danger has passed. I’ll keep you safe now.”

As I carried Laney to the door, Delia looked on kindly. “Take care of that child. She’s a tough one.”

I thanked her profusely for sheltering Laney, asking for her story as we stepped into the yard.

“After The Harrow seized power, children started turning up alone and afraid—those who managed to flee the killings,” she explained wearily.

My gratitude swelled for this simple farmer’s wife who had saved so many from cruelty. I promised the kingdom would repay her kindness tenfold once order was restored, and that we would send a wagon with supplies as soon as I could arrange it.

Delia looked at me, her head tilting to one side. “Well now that’s kind of you. You said your name was Samara?”

I nodded.

“Good to meet you.”

I smiled. Outside, more children played listlessly in the dusty yard. They paused to stare as I lifted Laney atop my horse before mounting behind her. Laney was excited. She’d always been fascinated with horses.

Her eyes widened when she saw Magnus. His face softened. “Hello little one. We meet again.”

Laney gave a shy smile. “Are you okay?”

He grinned. “Couldn’t be better. I’m Magnus, by the way.”

As we rode back, Laney asked Magnus about his horse Skullcrusher, and he answered her questions with limitless patience. By the time we reached the castle, they were fast friends.

* * *

The following day, Kolvar, Melion, Magnus, and Scarlet gathered at the main gatehouse, their expressions grim. The mood was somber as we discussed the arduous task ahead—rooting out any remaining loyalists still hidden within Ironset’s walls.

“The city is vast, with too many places for the bastards to hide,” Kolvar said. “It will take time to search each building and question those who remain.”

Melion was tense, his body ready for action. “We’ll sniff them out.”

As the doors closed behind them, I turned to Col, who stared at the gate with a pensive frown. He looked every part a king in his ceremonial armor, crown glinting atop raven-dark hair, yet uncertainty lingered in his gaze.

“It’ll take months,” I said.

“Years, maybe.” Col was to join them later in the day, after other business in the castle.

I took his hand. “You’re worried.”

Col sighed, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “Being king was never meant to be easy, but this...” He shook his head. “Passing judgment on those who followed The Harrow, some against their will... I wish there was an easier path. One that didn’t require more bloodshed.”

“You’ll find the right path,” I assured him. “You were born to rule Iron Deep, and you’ll guide our people back to peace and prosperity. No one can lead us through this mess quite like you.”

“Our people?”

“If they’re your people, they are mine as well.” I smiled, standing on tiptoes and kissing his cheek. “Besides, I never really had anywhere to call home. If you’ll have me, that is, my king.”

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