Page 33 of The Nightbound Soldier

Her stepmother, an unpleasant lady with a powerful bloodline who has had two sons with Evie’s father, shows us her teeth. “You have chosen wisely, Evie. Moving on with a notturno life.”

Evie smiles back in the same way. “You’re mistaken. I’m—”

I interrupt. “Your hospitality was much appreciated. Your husband would be happy to know how you’ve welcomed and cared for his heir after his sudden departure.”

The female narrows her eyes, no doubt at the words I chose, namelyheirandsudden departure.Heiris given since they disputed Evie’s status because of her brothers. Andsudden departurebecause I think she murdered her husband.

The lady bows deeply. “You are most welcome at any time, my princess. And you, Evie dear.” The female spreads her arms, and Evie dutifully embraces her.

“I’m sure the notturno life will suit you. Their females have so many freedoms given that they raise no young.”

A jab at me, no doubt.

The older of Evie’s two stepbrothers approaches, dark blue eyes looking concerned. “Are you certain you wish to leave with my sister?”

Politely, I smile. “Quite certain, yes.”

“I would prefer it if you would accept my company.”

“Whatever for?”

He glances at the carriages. “As your guard. Surely the Summer king wouldn’t want his sister traveling with the notturnos alone.”

“Awww, that’s kind of you, Selval, but if I brought guards, the vampire houses might take it the wrong way.”

“You’re not…” He looks around and sees nearly everyone is starting to gather around us, my magic drawing them in naturally, my excitement over seeing the Nightbound Soldier again almost making me glow. Selval grabs my elbow and moves me aside.

I tug away, but he holds firm, so I wrap my fingers around his wrist. “You will say what you meant to tell me, then release me and walk away.”Vocamagic infiltrates his mind, and he releases my elbow, then leans in and whispers, “You’re not going to join the notturno ranks, are you?”

“Oh, no. I would never,” I lie.

The thought had crossed my mind. Notturno females aren’t expected to breed, and while my brother doesn’t bring up my marriage, he’s aware I’ve remained unmarried way past my time.

I build wealth for our kingdom and form strong alliances. That’s what I do. The king won’t try to find me a husband again, for he wouldn’t allow another fae to hurt me. Since I secure deals and alliances, it makes sense for me to accept Augusta’s invitation.

I’ll heed her warning is all.

Evie’s brother won’t let the subject go. “I would still feel more comfortable if you would let me accompany you, Princess.”

A vampirevelosistoward us and stops a foot away from Evie’s brother. It’s one of the two twins.

“You’re welcome to join us,” the notturno tells Selval, voice chipper as if he’s excited about the idea.

The gathered family gasps, and the mother rushes to her son’s side. “He was being a gentlemale is all. He doesn’t want to join you.”

The vampire speeds away, appearing once more at the carriage in the middle with the red door. He opens it. “This way, Princess.”

The other male, the twin with the damaged face, opens the other carriage’s door. “This way, my lady.”

“Evie and I ride together,” I say, now uncomfortable for the first time. Ladies ride together. It’s customary, not that there is much that’s customary about the bat carriages or the three notturnos running them.

“She rides with us,” the vampire says. “You ride with the general.”

“Your general is here?” I ask, failing to hide my excitement.

The vampire nods.

I smile. He came to fetch me. Personally. He could’ve just sent these two males for me.

---