Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67421 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67421 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
“Is this what you have told yourself? You stole my strength.”
“Not bodily strength.” Chardryn dismissed such a thought with a wave. “A queen has armies for that. What I speak of is strength of will.”
“You believe that is what my uncle has? No. He only has cruelty. Would you have a queen as heartless as he is?”
“I would,” the nurse said firmly. “Kindness will not save Aleron from your uncle. It will not save my family. Or me.”
“Will it not?” Elina’s brow arched. “I will let you live, Nurse Chardryn, for I understand the choice you were forced to make. That is the limit of my kindness. Never will you return to Aleron, though I will. I will take my throne. I will save your family from my uncle. I will not punish them for what you did, but you will never again serve. Your name will be struck with shame. All will know that you betrayed your queen and instead served Soren.”
“Better that you kill me,” the nurse muttered.
“Which is why I will not.” She paused, studying the woman. “Do you suppose I will show similar mercy to Soren? You mistake kindness for weakness. Kindness is never weak when combined with firmness of purpose—which I have never lacked. Kindness will save the people of Aleron, because it is for them I will fight. Not for the throne or for all of Aleron’s gold. But because I refuse to let them suffer.” Her throat worked. “You have known me all these years. Could you truly not believe in me?”
Chardryn would not meet her eyes. “I did not dare.”
Warrick watched as the queen’s mask descended over Elina’s face, though she wore no paint. Concealing her hurt. Brusquely she added, “Five years you spent poisoning me at Soren’s behest. How long were you sending messages to tell the assassins where to find us?”
“Since we fled your father’s kingdom.”
Elina laughed humorlessly. To Warrick she said, “I am finished with her.”
Warrick was not. Not after what she’d done to Elina. His axe near thirsted for her blood. “And certain you do not wish to end her?”
“Worse than death will be facing my retinue when her false curse is revealed. She will not think me kind, then. Bind her and leave her to them.”
Reluctantly he removed the axe from her neck. With stout rope, he tied her to the chair hand and foot as Elina turned to Dara.
“I leave with my husband to rid Aleron of its usurper. I would have you wait beyond a full day before leaving this tent and informing them we are gone.”
“I will, my queen.”
Elina glanced at Chardryn as Warrick was stuffing a gag into her mouth. “Leave her tied, even if she messes herself. You know the truth of what she’s done, and I fear what she might do to keep it concealed.” She gave a prepared parchment to Dara. “This is written in my hand to verify what you have heard of the poisoning, and gives orders to Serjeant Iarthil not to follow me, but to guide you all to Aleron as soon as may be. To you, and to those who have been true and served me well, I give my thanks. You will be welcomed back home. So strike for Aleron. Your queen and king and family will be waiting for you there.”
Hope lit the maid’s face. “You will be safe?”
“I will. Good journey, Dara.”
“Good journey, Your Highness.” Eyes glimmering with tears, Dara helped her into a dark traveling cloak, then watched them go with hands clasped in front of her chest.
With her hand in his, Warrick led Elina through the quiet camp. “I have already saddled Troll, so all is ready.”
“Troll?” Amusement danced in her eyes. “You named him such?”
“It could not have been any other name.”
Her soft laugh of agreement soon faded. They reached his mount. Yet instead of turning so that he could lift her, she clung to his arm instead.
“Warrick.” Her voice was dizzy, uncertain. She put a trembling hand to her head. “I do not feel well.”
His throat closed, preventing any response. She shivered despite the warmth of the morning and her cloak. His own traveling cloak was tied to the back of the saddle. He wrapped the heavy red material around her, lifted her astride. Swiftly he mounted behind her and pulled her tight to his chest.
“Sharing a horse again.” Her head fell back against his shoulder. “Should we do bizarre things now?”
He could not even manage a smile. “Let us ride while you have any strength left at all.”
“Less fun but more wise, Warrick.” Her voice changed from teasing to grave in an instant. “I thank you for this. And for helping me through what is to come.”
He swallowed past the ache in his throat. “You are my heart,” he said simply.