Elora remained facing forward, her chin held high so that the silver crown of stars reflected in the sunlight. “I’m sure they do. But as far as I’m aware, they have no idea what we’re up to.”
“They weren’t informed?” Kestrel glanced around the scowling faces, some smudged with grime and dirt.
“The queen will likely wait until we know for certain what we’re dealing with. There’s no point in getting their hopes up if we are unsuccessful, or have misinterpreted your vision.”
That made sense, Kestrel supposed. Even if in her heart she knew this was the answer they had all been waiting for.
It was only then that Kestrel realized her nerves were calming. The conversation, or perhaps the distraction it provided, was working. Reminding her that she was in no immediate danger.
The longer they marched and the more voices she overheard, she also realized that many of the insults weren’t even directed at her. Many were aimed at Queen Signe. Atop her steed, the awning mostly did its job at protecting her from the sun’s wrath. But every few steps it shifted, allowing a sliver of light to pierce her.
From where Kestrel marched behind the queen, she couldn’t see what the light did to her, but she heard the crowd hissing and gasping every time her curse was illuminated.
Like Elora though, the queen continued to hold her head high.
Kestrel was beginning to wonder if that was what it took to be royalty, to silence your reactions and emotions. There was something both admirable and tragic about it. Kestrel didn’t envy either of them, but she also found herself in awe of the strength and fortitude they both possessed.
She supposed she would need to learn the skill too someday. Perhaps even soon. Once the curse was lifted, her life would change forever…again. The king of Caelora would be free. Kestrel didn’t know what that meant for her, considering according to Darius, King Everard was not her father. But Kestrel still had some claim to that throne at least, thanks to her mother—whether or not she would be expected to reign there, she wasn’t sure. Hopefully, that would be something she and Darius could figure out together, perhaps even with her mother at their side…if they ever found her.
Of course, none of that was certain, and that made her belly pool with dread.
As they approached the blackened trees of the Hollows, everything quieted.
Not so much as a bird flitted overhead, nor did the wind rustle any leaves.
Everything was silent, except for the horses. They whinnied and stamped their hooves, none of them wanting to draw any nearer to a place so dead and ominous.
And then a crack of thunder boomed so loudly overhead it made nearly everyone jump.
“Great, just what we need, a storm,” Micah mumbled over his shoulder at Kestrel.
Elora didn’t look at him as she said, “It could be a good thing. Maybe a storm will conceal our footfall.”
Micah frowned in a way that said he was both impressed and in agreement with her.
Somewhere amid the troops, Efrem shouted his orders. “We go on foot from here.”
It only applied to a few guardsmen, as most of them were already on foot, but a couple closest to the queen began helping her down from her steed as well. And during the momentary lapse of cover provided by her awning and the umbrella another knight thrusted over her head, Kestrel finally caught a glimpse of the curse that marred her aunt.
Queen Signe’s slender features became sickeningly worse, her rounded chin and nose becoming a jutting bone as sharp as a knife. It appeared as though her eyes had concaved, the dark circles beneath them so cavernous, they made her look like death incarnate. But it was her mouth, or rather the teeth inside it that made Kestrel’s breath catch. Serrated fangs, sharp enough to tear through flesh. She put the late King Ulfaskr’s ghastly appearance to shame.
“Avert your gaze,” Elora whispered.
Kestrel did as she was advised. Not only because shecouldn’t bring herself to watch any longer, but because she knew just how much the queen disdained being seen in that form—and Kestrel couldn’t blame her. She was monstrous. Horrifying. It was no wonder she hid herself away from the townspeople; none of them would ever accept her like this.
Hopefully, Kestrel’s vision would soon change everything for her though. As much as she didn’t fully understand her aunt, she still believed she deserved a life of peace. One where she wasn’t cowering in the cold Irongate castle for the rest of her days.
Once the queen was down on her feet, umbrella in hand, she gestured toward Elora.
The guards marched over to them, and Kestrel’s stomach tightened like a fist. She felt the urge to leap between them and the princess, for fear of what they were about to do. But then she saw the key in their hand and remembered.
They eyed Elora warily, examining her collar and manacles, before finally tossing her a bluish-silver key.
Elora’s wide eyes stared at it for a moment, blinking. She muttered an awkward, “Th-thank you.” But even then, she just continued staring, as if she couldn’t believe it was real.
“Would you like some help?” Kestrel asked.
“Don’t!” Elora’s horror-stricken gaze snapped up so swiftly, Kestrel jumped. “I mean—my apologies, but I must do this myself, and you must keep your distance after the hailstone is off.”
