She glances back, a glint of something in her eyes—probably annoyance. Then, she’s gone, disappearing between the rows of tents.
I turn back to the camp, knowing that whatever shadow we chased has vanished.
Still, at least the evening wasn’t entirely dull.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Jasce
As I guidemy horse alongside Reeve and Jude, my army follows us—an elite force of warriors ready to obey my every order.
Thankfully, after four days of tracking Asha and her army, we’re finally gaining on them.
My fingers tighten on the reins as an image of Annora’s smile flashes through my mind. Not the fake smile she’s worn lately, but the real one that lights up her entire face, making her eyes sparkle.
I’ll do anything to see that smile again.
First, I have to get her away from Aleksander.
He thinks he’s won, but he forgets that I’ve spent most of my life outmaneuvering him and outsmarting him.
Sand stings my eyes, but I keep them fixed on the horizon. Somewhere ahead, Annora rides with them.
My chest tightens at the thought of her being forced to march toward war against me andourpeople.
But I know my wife. She’s no passive victim. Behind that gentle exterior lies a strength that even Aleksander can’t comprehend.
Though, this isn’t just about Annora anymore. It’s about stopping Aleksander and Asha before they destroy our houses.
The sun climbs higher, but I barely notice the heat as my mind races through scenarios, backup plans, and contingencies.
I won’t fail. Not with Annora’s freedom and my people hanging in the balance.
Chapter Forty
Aleksander
The desert windwhips sand against my face as I stop outside of Asha’s tent, where Titanus stands.
I smile at him. “Ah, the ever-vigilant watchdog. Tell me, do they feed you scraps from Asha’s plate, or do you have to beg for those too?”
Titanus’ face remains impassive, those steely blue eyes fixed straight ahead.
“Surely, you can spare a word for your future chieftain?” I cross my arms. “Or has Asha ordered you to maintain this fascinating impression of a statue?”
Still nothing. Not even a twitch.
I circle him, noting how his jaw clenches ever so slightly.
“I must say, your dedication to silence is admirable. Though I wonder...” I tap my fingers against my weapon belt. “Does it stem from loyalty, or the simple inability to string together coherent sentences?”
The commander shifts his weight—barely perceptible, but there it is. A crack in the armor.
“My Lord.” Titanus’ voice comes out flat and controlled. “Lady Asha is occupied with battle preparations.”
“Oh, he speaks. Alert the scribes. This moment must be recorded for posterity.” I hold my hand against my chest in mock astonishment. “Next you’ll be telling me you can read and write as well.”
But Titanus has already retreated back into his fortress of silence—stance rigid. The man truly is impossible to rattle. How disappointingly dull.
