“Bless her,” Aerity whispered, as her thoughts returned to the looming threat they faced.
Days, King Dagur had said.
She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. “I have to be stronger than this.”
“Look at me,” Wyneth commanded. Aerity opened her eyes and peered at Wyneth’s stern face. “You are the strongest woman I know. I’m amazed by you. Today, yesterday, when you agreed to your father’s proclamation. Vixie and I, neither one of us, could have done the things you’ve done.”
“You could if you had to.”
“No.” Wyneth adamantly shook her head. “Not with the grace you have. You are a queen, Aerity. You were made for this, and I believe the seas have breathed their blessing over you. You may not feel strong inside, but I promise—to the people, to me—you are the very picture of might.” Aerity swallowed. “But it’s okay to show weakness with us. That’s what we’re here for. With me and Vix, you don’t have to be perfect. You can curl up in a ball and cry and stuff your mouth with cake, and then, when it’s time, we’ll clean you up and you can face all Eurona with your head held high.”
A small smile graced Aerity’s lips. Despite everything, she felt lighter. “Thank you, Wyn.” Aerity took a deep breath and stood. “I don’t know what I’d ever do without you.”
“Let’s never find out.”
Arm in arm they left the dining hall, ready to face the ensuing war together. When they got to the door, Harrison was jogging up the hall toward them, face grim. The princess and lady dropped their arms.
“What is it?” Aerity asked.
Harrison was nearly out of breath. “Our naval watch just returned from sea. There is activity in the Kalorian naval yards. They’re preparing their fleet.”
Aerity nodded, her heart pounding. “And our fleet?”
“Prepared. Stocked. Larger than theirs.”
“Good,” Aerity said, exhaling in a rush. “Now to prepare the castle.” And eat cake.
Chapter
35
Paxton didn’t know what he’d been expecting when they got to the border of Lochlanach. An army, perhaps? But there was nothing. The Kalorian troops had kept them a mile away from the coast on a very specific path, and they entered what seemed to be private Lochlan property. They converged on a large home and Paxton wondered whose it was. He wasn’t familiar with the south or its dukes and landowners. Whoever owned this property seemed to be gone.
They began setting up camp on the property, erecting makeshift tents and building fires. The prince’s carriage pulled up right in front of the stone house. Paxton watched as Prince Vito and Rozaria went straight inside with their handful ofelite Kalorians as if they owned the place. He waited to see if any Lochlans were inside, but there wasn’t a sound from within. It was all very strange.
Paxton set to taking care of his horse before washing up at the well with the other men. While some napped or lounged, playing cards, Paxton decided to explore the garden he’d spied earlier. The plot was overgrown and weedy, as if it hadn’t been tended in a while. He stared down at the crops with his hands on his hips. The garden’s fall vegetables were full-grown and had not been harvested.
He squatted and grasped the leaves of a carrot, tugging it back and forth until it came loose. Though the weather was colder than Kalor, the southern Lochlanach grounds weren’t frozen, so the carrots were still in decent condition. He wiped it on his breeches and took a bite. Definitely edible. The sweet crunch sent a burst of homesickness through him. He grabbed a small shovel at the garden’s entrance and began to dig.
Paxton relished the feel of Lochlan soil on his hands. He’d amassed a nice pile of differing root vegetables when he heard footsteps behind him and turned to see Rozaria with damp hair and a clean scarlet dress. She gave him a half smile.
“An all-around provider, aren’t you?”
Paxton stood and brushed his hands together.
“We’ll put your wares to good use for the troops tonight.” Rozaria glanced at the pile of food. “But I’m afraid it’s time for you to prepare to leave.” Her eyes gleamed as she took himin, and Paxton held his breath while she continued. “It’s two days’ ride to royal lands from here. That should put you there by sundown tomorrow. We will arrive in the early morning hours before sunrise the following day. Do you think you can have the castle ready for our entry by then?” He felt his pulse thump in his throat as he swallowed. They had two nights before Kalor would attack.
“Aye, Rozaria. I can make it happen.”
She smiled seductively. “I know you can. From what I can recall during my time there, the castle has entrances in the front facing the sea, on the side facing the markets where the maids and staff do their business, and on the back of the castle at the garden.” The thought of her on royal lands gave him chills. Paxton nodded along as she continued. “We think it will be easiest if you get rid of the guards at the back entrance. The gardens will keep us hidden.”
“How many are you sending in?”
Rozaria chuckled. “All of them. The royal lands will be well protected. As we attack, the primary mission is to keep the Lochlan soldiers and navy busy so that we may get Prince Vito into the castle with his personal guards.”
Paxton nodded. Forced a partial smile. “And what of the king and queen? Will you barter for them?”
The moment he said it, and her wicked smile spread, things seemed to slow down and fall into place. A sickening sense of understanding settled like sludge. Rozaria’s head tilted. She peered up at him as if he were something adorable.And then she gave that husky chuckle that tingled his scalp.
