Stella laughed. “That would be more believable if you weren’t so pale. Also, I’m a little offended.”
“You’re loud-scary. Leo is quiet-scary. He’s a harder read and your thoughts are written all over your face,Minyha,” Nathan said.
Stella huffed a laugh and threw a dagger at the guard charging at them. It sank into his shoulder and he twisted just in time for Nathan to cut him down.
“Have you asked Rosie if she wants to be courted?” Stella asked. “I’m giving you a hard time, but it’s her permission you really need.”
“I asked before and she said she had to think about it.” Nathan fumbled a step, looking sincerely afraid. “What if she says no?”
Stella shrugged. “Then I guess you’re out of luck.”
Another group of rebels rushed in from the hall before he could say another word. Nathan cut off as many as he could, but one rushed past him toward Stella. She brought her blade up to stop his blow, but the cuff on his wrist lit up and he unleashed a fireball. Calling up her magic was so second nature that Stella caught it right away, but not before it dropped her to the floor. The searing pain of her sore ribs hitting the stone knocked the air out of her lungs. The fireball fizzled out.
The man was on her in an instant, straddling her waist, his hands fastened around her neck. Stella clawed at his fingers, kicking her legs to try to knock him off, but he wouldn’t budge.
Something struck the man in the head and his eyes rolled back. His hands went slack, and he fell to the side.
Rosie stood over him, a large cast-iron frying pan in her hands.
“Don’t touch my sister,” she said, dropping the pan on the man’s unconscious body.
Stella jumped to her feet and pulled her sister into a hug. “You shouldn’t be in here.”
Rosie held up a short sword in protest, but as Stella sat up, she realized the fighting had largely come to an end.
Their group looked tired and marked by minor wounds, but everyone was still standing.
“Looks like the McKays really did give them a warm welcome,” Leo said with a smirk. “Too bad Fionn isn’t here to see it.”
Stella looked wildly around the kitchen. “Where did he go?”
Alexandra rushed toward the back door with a hand pressed to her bloody side. “It’s my fault. He got the upper hand, and he ran out the back door when I was wounded. I’ll catch him.”
Teddy grabbed her wrist and pulled her to a stop. “We should clear this floor and find our parents. If they really did take the castle, we have bigger problems.”
Alexandra looked like she wanted to argue, but she cast one glance out the kitchen door and then nodded in resigned frustration, still clutching her side.
Teddy led the way, and they all ran into the hallway, clearing rooms one by one. When they came to the east wing, they found a group of rebels engaged with a solo fighter.
The hooded figure moved swiftly through the remaining rebels, bodies dropping in their wake. The figure’s movements were familiar—the smooth, efficient pattern of a Novumi fighting style.
Teddy watched as the figure rose from a crouch. “Is that?—”
“Isla,” Alexandra finished.
She yanked her scarf down and smiled at them. “You didn’t really think I’d leave you both without a word. That I would leave your father. What do you take me for?”
Both Teddy and Alexandra looked overjoyed at the sight of King Xander’s consort.
Isla looked somehow elegant in her bloodstained scarf and leather armor, her curved blades still at the ready for any adversary. Her black hair was braided back in an intricate design. She bore a strong resemblance to Queen Jessamin since the two were cousins. They shared the same regal posture, high cheekbones, and assessing gaze, but Isla’s skin was a lighter shade of brown and she had a smattering of freckles over her nose and cheeks that gave her a more youthful appearance. She also tended to wear armor more than evening wear, much like Alexandra.
“You’re back,” Alexandra said thickly.
Isla’s smile was beautiful and a bit frightening. “And I’m not alone. What have I always said?”
Alexandra’s face lit up. “A battalion of women is better than an army of men.”
Isla smirked. “And this is no army. These men lack true commitment to their cause.”
