By the time we returned to the fortress, the kingdom had changed.
The gates were shut.
The bridges were raised.
Soldiers lined the walls with bows in their hands and swords at their sides.
No one smiled.
No one joked.
Even the servants moved quietly, as if speaking too loudly might summon the armies gathering beyond our borders.
I stood on the balcony overlooking the courtyard.
Hundreds of soldiers were preparing for war.
Some sharpened blades.
Others loaded carts with food and weapons.
Healers carried boxes of medicine toward the infirmary.
Everyone was preparing for something none of us could pretend wasn't coming.
A war.
Because of me.
I wrapped my arms around myself.
Kael walked up beside me.
"You should rest."
"I can't."
"You haven't slept."
"Neither have you."
He
