Chapter 34
A heartbeat—or an eternity—later, we landed with a jolt in the cobbled courtyard of Castle Raine.
I clung to Thorne’s hand and breathed hungrily of the sun-warmed summer air. The day was bright and filled with the smells of stone and horse and metal—so different from the hushed realm we’d just departed that I nearly fell to my knees in gratitude.
“Intruders!” A guard dashed toward us from his post at the castle gate, hand at his sword.
I noted with surprise that the portcullis was lowered, the first time I’d ever seen it so. Another soldier clattered down the castle stairs, and Kian stepped forward, hands open before him.
“Peace,” he said. “I must speak with King Tobin immediately.”
“Prince Kian!” The first guard sheathed his half-drawn blade, his eyes widening. “You’ve re
