Queen of Secrets

13

He snapped his fingers and someone sliced through the bonds tying my hands back. I rubbed my wrists with relief and another hooded Raven brought me my sword with a quick nod. Kabel swung his own large blade as if testing the weight or trying to intimidate me with his size and strength. It didn’t work. I’d spent the last six years of my life training, fighting, and surviving, and it had all been leading up to this moment. I had to win this battle—not just to take back the Ravens, but to protect the woman I loved, along with the kingdom she served. And if I died doing it, at least I’d go out with a fight.

Kabel suddenly rushed me with a loud roar that filled the room. I ducked and rolled out of the way, my side smarting painfully. I had no time to think about that, because he was instantly coming for me again. My blade met his with a loud clang, and I spun away and got back to my feet, just in time to swing at him myself.

He moved fast, too fast for a man his size, and he had many more years of experience than I did. But I had one thing he didn’t: a purpose greater than myself and a love I would die to protect. And even though he kept coming for me, and my body screamed in protest every time I defended myself, I kept fighting back. Blow after blow, until it seemed there was no way I could get the upper hand.

When his sword slashed into my arm, he laughed. “Give up. You know you can’t defeat me.”

I grit my teeth and pushed the pain to the back of my mind. He was right, I’d never be able to beat him like this. I had to find another way, but how? Kabel had raised me. He’d trained me. He’d taught me how to fight. And he knew all my strengths and weaknesses.

Maybe I could use that against him.

When he came for me again, I did the opposite of what he’d taught me and let down my guard. I allowed him to s***h the back of my other forearm as I barely dodged his blow, and when he hurtled past me, I readied my blade. He spun toward me and my sword struck his chest, going deep thanks to his own momentum. His eyes widened as he stared at me, his mouth open in shock. Then his body slumped to the ground.

I gazed down at my stepfather, finding it hard to believe that he’d truly been defeated, this man who had ruled my life for the last six years. I searched my soul for any regret or sorrow, but felt none. He’d brought this upon himself.

I yanked my sword free while the other Ravens murmured and shifted but did nothing to help their fallen leader. Not that there was anything they could do for him at this point.

“You killed him,” Vermot growled from behind me. “But you’ll never have the Ravens.”

I spun to face this new threat just as he raised his sword to strike me down. But then he froze, his mouth hanging open, his eyes wide with shock. He slowly turned and I saw a glowing dagger stuck in the back of his neck. Killed by a single blow that was worthy of one of the Ravens.

“I don’t think so,” Dahlia said, as he crumpled to the floor in front of her.

“Dahlia!” Relief and pride filled me as I rushed forward and took her in my arms. Her dark hair was flecked with snow and she still wore her sleeveless gown from the ball, though she still had my cloak at least. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to rescue you,” she said with a smile. “Although it seems you didn’t need my help after all.”

“You protected me from Vermot,” I said, as I pressed a kiss to her temple. “But how did you find me?”

“Corgin gave me some hints before he died, and then I happened to stumble across these.” She held up my worn, black boots with a grin. “Think they’ll fit you?”

“I do.” I took them from her and began yanking them on slowly. “What of Prince Nial?”

“He’s in custody. I plan to speak to him when we get back.” She investigated my arms, which were both bleeding. “Are you well?”

I nodded while the Ravens began to kneel in front of us. At first I thought it was because a princess was in their midst, but then I realized they were kneeling for me.

Traya stepped forward and offered me Kabel’s sword, before dropping to her knees in front of me. “All hail the new Raven Master.”

The other Ravens all repeated her words as they bowed their heads. I gazed at the sword, watching the way the birds on the blade glinted under the torchlight. Dahlia glanced around before asking, “What is this about?”

I swept my gaze across the kneeling assassins as I sheathed the blade. “I’m the new Raven Master,” I said with a slow smile. “And I have some big changes in mind.”

Nine

Dahlia

I

insisted Garon return with me to the castle, where the physician tended to his wounds and Fellina gave him another tonic for the pain. None of his injuries were very serious, thank the Sun and Moon. A few cuts, including a long s***h on his forearm, plus a bruised rib or two. Nothing he wouldn’t recover from, assuming he actually stayed in bed for any amount of time.

Ever since he’d joined the Ravens as a youth I’d been terrified he would be killed. Now that he was the Raven Master I wasn’t sure that worry would ever go away, but I also trusted in his skills and resolve. I also knew Talador was in good hands with him in charge of the Ravens.