“I don’t get the impression any man can control you. But I’ll try.”
Placing a foot in the stirrup, I gazed north, toward the distant mountains.
Forlaith had one last chance to accept me before I became their enemy, too.
Chapter 54
Mare
People flooded Fort Rainier, days ahead of the grand wedding. Wagons, horses, and carriages clustered around the ancient edifice, a beautiful fort of dark red brick. Forlaith’s own Brightspears guarded the gates our wagon rolled through.
I’d never seen Brightspears in person before. Their armor was gorgeous, white steel curved to resemble wings. Golden surcoats and capes decorated their uniform, and they stood with their spears planted before them, rigid and disciplined.
My throat went dry as we entered the fort, under their scrutiny.
They were here to protect their queen. And while I’d felt nervous around Solhearts before, now I had to smile at them while hiding a bold-faced lie: I’d met with the rebels who’d assassinated the Emperor, and I had agreed to be their spy.
Our carriage driver parked along the walls and ushered us out. Brighid shoved her bags into Bláth’s hand and turned to me.“I need to inform my family that I haven’t ruined everything. Bláth will accompany me. You three should find King Ailithir first.”
“Where will he . . . ” I trailed off.
A Fireborn man marched through the courtyard toward us. I recognized him instantly.
He looked much like Brighid, with duller hair and eyes. Strands of dark red hair blew loose from their circlet, the same shade as his burgundy mantle.
The anger etched on Lord Astartus' face diminished when Reese stepped up next to Brighid. Running a hand down his vest, he offered a curt bow. “Lord Tiernan! I owe you a great deal for bringing my daughter here.” He shot Brighid a glare.
She lifted her chin, defiant in the face of his rage.
“I’m here on time, aren’t I?” She said.
“Barely.” Lord Astartus scowled. “The ball is in a few hours. I thought I was going to have to explain why the bride was missing!”
“Well, she’s not.” Brighid lifted her skirt, and glanced at me. “Actually, why don’t you help me get ready? Bláth could use the extra pair of hands.”
Lord Astartus' deep red eyes looked me up and down. “You must be?—”
Reese stood behind me and laid a hand on my shoulder. “My apprentice. I expect she’ll be treated with the hospitality she’s due?”
The Fireborn lord’s mouth twitched, subservient in the face of a Solheart just as the Muirashin lords had been.
“Of course, Lord Tiernan.”
Reese squeezed my arm and leaned in, whispering in my ear. “I’ll keep Liam safe. Don't worry.”
“Thank you," I breathed.
“Enough dawdling.” Brighid pulled me away from him. “I’m dying for a bath, and Solathair knows Bláth needs one.”
Sighing, Bláth swung the bags over her shoulder and marched after us. I glanced back at the men. Reese watched me as I passed under the boughs of the great oak until we were far out of sight.
I knit my hands together and stared down. Should I meet Lord Astartus' gaze, he’d see the hatred burning in my eyes. Creating a scene here, before my position was secured, would only hurt everyone around me.
Brighid’s father ushered us into the southern tower and gestured toward the stairs. “Teela is waiting upstairs. She’ll take care of you.”
“Oh, how I’ve missed Teela." Brighid turned from her father. Her shoulders lowered, her arms relaxed—a barely perceptible breath of relief.
Lifting my head, I looked over the tower. Fort Rainier was a relic of ages past—when a tiny country had been tucked between Forlaith and Aenir. This fort had been a valuable defensive checkpoint against their armies.
