Reese yanked his horse's reins and rode back to us, black cloak flowing behind him like a shadow. I already knew what he would say, judging from the scowl etched on his face.
"So . . . ” I said. "They won't let us in?"
"Wecan go in," Reese said. "No city can deny a Paragon or his guests entry." He exhaled, frustrated. "Follow me."
I glanced back at Ferris, who had spent most of the ride chatting Bláth's ear off. He met my eye three times before he realized I was motioning for him to ride. Bláth slapped his doe's rear, propelling the prince forward.
Perhaps I ought to look after him better. It would win me no favors with my king should his son become a corpse in my company.
Clicking my heels into my steed, I rode with Reese through the gates. A dozen men were stationed on the parapets. Their eyes followed us through the walls into the city, and I held my breath until we left them behind.
My heart pounded against my chest, my breath caught in my throat. Liam had told me I was mad for thinking the monsterswould appear where I did. Mad for thinking it better to stay behind.
Now that I was here, I felt guilt. Terrible guilt.
If I was who I feared, Tsuyan's destruction would follow my arrival. Their blood would be on my hands.
Hoping to distract myself, I admired the famous city of Shatterblades. The stone roads were broad and even, the black wood buildings tall with three-tiered roofs, each laden with snow. Lanterns dangled from their eaves, casting red light over the falling flecks of white.
Reese stopped before a large building wrapped with a lantern-lit porch. He reached into his saddlebags and tossed me a small pouch.
I caught it and heard the jingle of coins.
"Get a room, and get some sleep," Reese ordered. "You've been awake for three days straight."
"I can afford my own room," I said, raising a brow.
"You're my apprentice. I pay,” he said.
"You're not coming?"
"I need to arrange a meeting with the governor first,” he said.
Ferris sat forward on his spotted doe. "I'll come with you."
"No." Reese glared at him. "You're the prince of Aenir, lest you forget. You'll stay here where you're safe." A smirk tugged at his lips. "Under the watch of your Paragon."
Oh, it sounded strange when he said it like that.
Liam spoke with theatrical desperation. "We need you, Ferris. Use your princely authority to have them cook proper Aenir food for us."
"Mm.” I closed my eyes. "Garlic trout with honeyed parsnips."
Father's specialty. Finan had a keen eye. Whenever I fell sick or into sorrow, he'd arrive at my door with a plate of myfavorites, well aware of my discomfort, though I never voiced it aloud.
"Alright, fine," Ferris agreed. "Throw in plum pudding, and we have a deal."
"How I love extorting the nobility.” Liam leaned back, satisfied.
"I'll be back tonight," Reese said, turning back to me. "We have training to do. So rest up, Sunshine."
"Icannotwait," I said dryly, rolling my eyes. My brows drew together. "Wait, what did you call me?'
Bláth glanced at me and bit back a smile. "Want company, Reesey? You always try to headbutt politicians. I could do the talking for you."
Reese's eyes twitched, hearing his nickname. "Why not? You can bat your eyelashes at them." He shot me one last look, eyes lingering on my face before he ordered his horse to ride.
Bláth's brown horse trotted along behind him.
