Page 16 of The Crown’s Temptation

“I didn’t say it would happen, Ivernet. I simply said what to do if it does. Give your people my instructions.”

Ivernet inclined her head. “I will make the arrangements.”

Axar left without another word. The road to the Witchward was long.

He suspected what awaited him there would be far worse.

Urasal

COLSAR

Urasal

He did not remember walking through the gates of Urasal.

He remembered Teorin lifting her. The way her arm had fallen. The sound of his own voice saying it is time as though it belonged to someone else. Everything between then and now was something he had moved through rather than experienced.

The room held the twins. Saurin in the corner with Ari, Cambra with Fiorakis. Kentan stood near the door. He stopped when Colsar came through.

Colsar's legs gave out.

He did not fight it. He went down slowly, one hand catching the frame, and stayed there.

"Where is Asharin?" Kentan said. Carefully. The way you said something when you already knew the answer would not be what you wanted to hear.

Colsar closed his eyes.

"Colsar." Kentan crossed the room and gripped his shoulders. "Where is she?"

Saurin stepped forward. "Majesty, I can go retrieve her if⁠—"

"She is gone."

Kentan went still. "What do you mean gone?"

"We were supposed to have dinner." His voice came from somewhere he did not recognize. "Her body was cold when I found her." He stopped. Drew a breath. “I⁠—”

He stopped himself. He would not tell them about Morrath. It did not matter that he trusted them. To protect her, he would trust no one.

Kentan grew pale. "Who? How?" His voice was hoarse.

Saurin's wail split the room.

He did not flinch. He had nothing left to flinch with.

"Whoever planned this did not plan it alone. The children must stay hidden."

He dragged his hand across his face.

When she awakens she must know you were strong. That you loved her. That you protected them and everything she built, he reminds himself.

He looked at Kentan. "The children stay here. No one leaves Urasal.”

Kentan nodded. His face had gone the color of old ash.

Both women's faces were streaked with tears. Ari began to cry. Then Fiorakis let out a high thin scream that cut through everything.

Colsar looked at his daughter. He did not reach for her. He swallowed down every emotion that was rising to the surface.