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I nod. “Of course, Father.”
“You’re a good lad, Cassian. And although you think yourself a man, ready to take on the world, you aren’t.” I splutter and he holds up a hand. “I was once seventeen too. I was brash and headstrong and thought no ill could befall me. I remember what it is like, son. But there is much you have to learn, things you need to accomplish if you’re going to be able to help her and this kingdom. We need an army, one not tainted by Morana’s magic. And we need a way to defeat her.
“Your mother was once an acquaintance of the Beast of Granton. When Morana’s powers began to change our land, I wrote to him, and he agreed to allow you to stay with him for a time. He’ll teach you what you need to know.”
“I thought he was a myth.” I’m stunned at the news. Every child knows about the Beast, stories of him are told to make them behave. “But what about Snow? I can’t just leave her here.”
“Cassian, what would you do? Steal her away in her condition? What if she dies while she’s with you? I’ll not see my son blamed for the death of the heir, nor watch you hang for it. I’ll help her the best I can while you’re gone.”
I freeze, my heart and mind at war with each other. My father has never steered me wrong. Although my heart screams for me to storm through the palace and yank her from the dungeon, my mind heeds his words. What can I do? I have no magic, no army, no way to win this fight. Ignoring the pain in my chest, I nod in acquiescence.
“Good lad. Go to the stables and prepare Fire Heart. He’s been bred for war, is swift and sure-footed, and will make a good companion for you on your journey.”
“I can’t take him, he’s your favorite.” Fire Heart is the grandson of my mother’s horse, and Father’s pride.
He clasps me on the shoulder before starting back out of the bushes. “You will do as you’re told, Cassian. I trust Fire Heart will see you safely back to us.”
Once he’s gone, I turn back to the window, only to find Snow White standing on shaky legs, her face turned up to mine, tears coursing down her dirty face. “You are leaving?” she croaks in a hoarse voice.
Squeezing my arm through the window, I reach out, and she places her hand in mine. “I will be back, Snow. I promise you. I will find a way to defeat Morana and your father, and I will be the one to place the crown on your head.”
“Please don’t leave me,” she sobs. “I don’t think I can survive without you.”
If my heart breaks any more today, I fear there will be nothing left of it. “I must. Be patient. Do what you can to keep yourself off of Morana’s radar. Keep yourself safe, and I’ll return soon.”
I squeeze her fingers and she returns the gesture, hating when her hand slips from mine. It feels like an omen and not a good one.
FireHeart,amidnightFriesian, stands at a towering seventeen hands high. His stall was specially crafted for his larger frame, and his onyx eyes watch me as I approach him. Holding out the carrots I liberated from the kitchen gardens, he delicately takes them from my hand, then whuffles around my chest, looking for more.
“Hey, boy,” I murmur softly, scratching his forehead. It takes several minutes to get him bridled and saddled, and I lead him to the stable entrance, waiting for my father to return.
“Where are you taking Fire Heart?” a squeaky voice asks from behind me, making me jump. Turning my head, I spy one of the young stable hands. Freddie, I think his name is. With a mop of bright auburn hair and a profusion of freckles across his nose, he looks younger than his fourteen years.
I give him a sheepish smile and a wink. “A lovely new girl is working at a tavern in the next village.”
The boy grins back and elbows me in the side. “Ah, then don’t let me keep you. Give ‘er a good seeing to!”
I pretend to laugh along with him, but his disrespect has me clenching my teeth when I turn away. Father would never allow such, but Morana’s influence is more powerful than he.
Leading Fire Heart out of the stables, I go around the back, not wanting to draw any more unwanted attention. Moments later, Father joins me, carrying a heavy-looking pack over one shoulder. He sets it at my feet, then pulls me into a hug, pounding me on the back. “Godspeed, Cassian. I will miss you but trust you’ll return soon with the aid we need.”
“What if I don’t succeed?” I voice the fear that has been nagging at me since he left me next to the dungeon.
He places his hand on my shoulder, his face serious. “You are my son, Cassian. And your mother’s. She—she was special. And long ago I met an oracle, who prophesied that my son would one day reign as Valderán’s hero. I have every confidence in you.”
Swallowing down the lump forming in my throat, I give him one last hug, then swing up onto Fire Heart. Father attaches the sack he brought to the saddle, then slaps the horse on the rump.
“Take care of my son,” he says to Fire Heart, and the horse nods, letting out a soft neigh as if he understands Father’s words. Maybe he does.
A caw sounds from the tree nearest us, and Father stiffens. “Go now, Cassian,” he hisses, removing a knife from his belt. He throws it, killing the raven instantly. “Now!” he shouts when I hesitate, and I race off, Fire Heart’s heavy hooves pounding against the earth before any more ravens can follow us.
Chapter 7
Snow White
Four Months Later
Myarmsandlegsare pinned to the wall, horror and panic racing through me. Morana is screaming filthy words at me, some of which I don’t understand. Whore. Slut. She tells me I became pregnant solely to derail her plans.
