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After we crossed the arid desert, we approached the perimeter of Evanguard. Their forests were thicker than others, with trees so close together, it was difficult to navigate on horseback. And the foliage was different from the fresh pines in the mountains or the redwoods outside Grayson. Every different kind of green existed here, trees that were lush with light-green leaves with waxy coats. The sounds of wildlife were audible even on the outskirts, birds chirping, animals screeching.
“Did your girlfriend tell you how to get in?” Viper asked as his horse walked beside Cobra’s.
“No.” He walked along the perimeter, peering into the trees as the sun set.
“Let’s just walk inside and explore,” Viper suggested.
“We’ll get lost,” Cobra said. “No one who’s entered their forest has ever come out alive.”
“Why?” Larisa asked me.
“Dangerous things live in there,” I said.
“Let’s set the forest on fire,” Viper said. “That will get their attention.”
“And you’re the general of Grayson?” Cobra asked in surprise. “That’s the worst way to be diplomatic.”
“You got a better idea?” Viper snapped. “Couldn’t you send a missive?”
“None of our birds know the way,” Cobra said.
“So, what are we going to do?” Viper asked. “Keep circling? We’ll need to find cover before dawn, which means we’ll need to cross the desert back the way we came.”
I grew tired of their bickering. “They have scouts all throughout this forest. We just need to let them know we’re here.”
“So, burning it is?” Viper asked.
Cobra rolled his eyes.
“In a way.” I dropped off my horse and let him graze. I grabbed an ax from the saddlebag and began to chop at the closest tree. “We’ll make a big bonfire—something they won’t miss.”
“They might shoot us in the dark,” Cobra said.
“Queen Clara is expecting us, so I doubt it,” I said as I took a break. “Now shut up and help me.”
They helped me chop down the tree and branches and set it on fire. It had enough fuel to cast flames high into the sky, to be so distinct that someone would notice and come running. Now we just had to wait.
4
CLARA
It was late.
Normally, I’d be asleep right now. Or at least in bed, wishing I were asleep.
But my scouts noticed the vampires at our border—and I knew exactly who it was.
Now I was in the throne room, low-burning candles placed on every surface to cast enough light indoors. Fires weren’t permitted in Evanguard, but I needed to make an exception to take a meeting at this hour.
I sat in my armchair and felt my heart thump in my chest. It was painful and uncomfortable. White flowers had been woven into my hair to signify my status as Queen of Evanguard—because my father had been killed in battle.
No one suspected my treason. No one knew I handed the victory to our enemy.
Now I had to carry that for the rest of my life.
My hands were forever stained with my father’s blood.
The vampires did grant mercy to my people by allowing them to flee, but they didn’t allow my king to leave with them. Was I stupid for thinking Cobra would honor that request? Or was my father right? That I needed a husband to be a good ruler. Was I a fool?
