Chapter Nine

Though the terrain is rough and my bones ache with stiffness, our party only stops once to water the horses and take care of personal needs.

While I ate a meager breakfast of berries and oats, I refuse the bread and fig jam Alexander offers me when we stop at the foot of the Carborough Pass. The incessant chatter that surrounded me as we passed through various towns paired with being jostled about on the horse for an entire night has ensured that I have little appetite.

Despite my irritation, I quickly discern that the men who accompany us have known the General for a long time. The laughter and easy conversation flowing between them is a testament to the camaraderie they've built.

Whether it's the permanent scowl that rests on my features, or that they sense I prefer to be left to peace, I can't be sure, but I've blessedly been omitted from their conversations.

Their hearty laughter dies as we travel through the parts of Greenwrath Forest that wrap around the winding roads of the Elpid Mountain Range. The men place their hands on the sheaths at their sides, ready to draw their longswords on any manner of creatures that live in these woods.

A somber aura surrounds our party when we reach the foothills of the Carborough Pass. The soft, lush greenery that was once found in this region is no more. The vast expanse of land before us has been visibly marred and is nothing more than scorched earth now. No plant life is to be found as far as my eye can see. Wagons that were once used for transport are overturned and lie in pieces.

Skirmishes along the eastern border between Minalis and Risian have long seen the most bloodshed. Although this has been the case through the centuries, they've never turned into full-scale battles. That was until twenty-six days ago, when Risian forces attacked the camps of my soldiers in the dead of night.

Seeing that their king had been brought up with a wealth of knowledge in the strategies of war, I'd been expecting it sooner rather than later. In order to discern the precise location of Felix's forces, I had needed him to make the first move. The lives sacrificed gave Alexander and my council a chance to explore strategies that would ensure our victory in the war to come.

Three days following the assault, I commanded my men to march through the deepest parts of Greenwrath Forest, coating their pearlescent armor with mud and leaves to camouflage their collective movement. I wore a path into the stone floor of my bedchambers while awaiting the news. At daybreak, word arrived from Commander Lathing, who led the charge. Relief swept over me when I learned of the small victory.

Despite the men I'd lost, Risian forces were caught unaware and awoke to blades pointed at their throats. In the end, they'd forfeited double the number of troops.

In all my time as Queen, I can only count the number of times I've felt this exasperated, in both a mental and physical sense. The jagged cliffs and rocky mountains stretching out over the Besite Sea become a blur when our party mounts and begins to travel.

Although the air is cool, the breeze grows in strength as we travel farther through the Elpid Mountains, carrying loose rock and dirt into my eyes.

"Here," Alexander murmurs, reaching behind him and pulling his golden helmet from the satchel. "Put this on."

I twist around and blink at him. "I'm not wearing that."

The soldiers who ride alongside us throw a curious glance in my direction as my incredulous tone reverberates off the mountains surrounding us.

"It'll protect your eyes."

"No," I snap, giving little care to the attention our conversation draws.

The General sighs at my back. I know it'll be a blessing from the stars themselves if Alexander and I manage to survive one another through this journey.

My shoulders sag in relief when the never-ending roads that wind through the mountains of the Carborough Pass open up. The terrain smooths as we begin the descent toward the flat expanse of land the Dorston Keep sits atop.

Judging by the breaking dawn that sweeps across the glittering sea to our left, we've made good time. Resplendent rays of sunlight reflect off the gold and crimson tent peaks that stretch for miles in the distance.

Alexander voiced his concern early on that we may be forced to stop in the night depending on the circumstances. Seeing that he avoided my gaze as he spoke, the meaning of his words didn't escape me. He quirked a brow in my direction when I claimed we would do no such thing.

Our party is brought to a stop when the ruins of the Dorston Keep come into view. Gaping sections of stone are missing on the right side of what I'm told was once a grand castle. An overgrowth of greenery covers almost every inch of the largest tower that remains, creeping up to cover the shattered glass windows. The three smaller towers that sit alongside a larger tower are in a similar state. The wooden bridge that connects them is nearly in splinters. Certainly too perilous to cross.

The high walls of the parapet that form a semi-circle around the front of the castle are the only structures in decent shape. Fresh clay has been packed into holes at the top where men stand guard, the dark brown coloring a stark contrast to the weathered gray stone.

Shouts ring out and a horde of no less than twenty men start across the level plain upon catching sight of us. My gaze latches to the man who sits upon the black stallion leading the charge. Fear strikes a chord within my chest when his mount closes the distance at breakneck speed and his dark hair glistens beneath the dawn. The thread in my chest is taut with tension as I search for the color of his eyes.

"You're safe," Alexander whispers at the sharp catch of my breath. "That's Commander Lathing."

Although my fear is soothed at once, the bond deflates the moment the words pass from the General's lips. Even though they're expecting our arrival, I appreciate my men's distrust in any foreign being that approaches where they make camp. One can never be too careful where the King of Risian is concerned.

Thundering hooves circle once, then come to surround our party on all sides. Commander Lathing brings his mount to a stop and removes his helmet.

"State your business," he barks.

My legs tremble like a newborn foal's, but pride sweeps through me when I dismount without Alexander's aid. With curls flying around my face in the summer breeze, and all matter of dirt covering my gown, I lift my chin and meet his eye.

"You should mind your tongue when speaking to your Queen, Commander." My gaze flickers to the band of soldiers that await over his shoulder. "As well as kneel."

After each of the men kneel and greetings are exchanged, Commander Lathing escorts us through the sea of tents extending in front of the keep. My feet ache from walking such a long distance but I don't mind. The soreness that has settled in my bones appreciates the opportunity to stretch my legs. Besides, riding through the camp would all but announce my presence to everyone here.

Most of the soldiers huddle into small groups, sharpening their swords and polishing their armor. My stomach grumbles when the mouth-watering smell of meat being roasted over small cooking fires wafts to my nose.

The curious glances I receive from the men and the warm smiles from the women tell me they have no inkling their queen is in their midst. If they did, I'm certain they'd rather spit in my face than welcome me into their temporary homes.

"A fleet of Risian vessels has cut off all supply lines into Minalis. General Branslen and his men sailed into an abandoned port to the far left and went around the backside of the Pass in order to avoid detection," Commander Lathing says to my left. "Although it's damn near impossible to smuggle twenty thousand men into a camp."

Lord Petras' words before our departure ring in my ears. Our opportunity for victory dwindles with each passing day. The naval vessels prowling the sea prevent merchant ships from docking at the ports. Sooner rather than later, food stores will be depleted and my men will have no choice but to march to the battlefield or die of hunger.

"And where is General Branslen now?" I ask, keeping my tone light although trepidation sweeps over me. "I should think it would be wise to meet and discuss the placement of our battle lines."

Approval shines in Alexander's eyes when I glance at him to my right. The corners of his lips lift when our gazes connect before he returns his attention to Commander Lathing. While I don't have a full understanding of the intricacies of warfare, my father ensured I knew basic strategy.

"Awaiting your arrival, My Queen. Believes it'll be good to have a firm position before we meet Risian on the battlefield. These are your tents." He slows his steps and gestures to the crimson tent behind him.

Although it's double the size of the smaller tents nearby, I wrinkle my nose. A small cutout flaps in the wind and acts as the entrance, the linen material weathered with age.

"Very good," Alexander chimes in, glancing over at me. "Tell General Branslen we'll need a few hours of sleep and then we'll meet in the war tent."

With a nod, Commander Lathing turns heel and slips back onto the narrow pathway between the sea of tents. With a gentle smile, Alexander places his hand on the small of my back and lifts the tent flap.

The bone-deep exhaustion that settles over me gives little care to how Alexander and I are going to sleep comfortably on the small cot to the left. A thin wool blanket is folded across the two limp pillows that lie on the cot. While I've slept in more luxurious sheets, it's a welcome sight. A long wooden table lies in the middle of the tent. Three low-burning candles sit at its center, acting as our only source of light.

I wish for nothing more than to sleep, but my skin crawls when I draw a deep breath. The stench of our mount and the outdoors intertwine and cling to me like a leech.

Seeming to understand the path my thoughts have taken, Alexander presses his lips to my temple. Along with promising to return with our trunks, he'll also find a hot meal and warm water.

Low voices pass by outside the tent as I pull the pins from the bun at the nape of my neck and strip down to my chemise. I blow out a long breath when I pick up the flagon in the middle of the table and find it empty. Just because we're preparing for battle doesn't mean there should be no wine. I hope Alexander is able to find a pitcher of blackberry wine to accompany our dinner. My rest is more peaceful when I have a glass before bed.

Returning with dried meat and potatoes, along with two pails of warm water, we bathe and eat in silence. Despite the rays of dawn and noise of the awakening camp outside our tent, it's a struggle to keep my eyes open with each bite I take. Alexander smiles when I yawn.

"Come," he says, standing and offering his hand. "You must rest, love."

All thoughts of resistance fade as I place my hand within his. I can think of little else that sounds better than being cocooned in the General's warmth right now.

Climbing onto the cot, I tug my sleeping gown down as Alexander removes his boots and breeches before settling behind me. With a leg nestling between my thighs and one of his strong arms banding around my waist, I succumb to peaceful oblivion in a matter of minutes.