Chapter 35

As Lucius disappeared out the door, Ursula and Grisial stared at the guards who surrounded them, rifles pointed at their heads. Had Ursula just witnessed a coup? And if so, were she and Grisial about to take the blame for it?

“At ease, men,” shouted a familiar voice. Slowly, the guards lowered their weapons.

Ursula stared as her grandfather stepped in front of the throne. “As you can see, the king is temporarily indisposed, but I am certain he will return in a few days. You may return to your stations.”

Frank’s order seemed to relax the guards, and they began to creep away from Ursula and Grisial.

When they’d moved out of earshot, Frank stepped down the stairs, nodding at Grisial. “I must say, I am impressed that you managed to find her.”

“It wasn’t easy,” said Ursula.

“No, I imagine not.”

“Your granddaughter can be very convincing,” said Grisial.

“She always has been.”

Ursula wrung her hands together, wondering if she could summon up some of that persuasive ability. “Frank? My friends are still imprisoned. Bael and Zee.” She bit her lip. “Any chance you could free them?”

He arched a white eyebrow. “We can talk in my office.”

Frank showedthem to a large room above the main gate to the castle and told them to wait there. Once inside, Ursula sat on a worn leather couch, listening to raindrops pattering against a row of glass-paneled windows. Through the wet panes, Ursula had a misty view of the moat and the cobblestone street.

With a creak, the door to the office opened, and Frank stepped inside, followed by Zee and Bael, each still wearing their burlap prison outfits.

Bael was already in attack-planning mode. “We will need enough swords and shields to arm ten thousand soldiers.”

“The armory is well stocked,” said Frank.

As Bael nodded a curt approval, Zee caught Ursula’s eye. “Are you okay? I thought Lucius was going to kill you.”

Ursula shook her head. “He’s an arsehole, but he’s on our side for now. He’s imprisoned King Midac in his quarters.”

“He didn’t hurt you?” Bael’s eyes shone brightly.

“He was an excellent host. Even got a shower and golden robe. More importantly, how are we going to take on Abrax? Are we bringing these swords and armaments into the Shadow Realm?”

“Precisely,” said Bael.

“You’ll have the support of my soldiers,” added Frank. “You’ll need them.”

Ursula could see the concern etched on Bael’s face. A large-scale invasion of the Shadow Realm by an army sworn to the fire goddess had never been on his agenda. Still, he kept his mouth shut. It wasn’t as if they had a ton of options.

“Good,” she said. “Now that that is settled, can we get Bael and Zee some clothes that don’t smell like the bottom of a grave?”

Thirty minutes later,they all sat squished together on Frank’s sofa, gripping steaming cups of tea. Bael’s and Zee’s prison uniforms had been carted off while they showered, and they now wore simple black clothing.

Frank sat on the edge of his desk. “It will take me a few days to notify my men and collect the weaponry.”

Bael nodded. “Good. That will give us time to prepare for your arrival.” He stood, turning to Ursula and Zee. “We should return to the Grotto. Ursula, will you be able to bring the two of us along with you through the sigil?”

Before Ursula could answer, the door to Frank’s office burst open. Lucius filled the doorway, his hair seemingly brighter than normal, and gripping a long, cloth-wrapped object. Seriously, does he ever knock?

“Leaving already?” he said, his voice a low growl.

Bael faced Lucius head-on, his broad shoulders larger even than the shifter’s. “We must return to the Shadow Realm.”

“And you plan to take our soldiers? Leaving Mount Acidale undefended?”

Frank straightened. “Bael and Ursula will need all the men I can round up to fight the Darkling. If we defeat him there, we don’t need to worry about him invading here.”

“But I do believe you’ll be needing my sword,” said Lucius, touching the pommel at his belt.

Ursula smiled. “That we do.” I’d rather wield it myself, but I suppose this will have to do.

Lucius puffed out his chest. “And one more thing. I believe you lost this.” He handed her the cloth-wrapped object in his hands.

Ursula took it from him, and her jaw dropped open as she unwrapped it, revealing a gorgeous, gleaming katana. One she knew very well—Honjo, in fact.

“H-how? Where?” she stammered, gripping it by the hilt.

“You stabbed me in the leg with it,” said Lucius. “When we first met in the skies above New York. I’m not giving you Excalibur back, but I suppose you can have that one.”

Frank put his hand on Ursula’s shoulder, staring into her eyes. “Give us a little bit of time to get our forces organized and trained for the Shadow Realm. But we will be there to fight by your side. Make sure you’re ready for us.”