Chapter Four

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Tabitha

Igrip the parchment in my hand as I walk down the stairs. My three Dravens are waiting by the door, dressed and packed for a week's journey to slaughter the six men on my list. The six men who work directly for my father and have been the reason for many, many deaths. The six men, who, once they no longer breathe, will make killing my father much easier. My hatred for them runs so deep, not only for the pain they've caused others, but for what they did to me over the three years I was held in those dungeons. No matter how many times I begged and pleaded for help, all they did was laugh. Some took part in the torture. Some withheld feedings. Some just ignored me.

"I've decided I'm going with you," I say as I stop in front of Kozzanth, Theodas, and Raisi. I'm met with concerned looks.

Raisi steps forward. "My queen, you—"

I hold my hand up to quiet him.

"I've got my full strength back, thanks to the three of you feeding me and fucking me for the last week. I'm fully capable of fighting. Being raised by a king and a queen, I have many talents."

"That she does," Raisi mumbles, and I hide my smirk. It's harder to do when I watch Theodas elbow him in the ribs for being crass. Though, that isn't something I worry about. I prefer my men to be honest with me than worry about being proper. As long as they aren't rude, cruel, or out of line, I'm fine with them speaking their minds. I've told them this more than once, but Theodas is still hesitant. Kozzanth is too, at times, but Raisi has completely let loose. He is a lot of fun to be around.

"If you insist on coming along, then we must insist you listen to us. You may have experience, but we have more. Besides, it's been a long time since you've had any sort of combat. We only want to protect you," Theodas explains carefully.

I nod. "I'll agree to it. I trust the three of you to keep me safe and will do as you say."

They share a look as if they are having a private conversation, though I know that is impossible. Yet, I see the moment they all finally agree.

I hold up the parchment.

"I will hold that, my queen," Raisi says, taking it from my hand.

"Names and locations of their homes in Demtra," I explain.

"May I look?" Theodas asks, holding his hand out toward Raisi.

He has been studying the maps of all the realms, though he'd already proven to me it was unnecessary. A few days ago, we stayed awake late into the night chatting, and Raisi and Kozzanth kept picking on Theodas for memorizing every image he looks at. It was all in good fun, and also cute to see them getting along in that way. With their guards down.

It would make sense for Theodas to keep the list, or at least look at it, to form a plan of where we should go first. I'm sure he knows where each of those locations are without needing to look at a map. Now that he knows where we are in the realm, he can navigate us anywhere.

"Do you mind if I mark this?" he asks, brows furrowed as he looks it over.

"Of course not."

He pulls a pencil from a side pouch on his pack, marks something down on the parchment, then folds it and looks at me.

"I've marked them in order geographically, from where we will enter the realm to the castle."

"Smart. Shall we get going?" I ask. "The sooner we get this done, the sooner I will sit on that throne."

Theodas pulls the door open and steps out. Kozzanth is next, then Raisi gestures for me to go and he follows.

As we walk down the winding path toward the woods and away from my home, I note their packs are light, carrying nothing more than what's necessary, like survival tools. Dravens are able to go into a sort of stasis, so they do not require eating for long periods of time. Therefore, they could go this entire trip without even a bite of food and be all right. Though, that would mean less energy and more likely to get hurt. Thankfully, they are amazing hunters and can digest just about anything. There is no need to cook their food; they can eat raw meat. I doubt this would come to that, as we aren't traveling to a realm where we would end up in an area where we could not get food or find shelter, but you never know what will happen.

Since I've been feeding over the last week, I may feel hungry for normal food, but will survive without it as well. Still, feeding now and then makes sense to keep our energy levels as high as possible. It's all about balance and listening to what our bodies need. My plan is clear, but it doesn't mean the universe will allow things to go so smoothly.

"To reach the first location will take at least a day"s walk. There are two we can take care of within that same day, as the next isn't far. We can rest after that, then travel to the next location to take out the third," Theodas explains, looking over the parchment again. "Your father placed these men strategically across the realm to ensure there is someone in all areas."

"He is a smart man; I will give him that. If only he used his brains for good and not evil." We enter the woods, and keep on the worn trail, Theodas leading the way. "They will be alerted the moment I enter the realm. They won't be able to track me, but they will know I am there. My father will surely send men to look for me."

"As expected," Kozzanth says, his honey eyes narrowing slightly. "We will ensure your safety, my queen. There is no need to worry."

Of my three Dravens, he is the one who speaks the least. A man of few words. But he watches everything. Sees everything. Kozzanth always knows what's going on around him. These three are a good mix of all things needed.

Though I appreciate Kozzanth's words, I am not worried about their ability to protect me. I'm merely giving them a heads up.

It's a short time after that we reach the market area, and one of Tohr's bakeries. He truly is the only person I trust with traveling, and only because he is Dahlia's uncle. If it weren't for her, things for me would be much more difficult. I am grateful to have a friend who stood by my side.

We've been friends since we were little, and when I escaped the dungeons my father was keeping me in, she was the person I ran to. She asked no questions, just packed her things and left with me in the night. We escaped the realm together. It was a big help that she had family and ties outside of the realm. It made her transition easy and allowed her more time to help me since she didn't have to focus on figuring things out for herself. Eventually, she went back to her home in Demtra. My father questioned her on my whereabouts, but she told him she didn't know a thing. Thankfully no harm came to her, but I do believe that was only because my father expected her to lead him to me.

The little bell above the door rings as we walk into the bakery, and Tohr spots me immediately. The scent of freshly baked bread has my mouth watering. My senses are heightened from feeding, and I don't think his bakery has ever smelled so delicious.

"Is this the real one?" Kozzanth asks under his breath.

I smirk at him. "No."

"Traveling again so soon?" Tohr asks as he leans the wooden broom against the wall.

"That's right."

"May I offer you something for the road? Everything is fresh." He gestures toward the full glass display case.

"I do love a fresh chocolate croissant," I comment. "Would you like anything?" I ask the guys.

"We've never had anything like this," Theodas says, looking over all the pastries. By the time we left Morden, it was late in the day and all the good stuff was gone. "What is good?"

"Everything is good here!" Tohr announces, and I laugh.

I've learned over the week they don't like anything too sweet.

"Perhaps scones for them. They don't like too much sugar."

Tohr nods and grabs three scones. He puts them into one bag, while taking my croissant and putting it in another.

"On the house," he says, handing both bags to Kozzanth, who is standing the closest.

"You don't have to do that," I tell Tohr, but he waves me off.

Kozzanth hands me my bag before opening the other and pulling out a scone. He turns it over, inspecting it. Raisi takes the bag next, grabs a scone and hands it to Theodas, then takes the remaining one for himself.

"So much for the road," I say as I take my croissant from the bag.

Raisi takes my bag and crumples it with his before tossing it into the trash can, then bites into his scone. The three of them stand there carefully eating the scones. I watch as they enjoy the food. The looks on their faces are interested but unsure, but I'm certain they don't hate it.

"Well?" I say around a smile.

"It's good," Kozzanth says thoughtfully, as if he cannot decide if it's true.

"They pair well with coffee," Tohr adds.

"Or tea," I interject, causing him to chuckle.

"Lots of us prefer coffee," Tohr comments.

"Lots of you are wrong." I smile at him as I take the last bite of croissant. Tohr moves around the counter and goes into the office, holding the door for us to enter.

"Where to this time, my dear?" he asks.

"Demtra."

He nods, and I hand him the payment for travel.

"Safe travels. I will see you when you return."

He does his magic, creating the portal, and once again Kozzanth goes first. Then Theodas, me, and Raisi taking up the back.

There is no one waiting for us on the other side, which I expected. It is common for me to travel in and out of Belva. My father knows it's where I am staying, and why he sends assassins for me. It's likely he doesn't expect me to travel to his realm, which is why no one is waiting.

I have not been able to figure out if these assassins are after me to kill me or capture me. Regardless of their intentions, all have failed, and they will continue to do so. I refuse to let my father win this, no matter what it takes. I will fight for my people until my last dying breath. I will not give up.

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