Page 127

Elowen’s voice penetrated the crimson haze in my mind.

“He keeps her brothers chained in his dungeon to use as leverage. We both know she’d do anything to protect them. With Runa’s cooperation, Idris is drawing more magic from Carceremthan ever before. By my estimation, the sacred arbor won’t survive another turn.”

“And Thorne?” I asked through gritted teeth. There had to be someone left to help me rescue her.

Elowen adjusted the delicate folds of her gown. “He and his dragon departed shortly after you did. His beast was weakened by captivity. The two retired into some dark cave where the creature could rest in safety.”

Although none of my former teammates were available, I still had options.

“Very well. I’ll need to borrow a thousand of your best soldiers. Tell them we ride at dawn.”

The queen scoffed, screwing up her ethereal face. “You misunderstand my role in this situation. While I may have assisted you with your escape from the games, that is as much as I can intervene. Under no circumstances will I start a war with Carcerem.”

My power swelled with my frustration, expanding inside my chest. Sparks snapped against my fingertips. “You’re not serious.”

“Quite serious,” she said, expression hardening. “I can give you the gift of my wisdom to help you formulate a plan. Along with a place to rest. But that is all. The reason Copia has thrived all these years while others failed is our desire to stay within our own borders and out of others’ business.”

“Not even if your assistance would grant you untold favor with the new king of Carcerem?”

She smirked. “You’ve seen Copia. I’ve no need of your favor.”

I gritted my teeth. “Then what do you propose?”

She narrowed her eyes at me. “What I propose is that Carcerem finally stand and clean up their own mess. The current king will expect subterfuge and deception. You are the lost king, rightful ruler of Carcerem. It’s past time you acted like it. Thepower of the gods runs through your veins. You saw what happened when my soldiers attempted to restrain you. Idris’s guards won’t be able to touch you.”

She hammered her small fist onto the arm of her throne. “I say you storm through the front gates, march into the throne room, and challenge Idris directly.”

I stared at her in silence, contemplating my options. In the mortal realm, I’d often used manipulation, lies, and deceit to achieve my goals. And look where that had gotten me. “It’s a bold plan and, in a kingdom filled with criminals, unexpected. However, once I’m inside, I’ll require backup. Some way of keeping Idris’s army occupied while I challenge the false king.”

The queen grew contemplative. “While fearful, the citizens of Carcerem have been waiting for this moment for ages. Even those who didn’t initially join the rebellion may rally behind the lost king. Some of the most prosperous kingdoms are those that have the love and respect of their civilians. Without them, there is no kingdom. Go to your people. Give them hope, give them strength, and they’ll support you in return.”

I nodded my agreement. “Inspire the people, storm the gates, destroy the king, rescue Runa. Easy.” I was most definitely going to die. Hopefully, not until after Runa was free.

The queen held up her hand. “There is one thing you need to know before you go.”

Of course there was. There was always a catch.

“You must not, for any reason, damage Carcerem’s sacred arbor. Damage the tree, and you’ll destroy the kingdom. Idris claimed the throne through unnatural means. Queen Raelynn is deeply embedded in the marrow of the tree. She is like a duskcat who has stabbed her claws in too deep. Rip her away, and she’ll take a chunk of flesh with her. You must kill Idris first. Once you’ve claimed the throne, then you can use your divine gifts and rightful connection to the realm to carefully extract the queen.”

Despite Raelynn’s many crimes against the kingdom, I’d no desire to be the one to kill Runa’s sister. Killing Idris first wouldn’t be a problem. The queen, I would leave for her sister to deal with.

I turned to Queen Elowen. “I understand your refusal to lend me an army, but I do have one request.”

“What is that?”

“Your fastest ship, finest horse, and clothing suited to a king.”

She bowed her head. “That, I can do.”

Chapter Thirty-Seven

VICTOR

The horse’shooves pounded beneath me, driven by divine energy that urged my snow-white steed to an unnatural pace—so fast it felt as if we were soaring. Power thrummed in my veins, Carcerem reaching out to me, prodding me faster. My skin burned with a radiant light. Sunlight glinted off my golden chest plate and gauntlets. The red cape fluttered from my shoulders like a flag, calling all I passed to make ready for battle.

Given my experience in the fallen trials, it was clear the best way to gain Carcerem’s attention was to dazzle them with plenty of pomp and circumstance.

Today, I planned to burn brighter than Carcerem’s sun.