Page 90

“My decision stands,” he whispered. “You’re to go to Nestra with the children and remain there until Father summons you. He will decide your future.”

She cast her gaze toward Kora, who had staggered backward, as if he’d been delivered a physical blow. His mouth worked soundlessly, but in the end, he clamped it shut and said nothing. He accepted Jael’s decision in silence. She ached to imagine what he must be experiencing in that moment, what pain he held inside and kept to himself.

Couldn’t Jael have shown mercy? To his own brother?

But when she studied Jael’s face, she saw something in his eyes that made her want to weep. He was in pain, deep pain that he probably couldn’t have spoken to them about if his life depended on it.

Perhaps this decision was him showing mercy.

Teague led them to a boat that had been tethered a short distance away, where the River Styx flowed through a tunnel next to the great cavern. It was a small but sturdy boat with intricate carvings she wished she had time to examine.

Math helped Anrid settle Medda in the boat’s bottom, layered beneath blankets. The boat shifted as the runekeeper climbed out. Anrid pressed her lips to the sweet child’s forehead. “Come home to us, little one,” she whispered, brokenly.

Then she reached out both arms to catch Rig as Kora lowered him into the boat. He climbed in after the boy and took his place at the oars. Teague would steer the rudder, since he knew their destination.

“How long until you can reach the city?” Jael asked Teague. Math moved to stand beside him, looking thin and weary.

“A day at most. We will get her there in time, if it is at all possible. I promise.” The dark elf’s expression turned very grave. “I know my word means very little, with the evil my people have done to yours, but I swear to do this thing for you.”

Anrid turned her face away, feeling as if she were eavesdropping on a private conversation she shouldn’t be privy to. She wasn’t a goblin nor a dark elf. What had happened these last few days went beyond her. Where did she belong now? Her betrothed ran off without her, not that she would have gone with him after this. What fate lay ahead for her? Would they find her another husband? Would she return to Haldor in disgrace? Be forced to watch Dagmar be taken instead?

She shook off the fears for herself and kissed Rig on the cheek. “Be good and take care of your sister,” she ordered with a smile.

“I will, Uh-NEE.” He hugged her, then, like he thought he would never see her again. “I wish you could come with us.”

Her heart twisted. “I know, love. I wish that too. But I need to go take care of the other children. They need me too. And you’re big and strong and brave. And you have Prince Kora to take care of you.” She rested her chin on the top of Rig’s tangled hair and focused on Kora. “You will take care of them. Won’t you?”

He flinched, as if wounded by the doubt in her voice. “I will.” He said nothing else, but she believed him.

“And—take care of yourself too, Kora.” She reached out a tentative hand and laid it on his forearm. She wanted to say much, much more…but it wasn’t her place. She could only offer comfort. His fate wasn’t hers to decide. “I hope—I hope we’ll see you again soon.”

His somber expression shattered with that wry, half smile he favored so much. “I hope that too. I know you’ll miss me.”

She laughed, but it sounded rather broken to her own ears. “You know I will, you cad.”

He caught her hand in both of his and lifted it to his mouth, but he brushed the back of her hand lightly and released her immediately after. “Be happy, Anrid,” he said with sincerity. “Whatever path you choose, be happy.”

She swallowed hard and resisted the urge to peek at Jael. Still, Kora smiled knowingly as if he understood her internal struggle. She blushed scarlet and put Rig away from her to rise from the boat. Jael and Teague had finished their conversation, and each reached out a hand to assist her to solid ground again.

Teague shook hands with her. She would have liked to get to know him better: he reminded her of her father in some ways.

“Thank you for helping us.” The words didn’t sound enough to express her gratitude.

He smiled anyway, but the light didn’t quite reach his eyes. “It’s the least I could do.” He squeezed her hand and released her. Still, he hesitated and made no move to climb aboard the boat. “About your obligation to Gelaira.” He licked his lips and considered her. Heat filled her cheeks under the intense perusal. “I will speak on your behalf. Consider your obligation fulfilled, Anrid. You don’t owe Gelaira anything else.”

Her breath caught in her throat. Her obligation fulfilled? Did he mean it? Truly?

A smile warmed his countenance, as if he took pleasure in giving her this great gift.

“I am…free?” she managed, unable to grasp what it might mean.

He nodded. “I will see to the details. You are—indeed—free.”

Tears pricked at her eyes, and she lurched forward to wrap him in a hug. He released a startled gasp but then patted her on the back with a laugh.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

He set her away from him, smiling. This time, the light reached the windows into his soul. “I would hope there are people in the world who would do the same for my own daughters,” he said.