Page 38 of Thorns and Echoes

“I didn't know.”

“You killed him. He didn't die in your land, or by your hand, but your court killed him nonetheless. You want to catch up on the last ten years? It's simple. Instead of marrying my love, I gave myself to my mother. I had nothing left, and she gave me purpose. She made me the Commander. That is all I need.”

Aurora spat out her speech and returned her stare to the empty air.

Their world made everyone cold and cruel.

Anais tucked the tail of her whip into its coils. “That's not all you are. It doesn't have to be.”

“We are not children anymore, Queen Anais. Let us leave it at that.”

To her nobles, the Queen would have walked away. She wouldn't have tried so hard to make peace. Aurora had neveracted like one of her courtiers. Perhaps Anais didn't know the Commander, but this woman she once knew seemed to have a resilient core of honor, unyielding strength, and ruthless control. It could be just the right combination.

The Queen made one last gamble. Their friendship was worth it. The potential alliance was worth it. “I am traveling to Nadraken. Straight to their castle, where I believe my Escort is being held. Come with me. Aurora–”

Either this woman was her friend or her enemy. If what she was about to say was repeated, she would be forced to kill the Commander.

“–Please. Let me show you that I haven't changed. We are not children, but I am still me. I'm still the girl who couldn't put down a baby hawk with a broken wing. And I refuse to believe the girl who helped me hide that helpless creature is gone.”

Perhaps it was time to reveal who they were to the world. War was beating its drums louder every day. All she had done was slow the tempo, but she couldn’t control the other players. Shoni'i had chosen not to attack Drantar. The two nations had never moved in the same rhythm, but perhaps they could be convinced to join forces.

By Aurora’s sharp frown, the woman hadn't expected an invitation. Or perhaps it was the way Anais had asked that shocked her. The expression wasn't one of pleasant surprise, however; it was incredulity.

“My Queen has orders,” the Commander said. After a slight hesitation and in a quieter tone, she added, “Stars guide your travels.”

No, then. Anais stepped back.

“Stars guide your travels, Commander Aurora.”

Chapter 15

Castien

Darkness had been a comfort, once. He had craved it, tumbled with relief into its numbing embrace. There was no pain in sleep. No fear, no regret.

The darkness no longer welcomed him.

His dreams were drenched in terror.

You killed her.

No. He hadn’t meant to. He could explain.

They don’t want you.

The Escorts. They would hate him. Octavius, who healed him. Vern, her father. Oh, goddess, her father.

You belong here.

Yes. He did.

During the day, the thin man visited often. Servants brought food, cleaned wounds, and changed the sheets under Frances’ supervision. Sometimes, when he woke up, still tied to the bed, naked and cold, he mistook the man to be his Master, watching with sad, disappointed eyes.

You should have obeyed. You should have agreed.

He had. He would. But no– This wasn't the House of Shadows. He had no Master.

Only a Mistress and her blade, her claws, her whip.