Page 143 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns

“I hate that bastard,” Jax muttered, low enough for only our squad to hear.

“Yeah,” Naia agreed.

My eyes strayed to Remy, and my stomach twisted when I caught the look on his face. His gaze wasn’t on me—it was locked on Theron, sharp and dark, the kind of look that promised violence. I’d seen that look before. My ex wanted to murder him.

My gaze shifted over the gathered squads, and that was when I noticed it—almosteveryset of eyes was on me. Quiet conversations had hushed, replaced by stolen glances and whispers.

“What is going on?” Jax muttered, low enough for just us to hear.

“I’m not sure,” I said, my voice tight. “But almost everyone is watching us.”

“Notus, Ashe,” Riven corrected. Her expression was grim. “They’re watchingyou.”

Cordelle swallowed hard, shifting uncomfortably on his feet. “It’s probably because Zander is the most powerful rider we have,” he said carefully. “His power was thought lost, and being the king’s son... with the largest dragon... well...”

“Well, what?” I demanded.

Cordelle hesitated, glancing at Riven as if hoping she’d answer for him. When she didn’t, he took a breath. “He’s expected to choose a...noblewife.”

I blinked, barely able to register what he was saying. “You think this is about that?” I scoffed. “He’s never going to be king.”

“Yeah,” Jax chimed in, “but his children will be riders. His bloodline matters.”

I shook my head, still trying to make sense of it. “You’re telling me the other riders care because Zander—” I paused, “—becausePrince Zander Raynetook me to the Isle? That’s ridiculous.”

“It can’t be that,” Riven added quietly. “You’re powerful, or you will be. If Kaelith ever anchors you fully...”

Cordelle shook his head. “I don’t think this is about magic.” His gaze hardened. “This is about the fact that he’s a royal, and you’re...”

“A criminal.” The word fell from my mouth like a curse.

Silence wrapped around us.

“That’s not true,” Riven said.

“It’s what they believe,” I whispered back. “And they’re not wrong.”

I glanced back toward Zander. He was standing near the Crownwatch Squad, expression unreadable, but I knew better. His body was tense, coiled tight like a wire ready to snap. I didn’t know if it was because of Theron... or because he knew what this meant.

He was royalty.

And I was just a girl with white hair and too much magic. A thief. A Liar. A daughter of the Order.

Chapter

Twenty-Nine

The horn blared loud and sharp, cutting through the murmurs in the courtyard. All conversation ceased, and we snapped to attention as the castle doors swung open.

King Emlem Rayne emerged, flanked by guards. His presence swallowed the space, a commanding force that seemed to pull all eyes to him. He was tall—taller than I expected—with jet-black hair dusted at the temples with silver. His sharp features seemed carved from stone, and his dark eyes were even colder. He wore sleek black leather armor embossed with the royal crest—a silver dragon coiled around a flaming sword—and a crimson sash draped over his shoulder.

Theron walked at his side, smug as ever. The absence of Dorian didn’t escape my notice.Where was he?Dorian was the heir apparent and should stand beside their father during public appearances. At least that was what I had heard. Something felt...off. I swallowed the uneasy knot in my throat.

King Rayne stepped to the podium and let his gaze sweep across the gathered riders. When his eyes passed over me, they didn’t linger, yet somehow, I still felt like I’d been singled out. As if he knew something I didn’t.

“I stand before you today,” the king’s voice boomed, deep and unwavering, “to announce the latest ascensions within the guild. Those who have proven themselves in strength, strategy, and loyalty.”

I watched as several cadets were called forward, each one stiff with pride as they received their promotion to lieutenant. The applause was scattered but respectful, tension still hanging thick in the air. Then the king’s gaze flicked toward Iron Fang.