Page 28

King

Marinah continued working with Ruth, who was making progress. There hadn’t been a single complaint about the child in weeks, which was the biggest surprise. No excursions with Che to fight hellhounds, and no screams that pierced the ears of every Warrior at the citadel.

Ruth followed Marinah everywhere like a personal guard, the sword Marinah had given her always on her hip, her hand resting on the pommel as if daring anyone to threaten her instructor.

“King,” Beck called urgently. “We have news from the northern outpost.”

Here we go. It had been too quiet. “I’ll grab Marinah. Have the men meet us in the conference room in five.”

I didn’t ask what the news was; it wasn’t my place. That was Marinah’s job now. Beck should’ve gone to her first, but that was something she’d have to address. Eventually, everything would fall into place.

I entered the gym and found Ruth holding her sword with trembling arms, sweat dripping down her face. Her jaw was set stubbornly, a look that reminded me of Marinah’s determination during her early training. The sword was extended in front of her, chest high, arms fully locked.

Marinah glanced over at me as I approached. “You’re needed in the conference room. Urgent,” I told her.

“That works. Someone’s punishment can continue without me here.” She adjusted Ruth’s arms, lifting them a little higher. “Ten more minutes, and then you’re done for the day. If this is what you want to do tomorrow, smart off again.”

“Yes, ma’am. I mean no, ma’am.”

I didn’t laugh. Marinah had a way of making yes and no feel impossibly complicated.

Without another glance at Ruth, Marinah walked out of the gym, and I followed her. “Do you actually think she’ll finish the punishment?” I asked, curious. Marinah had done so much with the child when no one else thought she was worth the trouble.

“Oh, she’ll do it,” Marinah replied confidently. “She knows the punishments I give her make her stronger. They’re no fun, but there’s always an end goal. She’s come a long way, but she’s still fighting authority.”

“Sounds like someone I know,” I said and couldn’t help my smirk.

Marinah shot me a side glare, flipping her braids out of her face. “What’s going on? Why are we meeting?”

“Beck has an urgent message from the northern outpost,” I replied.

She looked at me like I’d lost my mind. “Then why are we walking?”

She took off at a fast jog, turning what would’ve been a three-minute trip into sixty seconds. I kept my thoughts to myself and followed.

The men were already waiting. No one blinked when Marinah, without thinking, took my old chair at the head of the table.

We took out our knives, and she lifted her hand. “Not happening. The knife in the table thing is over.”

I sat down beside her, staying silent.

She looked at Beck. “Spill.”

“The northern outpost sent people to the city. They gathered enough supplies to get through the winter,” Beck began. “They’re interested in trading for additional items they need. They have approximately four hundred cans of Spam they’d like to start with.”

I glanced at the men’s faces, and they mirrored Marinah’s, a mix of disbelief and restrained amusement. She blinked once, then made her decision.

“I think we’ll let them keep their Spam for extreme emergencies. Have them send a list of the items they’re interested in, and we’ll negotiate. What else do you have?”

“They’ve replicated the whistles, and they said to thank you.”

“That’s it?” she grumbled.

“No. President Barnes wants to negotiate with the outposts and is asking them to send emissaries. They would like your opinion.”

Her eyes sparked with heated interest. “That’s easy. Won’t happen. Barnes has never kept his word, and he won’t do it now. He has something up his sleeve.”

“They thought you might say that,” Beck continued, “and asked if you would be interested in bargaining for them with the Federation.”

Marinah’s eyes darkened, and her expression turned lethal. “Oh, I’ll bargain with them. Barnes can come here to the Island, alone, and we’ll talk. Until then, the Shadow Warriors will have nothing to do with the Federation or their atrocities. Next.”

Beck hesitated, and I realized he wasn’t finished. “A woman showed up at the northern outpost. She wants to speak with the female Shadow Warrior.”

Marinah blinked a few times, clearly thrown off. “Why?”

“She says she knew your grandmother and has a message for you.”

Marinah shot to her feet. “What?”

Beck stayed silent.

Marinah looked at me, her gaze befuddled. I shrugged. “You wanted answers. I think we’re about to get them.”

Her eyes circled the room. “We have things to do before I can go back to the outpost. I want you to double time the items you’ve been assigned.”

She turned her gaze to me again. “You’re coming with me.” Her eyes swept over the men once more, daring them to object. None of them made eye contact.

“What are you waiting for? I’ve given you an order.”

The men shot up from their seats and cleared out faster than I’d ever seen them move. Beck grinned at me from the door before stepping out.

Once we were alone, I turned to Marinah. “I’d like to officially be one of your guards.”

“Duh,” she said, rolling her eyes.

“‘Duh’ isn’t very leaderish,” I teased.

She shook her head, the realization hitting her. “I did it, didn’t I?” She looked almost shocked as it sank in.

“You did,” I confirmed.

She stood, adjusting the sword at her hip, then glanced at me. “I’m scared,” she admitted.

“I’ve got your back.”

Her smile was hesitant but genuine. “Thank you.”

It was time to change the subject. Marinah was better at taking action than overthinking, and it slowed her down. “Are you ready for possible answers about where you came from?”

“I’ve been ready for a long time.” Her grin widened, and excitement practically poured off her. “We need to hurry; get moving,” she said, racing out of the room.

She might think she knew what she’d just done, but it hadn’t fully sunk in yet.

The Queen of Shadow Warriors had made her debut.

∞∞∞