Page 30 of The Pactbound Angel (The Soul Mirror Duet #1)

We did not need directions to the palace district.

The flag-topped spires and towers of Castle Tanta reached high into the sky, marking for us our destination.

My lower lip was sore from chewing on it, wondering if my petition would even work.

This seemed to be the only way for us to stay together, but my confidence was wavering.

None of us, especially me, enjoyed the idea of failure, since failure meant having to camp outside the city walls.

We had left the desert behind us a day ago, the sands turning to lush greenery with the passing of several flooded rivers, and there was now a great deal of activity. And, possibly, bandits.

Do the Feylands even have bandits?

While M.A.L.C.O.L.M. did not require sleep, and made an able watchman when the rest of us slept, it was always a fitful rest worrying about him missing something.

An approach of a band of miscreants, stealthy and quiet, could sneak past him and slit our throats in our slumber.

It happened to another caravan two years ago on the way to Laswa in southern Camlynn, and the aftermath still haunted me.

Though I had not sworn a protector’s oath to anyone in the party, I still felt responsible for their safety. Leaving that in another’s hands, especially one who was getting worn down and banged up with every fight or hard march, left a sour taste in my mouth.

As we approached the castle, we went through several checkpoints. Their questions became more insistent, more direct, the closer we got to the castle. Who are you? What is your purpose here? Is the king aware of your presence? Are you here for the funeral?

I spoke for the group, informing them we were not here for the funeral, just passing through, and wanted to see if the castle could provide a visiting noble shelter. Some snickered at me for some reason, some frowned, but no one really commented before waving us on.

At the second to last checkpoint, we were made to peace-bond our weapons by the guards stationed there.

They provided the cord, and I tied the hilt of my sword to the scabbard, making it impossible for me to draw it at a moment’s notice.

Though the practice was common for entering a castle district, in Laeth anyway, I felt naked without the ability to defend myself properly.

Ramiren took the cord as well, tying his rapier down.

Raewyn didn’t carry any weapons, and neither did Georgina.

They weren’t sure what to do about M.A.L.C.O.L.M.

Never having seen an automaton before, they asked where his weapons were.

“His fists are his weapons,” Georgina replied simply.

The guards conversed for a few minutes and decided to tie his hands together, like manacles.

Neither Georgina nor M.A.L.C.O.L.M. protested.

The automaton held out his hands, allowing the guards to tie them together.

After inspecting our peace-bonds, ensuring they were indeed sound, they moved us along.

It was dusk before we made it to Castle Tanta. I was drained by the day’s events, wanting nothing more than a scalding bath and a soft bed with some peace and quiet. Still, there was work to be done.

“I suppose I’ll handle the talking,” I murmured.

“Best of luck, my queen.” Georgina smirked.

Raewyn peered down at Georgina next to her, “I hope you enjoy the taste of crow, Georgina.”

Beep. “SHE LOVES EATING BIRDS.”

Ramiren stayed silent, except for a gentle pat on my arm.

We approached the front gate. The royal sentries, dyna fey both, stood up straighter as we drew near.

Those at the Puldoni gates had been dyna fey as well, though these looked far less friendly.

These guards held tall halberds in their right hand, with a band of blue around their mail-covered left arm.

For some reason, they did not wear helmets.

“Name and business, miss.”

A kind word , Ramiren had said . I spoke gently, “Lady Nathalia Swordhand of Camlynn and her retinue to pay our respects to your king. We are weary and seek shelter.”

There was a long pause where the guards looked at each other. My weight shifted from my right foot to my left, feeling more impatient the longer they remained silent. Then the guards started laughing. I furrowed my eyebrows and frowned. This was not going according to plan.

“Just like that, eh? Seek shelter? From the king? He’s in mourning , girl. He ain’t got time for the likes of you.”

My temper flared, to be immediately tamped down. They’re just doing their job.

“Sir, if you could just-”

The guard to my left barked, “I said, move on, girl!”

My headache returned in full force, the steady pulse beating like a drum behind my eyes. Still, I tried again. “Sir-”

The guard on my right hissed. “Are you deaf? Piss off!”

Oh, that does it.

I raised an eyebrow and stepped forward, causing the halberds in their hands to shift forward in defense. Stopping just short, I leveled them with my gaze.

“Am I to understand that simple palace guards keep the king’s schedule and appointments? Is that part of your profession now?”

The guard to my left glared at me. “We protect the king’s peace and person, girl. Now, don’t start to go all-”

I snapped my head toward the one speaking. “You will address me as befits my station, guard. Or the steward will hear of-”

“Hear of what, girl ? That we didn’t let someone like you in? That we don’t believe every story we hear?” One blew a raspberry while the other gave a chuckle. “Shall we bow, too?”

“Maybe you’d like a song and dance as well? Only the best for m’lady.”

“Nat…”

I held a hand up to Raewyn just as their snickers turned into full laughter. My hackles rose. “Then tell your guard captain that we are here.”

The guard to my left smiled smugly. “Here’s an easy answer. No.”

The urge to slap him was strong, but I pushed that feeling down, too. That would only lead to worse troubles. And I can’t fail.

I decided to try another tactic.

“Perhaps, tonight, you are right. You’ll not grant us passage.

But tomorrow, I will send a message, informing the steward and your captain that you verbally abused a visiting noble and have reached above your station and duty.

What will they think, hm? Can you stop every letter that comes into the castle, too? ”

The guard to my left glowered. “We don’t believe you, girl. Simple as that. You’ll not get past us.”

Praying for patience, I spoke through gritted teeth, “And what don’t you believe?”

The guard to my right scoffed. “That you’re a noble. You’re dirty and on foot.” He leaned in and sniffed twice. “And you smell like a-”

“Will the Swordhand sigil suffice?” My hand raised to show my signet ring, which displayed two feathered wings embracing a four-pointed star.

The guard to my right peered at it, and his eyes went wide. “Swordhand… wait, as in Maxlian Swordhand?”

Oh, for fuck’s sake. “Yes, he’s my father.”

The guard who spoke turned toward the other. “Heard stories in my youth, I did. He beat down that one, with the Twin Spheres. What was the name…?”

Twin Spheres?

“Aw, rubbish. You can tell that by a picture on a ring she probably picked up in an antique store?” The guard to my left shook his head.

“I’m telling you! What was his wife’s name? The one with the axe?”

I replied calmly, feeling a small measure of optimism for the first time today, “Resa Kett, now Lady Resa Swordhand.”

“That’s it. Wow. You’re their daughter, then? My apologies, my lady. You and yours are free to pass. And, uh, please don’t tell anyone about this encounter, right? Simple misunderstanding.”

“But-” interjected the guard to my left.

“They’ll pass, Morin.” The right guard yelled over his shoulder, “Open the gates!”

It was mortifying that it took my parents’ legends to get past two simple palace guards. I had to name drop in order to simply get some safe rest for myself and my companions, but if that’s what it took...

Twin Spheres? I’ve never heard my parents tell that story before. And they love to tell stories.

When we walked through the gates, into an open-air stone courtyard filled with a few groups quietly talking amongst themselves, Georgina burst into giggles. “I thought your face was going to turn purple, Nathalia!”

My head tilted back to stare at the dusky magenta-colored sky. “I have never , in all of my years, had such trouble before.”

Georgina went on, her head shaking in indignation as her voice took a mocking tone, “I’ll send a strongly-worded letter!” She grinned and snapped her fingers, then pointed at me. “Admit it, you were reaching with that one. A message. Ha!”

My jaw clenched to the point of pain.

Beep. “YOU SHOULD HAVE JUST PUNCHED THEIR FACES IN. THAT SENDS A MESSAGE.”

“Then, we would’ve been arrested and taken into the dungeons for assaulting a palace guard.

” Ramiren looked at M.A.L.C.O.L.M. “I don’t think those are the kind of accommodations we are seeking.

Lady Nathalia did everything right. It was the guards who were in the wrong, though perhaps that is how they were trained.

Disbelieve everyone. If that’s the case, the king must get many visitors. Or, at least, attempted visitors.”

“Friends!”

We all turned our heads to see a man in fine garb approaching us.

Tall and broad-shouldered, with sandy hair and brown eyes, he held his hands out wide to greet us jovially.

He looked human, aside from his height and slightly pointed ears, but he was also not nearly as brawny as an elf.

A half-elf, perhaps? Upon his shoulders sat a gilded chain, with a ruby centered over his heart. His badge of office, no doubt.

I faced him fully and let my upbringing take over. “Greetings, my lord. Apologies for the late hour.”

“Nonsense! It is not yet fully dark, and the funeral feast is about to begin. I was just taking the air when I saw you. What is your name, my lady?”