Page 219 of The Throne Seeker

Harriet left first, barely able to hold back her sobs. Xavier followed close behind, his icy eyes void of all emotion. Tristan and Satin followed after, then Roman.

Rose was the last one out, reaching to close the door. Just as she was about to close it, a loud sob erupted from the king,who lay beside Queen Lenna on the bed, cradling her for the last time.

A tear escaped Rose’s defenses as she watched him through the narrowing gap, gently closing the door. She held on until she heard it click, quickly wiping her tears before anyone saw.

They gathered outside the door, waiting for the king to say his goodbyes.

Harriet broke the silence, turning to Xavier. “What the hell took you so long?” she asked, sniffing.

All eyes looked to Xavier, curious to hear his answer.

Xavier only said, “I’ve been busy in Amernth.” His eyes flitted to Roman.

“Did you find anything?” Roman asked.

Rose straightened, looking between them, unaware they’d been corresponding with one another.

“Nothing,” Xavier said with irritation, leaning against the wall as he crossed his arms. “These men are about as elusive as a puff of smoke. Did you learn anything more from Moretti?”

Rose’s gaze returned to Roman in awe. Theyhadbeen writing.

“A little,” Roman answered. “Thanks to Rose, we learned they were last seen camped just outside of Carnthe. And there’s more.” His gaze shifted hesitantly to Rose. “We still don’t know why, but they’re looking for Rose. And they know she’s here.”

Xavier straightened from his sluggish position against the wall. “What? Are you sure?”

“I believe so,” Roman said grimly.

Tristan’s outraged eyes flared, furious for being kept out of the loop. “How long have you known this?”

“We just barely found out,” Roman replied. “Moretti said they were looking for her.”

Tristan raised a skeptical eyebrow. “And we’re going to trust him? Moretti is nothing but a self-serving prick.”

“He was telling the truth… Don’t ask me how I know,” Rose said, too exhausted to explain.

Xavier’s eyes snapped to Rose. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

She opened her mouth to speak, but Roman got there first. “Perhaps she wasn’t sure if you’d stick around long enough for it to matter.”

Rose intervened before they could fight. “I didn’t tell you because it wasn’t important at that moment.”

“Not important?!” Xavier exclaimed, pivoting to fume at Roman. “How could you let her come back? If they’re here, she needs to leave. Now. Before they discover she’s returned. It may already be too late.”

“The safest place is here,” Tristan disagreed. “If they already know she’s here, going somewhere else isn’t going to help. They’ll only follow her.”

She chewed her lip. The snawfus had told her these men would help her find her destiny. Maybe Tristan was right. She needed to stay to find out more, not run away.

“If they’re here, then perhaps here is exactly where I ought to be,” Rose said, agreeing with Tristan. “This could be the opportunity I’ve been waiting for. Maybe it’s time I move to offense, show myself, draw them out. Maybe then we’d stand a chance.”

Tristan nodded. “And we’d be ready this time.”

Satin scoffed, shaking her head in silent disapproval.

“We aren’t prepared for this,” Xavier said, vexed. “I’ve seen what they can do. We have no idea of their numbers, weapons, or what they even want from you. You need to know an enemy to fight them.” He looked at Roman. “Help me out here.”

Roman was silent, looking down, lost in thought.

Xavier’s face twisted into an aggravated scowl. “You can’t seriously be considering this ridiculous plan.”