Page 15 of Wrath Of Suns And Shadows (The Osparia #2)

“Ready the ships,” I said to Rhet as he gathered the rest of the maps on my table before turning away to do as I asked.

I moved all of my things back to my warship.

After breakfast this morning, I’d searched through all of my maps, trying to figure out what Valla’s next move was.

I couldn’t think of anything. I had already gone over these maps dozens of times.

After the attack on Woodhaven, the rebellion had fled to the west. But Valla had had no ships leave Ember’s harbor since we’d arrived.

She had to have outsourced men on the outside already, and they were out there doing her dirty work for her.

Shit .

“Evereht,” I called, and he walked back in a few moments later. No men were on my ship yet, only us.

“What have you found?” he asked, rushing over to my desk.

“Valla isn’t using her soldiers, not yet,” I said, looking up to him, sliding my index finger over the map, and stopping on top of the picture of the little wyvern.

“Father used the Western Wyverns when this war began, but what if she’s using them now?

Paying them off to ensure her victory and coming home with all the glory, making Daddy proud.

” Valla was smart, cunning, and could take down the largest of men.

I didn’t doubt her efforts, but even Father knew all those years ago while going after an entire race that it was better going in with more rather than less.

“It’s possible. The Wyverns are a powerful group of assassins who would know that more than our family, and they are only loyal to those filling their pockets. I’m sure Valla would pay whatever price to ensure her victory,” Rhet responded.

“If that’s the case, be sure the men are ready to leave at dawn. We have to find the Peacebringer before they do.” He gave me a curt nod as he left while I filled my crystal glass with amber liquid and took it down in one swig, hoping it would clear my warring mind.

Dawn came quickly. I got little to no sleep.

I stood on the deck of my warship as men boarded with their bags and I watched as some of them said goodbye to their families.

Wives and children cried, and it churned more hatred in my chest for this war.

All of us had something to lose, regardless of what side we were on.

I wanted it to be over. I was tired of the bloodshed.

Tired of the constant princely face I had to wear. Just fucking tired.

A horn blew in the distance as a large formation of soldiers marched toward the docks.

Valla’s soldiers. Not all of them, but a heavy number as they made their way toward me.

I looked to my right. Eight warships sat docked next to mine, and I watched as all the metal doors fell open for soldiers to make their ways inside. My heart sank like lead.

Eight warships were a small fleet. Whatever she had up her sleeve, it was already here.

It was happening. Valla, in her full suit of armor fit for a princess and a commander, looked over at me as I leashed my growl.

I wouldn’t let her see my distress. I smoothed my features with a cock of my brow and turned away.

All I could do was hope I wasn’t too late when the time came.

The men were all boarded, but the ship hadn’t started moving.

I had sent Rhet off to talk to the captain, but something in me told me Valla had more game pieces I wasn’t aware of.

I sighed loudly as I stood from my map covered desk and walked out of my quarters onto the large deck.

Valla’s warships had begun, black smoke barreling from their tops like rolling storm clouds before slowly, one by one, they moved away from the docks.

I gripped the railing as Valla stood on the deck of the leading ship.

She glanced over at me, and even from the distance between us, I saw it.

That victorious grin graced her face, and I wanted to burn her alive for it.

I knew in that moment, my ship wouldn’t be leaving the harbor with her fleet.

When Rhet arrived a few minutes later, he only confirmed what I already knew.

“The rudder is busted. I’ve already ordered for it to be fixed immediately, but it will take a little time.”

I watched the smoke in the distance, Valla’s face long out of view now.

I steadied my breathing as my hands gripped the railing even harder than before.

After multiple breaths, I finally hung my head.

Whatever my father had planned, Valla was about to fucking ruin it if she let her thirst for blood get the better of her, which would further ruin mine.

I didn’t let the feeling of defeat stay with me long before I stood tall and became the vision of the leader and prince everyone saw me to be. “Make sure we leave as soon as it’s done.”

“Of course.”

I moved past my brother and walked back into my quarters, making my way around my desk. Plopping in my seat, I poured myself a drink, running my hand over the maps that stayed sprawled out over my desk. My finger played with one spot I had marked on the yellowing parchment.

I’m coming for you, Bunny.