Fires of War (War and Deceit #4) - Erin O'Kane Page 0,93

behind me, allowing him to spot any threats. This leaves my other arm open for my other elf.

“Announcing the chosen’s companions, Lords Elnaril and Eldrin of the high elves.” I have to fight my wince as Eldrin is announced as my ‘companion’ rather than one of my mates, and I know the comment will have stung. The urge to turn to him is hard to resist, but I keep my position, and soon enough, Eldrin and Naril appear before me. Both perform short bows before taking up their positions—Naril the mirror of Tor behind me, and Eldrin taking my left arm in his. I may be dreading this whole event, but I am looking forward to seeing the king’s face when I walk in with an elf on either arm and his previous army of mages as my personal protectors.

Footsteps sound behind me, and I have to fight the impulse to whirl around, all of my senses on high alert, but I know I can’t, not while I’m being watched. Focusing, I use my senses and realise I recognise the scents coming my way. They smell like family, like home. So instead, I repress my instincts and lazily glance over my shoulder, seeing it’s my aunt being escorted by Ellis.

“Announcing the leader of the mountain tribes, High Chief Revna, and High Mage Ellis,” the mage declares once more, his voice carrying around the courtyard.

Dipping my head to my aunt to show my respect, I watch as a flash of humour sparkles in her eyes as she steps into my view. She approaches and presses a kiss to both cheeks, the familiar gesture warming my heart, before she steps back. Accepting Ellis’ arm once more, she stands between Tor and Naril. Although back with the tribes, Revna is higher in authority than I am, here, she hasn’t come as high chief, she’s come simply as my aunt and a warrior to support me.

The remaining elves and tribesmen have exited the carriages and get into formation around us—three elves and three tribesmen guarding us from the front, and the same guarding our rear. The remaining mages are spread evenly around us in a protective perimeter, with Grayson at the front.

They’re waiting for a signal, some sign that I’m ready, and honestly, I’m not sure I’ll ever be fully prepared to face the king again, but I want to get this over with, get my people, and leave this city. Taking a deep breath, I nod, and we start walking. I finally turn to face the people waiting for us on the steps of the castle.

My eyes are instantly drawn to the king. He looks like Jacob. He’s tall, has blond hair that is turning grey, and blue eyes, but where Jacob’s face always held curiosity and kindness, there’s a cruelness in the king’s gaze. The brand, although long healed, throbs at the bottom of my spine. It’s the mark all child slaves are given when sold to slavery to show whom we belong to—the king’s symbol. As if he can sense it, the king smirks, his eyes gleaming with an emotion I can’t quite work out. Anger, disgust, and fear all war within me, but my determination is stronger and keeps my steps even as we walk towards my enemy. I can feel my mates’ anger, but I push our connection to the back of my mind so I’m still aware of it, but the sensations are muted. I need to be able to fully concentrate and be in control of my own emotions right now.

At the king’s side are his sons, Princes Rhydian and Michael, and on the other side is High Priest Rodrick and several other advisers. The priest sneers at me, but I ignore him, not even bothering to waste my time with the cruel man. The priests in Arhaven have completely twisted the Great Mother’s words, and I can see them clearly now. I want nothing to do with their corrupt ways. I scan the group for Jacob, but my eyes keep being pulled back to Prince Rhydian and I can’t pinpoint why. Something about him seems…different. I hadn’t spent much time around him before I escaped Arhaven, and I heard some rumours about him, but as I look at him, his eyes flick up and lock with mine.

A jolt of ice goes down my spine, and I instinctively go to take a step back, pulling Eldrin and Vaeril to a stop. Thankfully, we are close enough that