Page 214 of Of Masks and Fury

“I promise,” I said anyway, because what else could I offer?

I reached beneath my tunic, pulling out our mother’s pendant. The metal warmed against my palm, thrumming with power I could barely perceive.

Unclasping it, I held it toward her. “Take this back.”

“No.” Fear flitted through Addie’s eyes. “You need it for protection.”

“I’m taking Trew with me.” I sent him the best grin I could drum up because I didn’t want her to worry. “He’s all I need.” I settled the pendant around her neck. “You need it more than I do right now. It’s yours.”

The pendant settled against Addie’s chest, the blue stones matching her eyes. She lifted it and traced her fingertip across the engraving.

“To my fierce star,” she read. “Shine bright.” Her gaze met mine. “Our grandfather loved her.”

“So shine like he’d want you to do,” I said. “Get strong. Be ready to fight when we return.”

She nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I love you, Isi.”

“I love you too.” The words caught in my throat. This could be the last time I saw my sister, the last conversation we’d ever have.

I refused to let that fear show on my face.

Instead, I kissed her forehead and stood, forcing myself to step away from the bed. Trew’s hand found the small of my back, steadying me.

“Rest,” he told Addie. “When we return, I expect you to be well enough to slay a few Skathes.”

A ghost of Addie’s old spirit flickered in her eyes. “I’ll destroy them all.”

“I’m looking forward to watching that happen.”

As we left the room, I didn’t turn around. If I looked back, I might not have the strength to leave.

We strode to his council chambers, finding Coralee and Grayson already working, looking like they’d slept as poorly as we had. Maps covered the table, their edges held down by paperweights, and they had taken extensive notes on how to handle my father’s upcoming invasion.

Grayson’s left eye twitched more rapidly than last night, a constant flutter that showed either exhaustion or anxiety. His hands trembled as he pointed to marks on the map.

“Our advance team returned with new information a short time ago.” Grayson laid it all out on paper. “King Cyril’s mobilization is extensive. He’s not planning a quick strike. He’s bringing a siege force.”

Coralee traced the map with one finger, her expression grave. “If they leave immediately after the Day of Mercy, they’ll reach Syllavar’s borders within a week, perhaps less if they force-march.I’ve recalled the rest of our scattered forces to consolidate our defenses, leaving enough to handle any Skathe intrusion. Our battalions are tighter than I’d like, but it’s the best we can do while fighting on two fronts.”

Trew frowned as he studied the map.

“While you were gone, we evacuated Cliffweld, Foremand, and Zellon.” Grayson pointed. “The three towns closest to this part of the border where our spies suggest the Skathes might attack next. We’ll watch the villages. If the Skathes pass them, a scouting team will send news. I’ve arranged for one small battalion to handle all three areas. With dragons, they can fly to intercept the Skathes.”

“Excellent.” Trew ran his finger down a page of their plans, stopping at one area. “What about Direburg?”

Coralee grunted. “I sent word with a companion to have them continue fortifying their wall.”

“Very good.” Trew lifted his gaze to meet mine. “Direburg is built on the top of a cliff with steep embankments on all sides. It’s nearly impossible to get there outside of dragon, but we can’t trust the Skathes won’t find a way.”

I nodded. “Will they need reinforcements?” I asked Coralee. “We could send some of the newer warriors with companions on dragons.”

“A savvy idea.” Coralee shot Trew an approving glance that made my pulse sing. Maybe she would finally see I was more than just a foreign princess clinging to Trew’s side.

“I think we should call back Bryson,” Trew said. “I was impressed with his tactical mind. The new front will need good leaders.”

“I’ll send word to bring him back from the eastern border,” Grayson said, making a note on the paper in front of him. “Would you put him in command of the main battalion or leave that to General Prentiss?”

“Let’s put him directly under Prentiss,” Trew said. “Tell him to utilize Bryson as he sees fit.”