Page 265 of Of Masks and Fury

“I think so.” Why hadn’t I told him?

Although, I wasn’t sure it would’ve made a difference. He wouldn’t have believed me, or if he had, he would still have been determined to eradicate all magic from our realm. My sister’s supposed death had been a convenient excuse to attack Syllavar.

Trew was already moving, issuing rapid orders to prepare fresh dragons. Warriors scrambled to obey while I checked my weapons. Ironic; I hadn’t had the chance to take them off.

Would that day ever come?

“Lakast and Kyreth,” Trew called out, rushing down the hallway behind me. “Isi and I will take Lakast. Addie, Fenmark, you’re on Kyreth.

Fenmark was pale but upright, moving under his own power now, Addie’s hand at his elbow. He’d refused help moving, though I’d seen the effort it cost him.

Within a short time, we’d mounted again, new supplies in a bag hanging from Lakast’s neck spike, Pherin clinging to my shoulder.

Derren helped Lexie mount. She grimaced and pressed her hand against her thigh wound.

Exhaustion still dragged at my bones, but adrenaline provided a bitter substitute for rest. Trew settled behind me on the dragon, one arm around my waist.

As we launched skyward, his lips brushed my ear. “Whatever happens, you won’t face him alone.”

I leaned back against his chest, drawing strength from his presence. “He hates that I found someone who stands with me instead of over me.”

“Your mate. Your king. The man who’ll kill anyone who tries to cage you.”

Lakast and Kyreth pushed hard. We flew through the end of the day and the night and arrived at the border by dawn. Below us, the transformation continued, green spreading like watercolor across canvas, corruption retreating as healing magic reasserted itself.

My father’s army must see it. Would fear of what was happening around them add more rage to their cause?

The mass of soldiers came into view as we crested the final ridge, their armor catching the rising sun. Siege towers and catapults waited in neat rows. Supply wagons stretched back toward Caldrith like a serpent’s tail.

Even from this far up, I could see my father on his warhorse, surrounded by his personal guard. I recognized the rigid way he held himself, the posture of a man who’d committed to a course and would see it through regardless of the cost.

Lakast and Kyreth descended in wide spirals, making our approach obvious and non-threatening. We weren’t here to start a battle yet.

We landed our dragons a solid distance from our front lines, near our opposing forces. We might be fewer in numbers, but we possessed magic.

Some of our companions dropped to the ground, shifting before they landed, standing in their beast forms, ready to defend our way of life.

I dismounted before Trew could help me, wanting the army to see me stand on my own feet. Pherin launched from my shoulder, circling overhead before landing back in place with a chirp.

Be big,she sent through our bond.Show teeth and claws.

“Not yet,” I said softly.

She huffed but settled, her small body tense with readiness.

I felt Trew’s presence like a shield at my back. He loved me enough to provide it whether I needed it or not.

As we’d discussed, Addie remained behind Fenmark, who stood tall despite his injuries.

I left our group and started walking toward my father’s army.

Trew matched my pace, his hand resting on his sword hilt. Gavelle and Pherin flew along with us, scouting forward before circling back to soar overhead.

My father’s soldiers watched our approach with expressions ranging from curiosity to hostility to something that could be hope. These were men and women of Caldrith, my people, raised to fear magic and trust in my father’s absolute authority.

I stopped twenty paces from their front line and raised my voice. “I’m Princess Amarissa of Caldrith, also known as the Lady of Mercy since my mother, Queen Marlane’s passing.”

The title tasted bitter, but I would wear it one last time.