Page 2 of Ashborne: Defiance

‘You could have told me it was her,’ I grumbled in return.

‘I wanted to enjoy your surprise.’

‘This is a shock, not a surprise. What if I’d set a trap and harmed her? Or she harmed me?’

‘I would have warned you before you did anything actually stupid.’

I almost snorted. ‘Your concern for me is heartwarming.’

Kham rumbled in the bond, smug because I’d been startled—which we both knew was rare. I had a gift for sensing unseen presence. And a talent for stealth that surpassed even the men who’d trained me.

Yet, Kham had stopped needling me because he felt the weight of my unease—and shared it.

How had she managed this? Why hadn’t I sensed her? And why was she here?

My thoughts were grim as I slipped up behind her. At least, we were far enough from any habitation, I wouldn’t worry about silencing her. But I did need to uncover her purpose.

Since the moment I laid eyes on Lady Grace Barnslow, days earlier, I had suspected the prim and somewhat-timid woman was more than she presented.

I’d been called on a mission to guard my squad-sister, Bren, and assist our general in uncovering schemes against Vosgaarde. As the only known female Furyknight in living memory, Bren had been in this kingdom to play the unpolished companion of our Furyknight General, and Battle Commander, Donavyn Arsen. Who also happened to be her dragonbond mate. Though very few at home—and none here in Fyrehold—knew that.

On the evening I met Grace, I was disguised as Bren’s guard and servant. Though I was actually her superior in our ranks, her role was far more central to this mission. And she’d been in the kingdom of Fyrehold longer.

Bren had met and liked Grace, and urged me and our squad-brother, Gil, to be gentle with the delicate noblewoman, who was unpopular with her peers.

But something about the woman set my teeth from that first glimpse.

I’d warned Bren not to trust anyone we met on mission—including Grace—because her instincts for stealth work weren’t yet honed. She’d barely been raised to Shadowfang before she was assigned these orders to accompany the general, both of them openly attending the court of Fyrehold’s king, ostensibly to form political alliance with our powerful nation, Vosgaarde, and possibly exchange dragons for breeding stock.

Upon learning the schemes here ran deeper—and far more personal—than he’d anticipated, Donavyn called my squad-brother Gil and me, in to help, because he couldn’t safely investigate with his position so public.

So, Gil and I investigated for him. Only to uncover the plot targeting both Donavyn and Bren—and their dragons—for assassination.

Yesterday, Bren had flown her dragon back to Vosgaarde to inform the home powers of what we’d learned, while Donavyn remained here to thwart the assassination scheme. Bren had begged Gil and me to ignore orders, and remain with Donavyn. To protect him, while our enemies were still free.

We’d done so. But now, less than twenty-four hours later, Donavyn had disappeared without a word.

I’d been forced to walk halfway across the kingdom to find my dragon so we could search for him, and now this sneaky little vixen showed up.

The unease I’d had around Lady Grace Barnslow since we met burned in my gullet. I took a breath to center myself, and remind myself of what I knew to be true, and must keep at the center of my focus.

Bren had fled, hoping to bring help.

Donavyn and his dragon, Kgosi, the Primarch of our home herd, had disappeared.

When I attempted to find him, this unlikely noblewoman snuck up on me?

Lady Grace Barnslow was, indeed, far more intelligent and stealthy than she appeared.

I grimaced. When Bren introduced us, I hadn’t been able to explain why Grace made my skin crawl. But her very appearance grated. Every carefully formed word from her dainty lips slipped under my skin like a thorn, and festered. At the time, I had tried to keep my hostility in check for Bren’s sake. But I should have trusted my instincts.

Here the lady was, proving my suspicions right.

I watched as Grace crept admirably silently through the deepening dark under the trees, searching for me. Anger and frustration coiled with unease in my chest.

The niggling question wouldn’t leave me alone: Why?

There was no evidence she was associated with our enemies. Yet. Though I’d caught her spying in the secret passages of the castle, the problem of her had been beneath my notice against the men we sought to thwart.