Page 60 of The Princess of Portals

“Maybe it’s about time this broken world order is disrupted,” Conner said.

“Perhaps.” The General’s eyes were bloodshot. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days. “But we’ve had quite enough disruption from you, Conner. You played a crucial part in identifying and apprehending the traitor⁠—”

“I want that engraved next to my statue.”

“But I will not—I cannot—look the other way for long. Now get out of here before I have you arrested.”

Conner winked at him, then he disappeared.

EPISODE 4

A COURT OF LIES

CHAPTER 1

TURNABOUT

After the General dismissed us, I decided to go home—and Kato and Conner decided that I needed protection. I didn’t argue with them because they were right. Over the last few days, I’d been kidnapped and attacked more times than I could count. Fenris might be locked up safe and sound in Oblivion, but the Order of Kings was still out there. And right now, I had to be very high on their list of complications interfering with their master plan.

“Red, is this really all you have?” Conner asked.

We were in my cottage in the Apprentice Village. Conner and Kato were cataloging the contents of my pantry.

“One egg, a jar of pickles, and a wilted green onion. There’s not much we can make with that.” Conner looked at Kato, his brows arching.

“We will find more suitable provisions in the Magic Emporium,” Kato decided.

“Like donuts.”

Kato gave Conner a reproving look. “No, not donuts.”

“Yes, donuts.” I’d taken a few minutes to lie down, but the promise of donuts had me back on my feet.

Kato frowned at me and Conner. “Donuts are not healthy.”

“Neither is being abducted, but that happened,” I said. “And now I need donuts.”

If Kato had a counterpoint to my very persuasive argument, he didn’t voice it. He must have felt pretty sorry for me.

“I guess it’s settled then,” Conner said.

As we made our way toward the door, Kato slid his helmet over his head. He did it so naturally, so fluidly.

“Conner, put on your helmet.”

“You’re such a spoilsport, Kato.” Conner put his helmet on anyway.

When we left the cottage, Mrs. Edwards was busy tending to her rose bushes. A dark apron covered her flower-print dress, and she wore thick gardening gloves.

When she saw me, her whole face lit up with a smile, and she clutched my hands. “Savannah, I’m so glad you’re all right. I was so worried. And then they told me that you’d gone missing.”

I’d never met my grandmother, but if I could pick someone to fill that role, it would be Mrs. Edwards. Whenever bad things happened, whenever someone showed me how cruel and terrible the world could be, I thought of Mrs. Edwards and was reminded that the world could be beautiful too. She was kind, genuine, and made the best cookies I’d ever tasted. I was so lucky to have gotten her as my host in the Apprentice Village.

I opened my arms and gave her a big hug.

“Goodness, what was that for?” she said with a light chuckle.

“Thanks.”