Page 152 of Ravenrose

A tense silence settles between Ayer and me almost as soon as we set out.

The Kovari soldiers leave a few men behind for protection since a few of the raiders managed to slip away. They leave food and weapons, along with a promise to send more once we return to the fort.

By the time we ride away, my entire understanding of the world feels fractured.

I’ve seen so little of it myself—so little of Sitara, even, if I’m being honest. Between the palace in the capital and Rosecliff, I’d hardly been anywhere else. Instead, I had relied upon reports from trusted advisors and my own father, and of course the never-ending supply of court gossip.

And given what I know about court gossip…

Stars, could the court stories about the raiders be just as ludicrous as all the other stories? I feel dumb having to even question it.

Come to think of it, Fel hadn’t mentioned much about raids from Daekhar or Kovaria. I’d barely seen him since he’d been called up to his unit, but he seemed different since he left. Distant—haunted even. I hadn’t paid too much attention, admittedly too preoccupied trying to escape my own fate.

At the time, I never questioned it.

I never questioned any of it.

I ride in the saddle with Ayer, though the captain says very little, as if sensing I need the quiet to untangle the web of lies inside my head.

Hours pass before the fort finally comes into view, and we both stiffen at the sight of it.

Immediately, my senses sharpen.

The fort is busier than when we’d left it.

There are more men in black armour—the same as what Ayer’s men wear—moving about the courtyard. But I don’t recognize the soldiers, and I thought we didn’t leave any behind. Their posture is stiffer, I notice as we pass them, more rigid than Ayer’s men.

Ayer squeezes his legs around Dash’s middle, urging him forward until we catch up to Theo’s bay. The two exchange a grim look as I watch on silently.

Something is happening.

The moment we reach the stairs, one of the unfamiliar soldiers approaches.

“My Lord. Captain.” He gives them each a clipped nod before his gaze slides over me.

Ayer dismounts the horse first before helping me down. The second my boots hit the ground, he shifts me subtly behind him before facing the soldier fully.

“Charlton,” Theo greets smoothly.

The change in the prince’s demeanor is immediate. I almost don’t recognize the stoic and solemn man standing beside us; even the tone of his voice is different. There’s an air of authority in it, one I haven’t heard him use with Ayer, or even any of his own men.

“What can we do for you?”

Charlton’s eyes linger on me briefly before returning to Theo.

“The queen wishes to have a word with both you and the captain.”

I notice how his tone sticks on Ayer’s title.

“Of course,” Ayer replies calmly, though I’m sensing anything but calm rolling off the two of them right now. “Give us a few hours to freshen up from the road, and we would be glad to join her for dinner.”

Charlton clears his throat. “She’ll speak with you now. You have half an hour before she comes to call for you in your chambers, Captain.”

A flicker of irritation crosses Ayer’s face so quickly I almost miss it. Still, he nods sharply. “As the queen wishes.” He steps forward, grabbing my arm to bring me with him as he brushes by Charlton, moving with purpose.

Once we’re inside and out of sight, he quickens his pace further. Theo keeps up with us as we move quickly down the hall.

“What’s going on?” I demand, seeing as he’s about to wrench my arm out of its socket. His legs are so much longer than mine, I’m having to run to keep up with him.