A Vow So Bold and Deadly (The Cursebreaker Series Book 3)

The night sky is ink-black and dotted with stars as our horses pick their way across the uneven terrain. We’re less than an hour away from Ironrose Castle, and I could likely find my way back blindfolded. I remember riding these hills when I was a member of the Royal Guard, and then later, when I did my best to lead Rhen-the-monster away from the people.

Jake rides beside me, but we’ve been quiet for hours, as we’ve given orders to maintain silence as much as possible. There’s no tension between me and him, though I worried his loyalty to his sister might cause a rift between us. But tonight, Harper is riding near the back with Tycho, and Jake is at my side, alert as ever.

Now that we’re so close, my heart tightens with dread. I left Lia Mara in Syhl Shallow with a promise to return, but we’ve already faced one ambush—and we have no idea what Rhen could have planned, or what Lilith could have done. I have no idea who in the palace might still present a risk to Lia Mara. I have no idea whether she will have understood my message, or how she will respond. With every step I take toward Ironrose Castle, my heart beats a plea for me to return to the Crystal Palace, to protect her at all costs.

But I know what Lia Mara would want: she would want me to finish this mission, to take action to protect her people. I have no doubt Lilith will soon turn her sights on Syhl Shallow.

And as much as I don’t want to admit it, I truly do care whether Rhen lives or dies.

I try to clear my thoughts, but these worries seem to press in with greater force. My horse must sense my tension, because it jerks at the reins and prances sideways until I loosen my grip and offer a soft word.

Jake glances over. “Penny for your thoughts.”

“We don’t have pennies here, Jake.”

“Whatever.”

I say nothing. I’m not sure what to say.

After a long moment, he speaks, and his voice is very low, very soft. “You’re worried about Lia Mara.”

“Always.”

“Nolla Verin is there. Noah is there.”

I glance at him. “I’m not there.”

“Do you think Ellia Maya was working alone?”

I cut him a glance. “No.”

“Do you want to turn back?”

Yes. My chest tightens further. I wish my magic could stretch all the way to Syhl Shallow, to verify her safety. “We cannot.”

He’s quiet, and bitter wind whips between us. “Are you worried you’re going to have to kill Rhen?”

“I’m worried Lilith will threaten his life to manipulate me.” I can feel the weight of him studying me, so I add, “I’m worried it will work.”

He thinks about this for a while. “Harper once told me that when Lilith threatened to kill her and Rhen, you offered your life to spare them.”

I keep my eyes on the horizon. “I did.”

“I told you before,” he says. “Rhen had an eternity to be your friend, and he wasn’t.” He pauses. “He had time to be your brother, too, but he sent soldiers after you when he learned the truth.”

“I know.”

But.

He glances over. “When you offered your life for them, you didn’t have anything else to live for, Grey.”

The words hit me like an arrow.

“Thank you,” I say. I feel a bit breathless.

He shrugs like he didn’t just solve the existential dilemma that’s been plaguing me for days. “No problem.”

The stars ahead blur and shift and darken, an indication that Iisak is descending from the sky. His black wings flare wide, and I raise a hand to call for our soldiers to halt. A cold wind rushes between the horses, and I shiver.

“Your Highness,” Iisak says, his voice almost softer than breath. “I have flown to the castle. I saw no other scraver on the premises, and I tried calling in our language. No one answered.”

I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. “What else?”

“The castle grounds seem deserted, as the princess indicated. Prince Rhen was alone in his chambers.”

I frown. “Awake?” It’s the middle of the night.

“Yes. He does not seem … well.” He pauses. “There are soldiers stationed south and east of the castle. At least two regiments.”

Captain Solt has ridden close, and he swears in Syssalah when he hears Iisak’s news. “Two regiments,” he says, his tone hostile. “This princess has led us into a trap.”

“Maybe not,” I say.

“Just like the other attack wasn’t an ambush?” he says angrily. “If we ride onto the grounds we’ll be surrounded. We should return for reinforcements.”

“Rhen was preparing for war, just as we were.”

“We have ten soldiers. Will your magic stop two thousand?”

Well, he’s got me there. I look back at Iisak. “You’re certain?”

“Their camps dwarf the castle territory.” He pauses. “They do not seem to be on high alert.” He glances at Solt. “I do not suspect a trap.”

Solt spits at the ground. “You didn’t suspect one two days ago either, scraver.”

Iisak growls.

“Enough,” I say. “Iisak, was there any sign of the enchantress?”

“No.” He pauses. “There are dozens of burned corpses along the tree line beside the castle. Many of them wear gold and red.”

Silver hell.

“Let her go in and get him,” says Solt. “If it’s so safe.”

“I will,” Harper says from the darkness, her tone backed by steel. “I’m not afraid. Are you, Captain?”

He snaps back at her in Syssalah, and it’s probably good that I don’t know what he’s saying. I glare at him. “Enough, Captain.”

If the soldiers aren’t on alert, we could possibly slip in without being detected. Then again, if Lilith is there, she rarely does anything small. She could cause a huge ruckus and draw the entire army down upon us.

The true irony of this situation is that I wish Rhen were here to strategize this whole thing.

I take a slow breath. “Jake.”

“Ready.”

At least someone is. “We’ll divide into thirds. One to stand sentry on the grounds, one to guard the entrance to the castle, one to breach and find Rhen and the enchantress. I want you at the entrance.”

“Got it.”

“I want to breach,” says Harper.

I inhale to answer, and she rushes on. “I’m going, Grey. I’m not helpless. I’m not powerless. But she took him from me twice now, and if you’re not going to save him, then I’m going to—”

“Fine,” I say.

She clamps her mouth shut. Then, “Oh.”

I look at Solt. “Pick your soldiers to stand sentry and give the others to Jake. I only need one with me.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” His eyes are flinty. He turns his head. “Recruit,” he barks. “You’re breaching the castle.”

Tycho rides forward. His eyes are wide, some combination of hopeful and worried. “Yes, sir.”

I’m not sure what to say.

This feels like an insult, like a threat. But I did tell Solt to pick.

And Tycho stopped the assault the other day.

I think of my conversation with Noah, when he said, He’s only fifteen.

And my cavalier response. When I was fifteen, I was running my family’s farm.

And how did that turn out, Grey?

My family’s farm failed. I failed.

I don’t want Tycho to fail.

I imagine him facing Lilith. I remember when I was arrested at Worwick’s Tourney, how Tycho tried to save me, and Dustan caught him by the neck and choked him until I yielded. Tycho flailed like a fish on a hook.

But yesterday, he held a bow like it was an extension of his arm. He did not flinch in the face of violence. I’ll cover you, he said, and he did, giving me time to use magic.

I put out a hand. “Well chosen.”

Tycho blushes, but he reaches out and clasps my hand in his own.

I give him a nod, then look at the others. “I don’t want to lose the darkness. Let’s find a place to tether the horses.”