18

Refuge

I have to get her somewhere safe. It was Zier’s only thought.

Even as he heard the clatter of armor coming through the castle.

And drawing nearer the stables.

A knot tied his gut.

Keep her safe. Get her away from here. He’d never felt such a strong compulsion to do anything in his life.

She looked utterly helpless, and some piece of his soul knew that she needed him on a level that he could never have articulated.

He was anxious that someone was going to catch him. Catch sight of her.

Without knowing why, he was certain that would prove dangerous.

EBEN

Eben restlessly paced his personal chambers.

Filled with something between fury and remorse, it was impossible for him to quiet.

“What’s wrong, Liege?” Dorin asked. Watching him with a flicker of annoyance.

“My closest friend has betrayed me.”

“The mercenary?”

“He’s a bit more than that.” Eben snapped. “As you are aware.”

Dorin had been Captain of the Guard when he and Zier were still young yet. He had seen their friendship bloom