So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced #2)

Luciana hesitated a moment before speaking. “My father is traveling with them. At the cabin, Rupert will change into the clothes of a nobleman. Then my father and Rupert will ride to Ebton Palace together as the Duke of Vindalyn and his vassal, Baron Suffield. That way, my father can introduce Rupert at court. It’s the best way to validate Rupert’s new identity. And it’s very important that the Tourinian ambassador and his spies see him as the baron.”

Brigitta nodded. “I see. So we’re taking the barge back to the palace? I’ll see Rupert there?”

With a sigh, Luciana sat back in her chair. “You won’t see him again until he arrives in Lourdon for the competition.”

“What?” Brigitta jumped to her feet. “But we didn’t get to say good-bye.”

“We can’t risk anyone seeing you with Baron Suffield,” Luciana explained. “You’re not supposed to know him.”

Brigitta frowned. “Do we really have to be that careful? Surely, there’s a private place—”

“You don’t know what’s been going on since Leo and I became king and queen. For the most part, our people seem really happy with us, but unfortunately, there is a faction that wants to kill us and take over the throne.”

Brigitta’s eyes widened. “Are ye in danger?”

“Nevis and his father, General Harden, are doing their best to keep the peace. And Leo’s lightning power keeps us safe. The problem is the royal order of priests who used to work as spies for the crown. We disbanded them. Our people are delighted that they no longer have to live in fear. But the priests hated losing the power they wielded over everyone. Their leader is Lord Morris, who was chief counsel to the late king. Lord Morris and the disgruntled priests have allied themselves with your brother, King Gunther of Tourin.”

Brigitta sat back down. “I don’t like to think of him as a brother.”

Luciana nodded. “By all accounts, he is a cruel man. He’s been hoarding gold for years while his people starve. And he’s using that gold to pay Lord Morris and his priests to spy on the Eberoni people and cause unrest.”

Brigitta winced. “No wonder ye want rid of him.”

“Gunther has provided the priests with enough gold to pay for information all over Eberon. The end result is there are very few people left whom we can trust.”

“So that’s why you staged that show?”

“Yes. The villagers saw our soldiers capturing the pirate Rupert and dragging him away. The news will spread, and Gunther will hear about it.” Luciana sat forward. “Are you sure you want to go through with this? Gunther is a dangerous man.”

“Brody will be with me. And Sister Fallyn.”

“But I won’t be there.” Luciana winced. “When I picked those Telling Stones eight months ago, I sensed danger. I kept hoping I was wrong. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to spend all those months worrying about it.”

Brigitta gave her a wry smile. “I worried anyway. I didn’t want to be the prize for a contest.”

“You could still back out. You don’t have to do this.”

“I know. Rupert could take the throne by force. When I thought fate was forcing the competition on me without my consent, I was thoroughly opposed to it. But now I realize it is a choice, and it’s the right choice. It will save lives. I can right the wrongs done to Rupert by my family. And I can prove to him that he can trust me.”

Luciana’s eyes glimmered with tears as she rose to her feet. “I’m so proud of you. I know you’ll do well.”

Brigitta jumped up and gave her a hug. “Thank you.”

“I’ve missed you so much.” Luciana wiped away a tear, then motioned to a small trunk next to the sideboard. “I’ve packed a few of my gowns for you to use.”

“Thank you. I missed you, too.”

“Nevis and his second troop will take you to the Tourinian border. Gunther will meet you there.”

Brigitta took a deep breath. “All right. When do I leave?”

“As soon as Nevis returns.” Luciana squeezed her hand. “Today.”

*

That evening, they arrived at the appointed meeting place, a bridge that crossed the Norva River at its narrowest point. The Norva began in the mountains of Norveshka, then flowed west toward the ocean, marking the border between Tourin and Eberon.

Brigitta was relieved that the uncomfortable ride in the small carriage was over, for the constant jostling had made her stomach ache. But her relief was short-lived. One look at the Tourinian army camped across the river, and her stomach lurched.

Nevis ordered his men to set up camp, while he ventured onto the bridge. The Tourinian officer in charge met him halfway. Then Nevis returned with the news.

Her brother had not yet arrived. So she and Sister Fallyn retired to their tent to rest. And wait. They ate supper and still waited. Finally, they stretched out on the cots Nevis had provided and tried to sleep. But it was hard to sleep when such an unknown future loomed before them.

The next morning, Sister Fallyn helped Brigitta dress in one of the gowns that Luciana had loaned to her. It was made of lovely turquoise silk with a matching scarf of sheer gauze. Instead of wearing the scarf over her head, Brigitta wrapped it around her shoulders to cover up the low neckline. Since the gown appeared brand-new and was the same color as her eyes, she suspected her dear sister had actually had it made for her.

She missed her sisters already.

Nevis invited them to his tent for breakfast, and Brody was there in human form. They sat around a small portable table.

“One of my men bought these at a local farm,” Nevis explained as he passed Brigitta a bowl of strawberries to go with her oatmeal.

“Thank you.” Brigitta forced herself to eat a few bites. Her appetite was gone, but she knew she needed to keep up her strength. “Do you think my brother will arrive today?”

“The lieutenant across the river thinks so,” Nevis replied as he filled their goblets with apple cider. “He confirmed that Gunther is on his way.”

“He’s making you wait on purpose,” Brody added between bites of oatmeal. “It’s his way of showing you he’s in charge.”

“He’s a royal ass,” Nevis muttered, then gave Brigitta an apologetic look. “No offense.”

“None taken.” Brigitta gave him a wry look. “Although I was upset when you hit Rupert so hard.”

Nevis winced. “Sorry. It was part of the show.”

“A part you thoroughly enjoyed,” Brody added with a smirk.

Nevis scowled at the shifter. “You don’t have to tell her that. Why don’t you go chase a squirrel?”

“There aren’t any,” Brody replied. “They all took one look at you and ran away.”

Nevis scoffed. “So you already checked for them this morning.”

Brigitta smiled to herself. Their bickering reminded her of being with her sisters. But before she could see them again, she would have to survive the ordeal with her brother. “Is there anything you can tell me about King Gunther that might be of help?”

“Ah.” Nevis ate a strawberry while he considered. “He’s a typical bully, so I would advise you not to appear weak in front of him. He will respect you more if you’re strong. At the same time, you mustn’t offend him. I’ve heard he has a terrible temper.” He turned to Brody. “Didn’t you tell me that?”