He was a thing of beauty. Kade was a huge guy but you’d never know it with the way he ducked the first attack from Guard One, then straightened to deliver a knockout blow to Guard Two, who definitely had not been prepared for his speed, grace, and brawn rolled into one package. Guard One then spun, also reacting far too slowly, and ended up with an elbow in his throat. He dropped, grasping at his neck, struggling to breathe, and Kade finished him off with a kick to the temple.
Holding Violet as gently as I could, her weight was not a problem for me. It was more about maneuvering her length without smashing her head into things. I leapt over the fallen guards and we were up the stairs and out of the cells, back out on the ramped path. As we dashed toward the cart, which was still sitting there, Kade lifted Violet from me, allowing me time to grab the furs and our elven swords that had been resting underneath.
We didn’t stop moving. Besides a few servants who didn’t look our way, the path remained surprisingly unoccupied. We’d definitely chosen the right way to enter the castle. This ramp did not seem to be used by any highborn fae. I was pretty sure it had been unlucky that we’d run into that one guard on the way down – unlucky for him that was.
As we were emerging out of the castle, into the icy outside, Kade blocked my view for a second. I tried to see our surroundings as best as I could. Kind of looked like everything was free from guards here too.
Ambush? I asked him mentally, before sending a quick message to Finn. We’re out. Looks clear so far. Should we be expecting anything?
Kade answered me first, out loud. “I can’t sense anything, Ari, but that in itself makes me suspicious. We know they felt Violet when you touched her, so they know we’re here. So why have they let us get this far?”
Unfortunately that was not a question I had an answer to. “Well, we have no choice but to head for the others. Hopefully luck is on our side today.”
We started moving. Finn’s reply of We’re waiting here, had an image attached to it. They were at a small hut just off to the side of the main gate. Merchant cart. Lots of silk and material to hide beneath.
Why is no one chasing us? Where are the magic born? I asked him.
Nikoli took one down, and I disabled the other. So far no more have shown themselves. Hurry, Ari, we have a clear run right now, but the gates will be more heavily armed once word reaches that their magic born have been disabled.
Be there soon.
I shut him out of my mind so I could focus. Kade and I moved side by side. Violet was still over his shoulder, I had draped his extra furs over her for both warmth and to hide her. Both of us sheathed our swords and then hurried out into the bustling world of the Winter Court. We made it through those palace gates and over the small bridge without a problem. We slowed through the marketplace, which was thankfully far less busy than earlier. It looked like most of the merchants were packing up, which was probably why Finn thought this was a good time to bail. If we left in the silks cart with all the other merchants, there was less chance of discovery.
I found myself looking at the faces we passed. For some reason, the man I had seen when we were entering, the one tying the little boy’s shoe, was still bothering me. I knew him … or he knew me. There was a spark of recognition there, and now that I was mostly fae, I wondered if he was family … or something else.
I was fae! I had almost forgotten that. Had more changed than just my ears? Hopefully, If we lived through this, I’d be able to find a mirror and check out my new look. As Kade turned toward the old pipe entrance we had used to get in here, I realized he didn’t know the new plan. I grabbed his arm to slow his steps, before sending him mental pictures of our new rendezvous point. He gave me a nod, swiveling and heading in the opposite direction. We walked fast, but not fast enough to draw attention. My eyes were constantly on the move, trying to determine where the guards and possible ambush might come from.
The large, double-gated stone entrance came into view. The path widened, and there were fewer houses scattered around us. The building Finn had shown me also came into view, and I was relieved to duck in and get away from the open, striding under some brightly colored shade awnings and into another alley, this one large and well lit.
The cart was sitting there with two horse-like creatures tethered to the front. The canvas that looped up and over the back of the structure covering it was bright and silky, the color a mix of purples and blues. Blaine popped into view; he’d been crouched down beside one of the horses.
His face lit up when he saw me. He took two huge strides to scoop me up into his arms. “Thank the gods you’re safe. And perfect timing. The merchants are leaving for the night.”
I hugged him back just as tightly, so relieved that everyone was okay. So far.
By the time I had pulled back, Kade had disappeared, already around the back of the cart to stow Violet inside. My eyes met Blaine’s, and I could see his surprise as he looked me over and settled on my ears.
My smile felt wonky. “I’ll explain everything later. For now we need to get going.”
Monica was close by, and even though her eyes were wide too as they ran across me, she didn’t say anything. I wasn’t the only one with a new look. She was dressed like a mystic, bracelets up her arms, beads and a yellow silk scarf woven into her hair.
“Whoa,” I said, a more genuine smile ripping across my face. “You look gorgeous.”
She gave me a wink. “I’m the silk merchant, don’t you know? Time now to get us out of here.”
“I’ll sit with you,” I offered. “Since, you know … I’m now very fae-like.”
I could see the million questions in her gaze, but she didn’t ask. Blaine didn’t either, clasping a hand on my shoulder, before taking his place in the back of the cart too.
All good in there? I asked Kade and Finn.
Yep, was the reply from both, and I scrambled up onto the bench seat with Monica. She took the reins in her hands, and now it was time to get these fae-spec horses on the road. We had rescued my friend, and the Summer Court would heal her, but only if we could make it outside of these walls.
Monica clicked her tongue and the horses began to walk. At first it was a very tight fit, trying to maneuver along the path between the houses. Monica was skilled at pulling the reins and aligning the horses on the perfect path. We finally emerged onto the main road, about a hundred yards from the gate.
My palms were clammy as I clutched the small side rail. I don’t think I’d ever been this nervous. The clip clopping of the horses’ hooves fell into the same rhythm as the hammering of my heart as we closed in on the gate. There looked to be a lot of guards there now, checking out the long line of carts exiting. Had there been that many when we entered? I hadn’t paid that much attention.
Monica and I shared a look. This could quite possibly go south, but Violet was near death and I wouldn’t let my best friend die.
“Monica, do you still consider me your queen?” I asked her in a low voice.