Thane let his shoulders slump and his bow fall to the floorboards. “Not how I planned for this night to go. Damn Dravens always pissing on us when the ale is flowing.”

Hilda let out a nervous chuckle and Thane grinned, rather pleased with himself for managing to have his wits in such a dire situation. He helped Hilda to her feet, going on about how they’d be wise to safeguard the woods before his future bride arrived for the wedding festivities in coming weeks, then something more about bone blades for the princess to use. I wasn’t listening anymore.

I could not peel my gaze away from the weary units of Stav returning to the gates. Behind them all was the Sentry. At this distance, I could not make out his features, I could hear only muffled shouts and the rumble of voices in the lines.

No one would see us even if they glanced our way. The same moment the thought crossed my mind, my blood heated.

Roark paused a pace from the arched gate, one pace from stepping out of sight, and turned. His gaze was aimed at the tree house, as though he knew we were here.

His gaze was aimed at me.

23

Lyra

“It is a feeling unlike any other, Ly,” Kael said the morning after the attack. We tied dried lilac and sage to the stacked logs that would be the funeral pyres for the fallen Stav. “After so long of not belonging anywhere, I belong here.”

He fought alongside the Stav and helped pike one of the ravager heads. More than one courtier had already taken note and, no doubt, more women would be carving his name like a shrine on their mantels much the same as poor, naïve Märta back home.

I turned away to hide the pain in my gaze. Kael wanted to belong so badly he would ignore the truth—he was forced to be here. This was not a choice.

“I hear the Sentry thought you fought well,” I said, desperate to speak of anything but eternities at Stonegate.

Kael’s grin widened. “Truly? It is quite a compliment coming from Ashwood. He battles like he is a spectral, untouchable. All those Draven bastards recognized him as one of their countrymen and fled from sight.”

I gingerly placed another bundle of dried herbs on the pyre. “I heard a ravager spoke with him.”

Thane had not let on the king’s melder had flung arrows into the trees and risked her neck.

I wanted to keep it that way. Even with Kael. More than anyone he would chastise me for the stupidity and likely request a second Stav join Ashwood in my constant supervision.