I did not argue because there was nothing I could do. My back burned from the monster’s claws so I could not bend, and even if I tried, I could not pull or lift with my arm and its angry bite. Also, I did not think I could walk the distance.

“I will find a horse,” Gavriel said, and with a bow, he left to search. Miha and Isac began to gather bodies, choosing to begin with the aufhockers first.

“Are you sure you are all right?” Killian asked. His gray eyes were stormy, and I thought about how he had begged me not to come.

“I will be,” I said.

He studied me, silent, and then said, “I know you wish to lead by example. I know you wish to protect your people, but battle isn’t the only way to fight for them.”

I did not respond, did not really wish to speak at all, and it seemed that he did not wish to hear an answer, because he left, crossing to kneel beside a woman who sobbed over the body of a man.

Gavriel returned, leading Reverie, and my heart rose seeing that she was okay until I came around to mount her and saw four deep, bleeding gashes on her hip. I met Gavriel’s gaze.

“Will she be okay?”

“So long as her wound does not become infected.” Then his eyes fell to my arm. He frowned deeply but did not comment on it. “Can you mount on your own?”

I did, though the movements jarred my back and arm. Once I was firmly seated, Gavriel kept hold of the reins, leading Reverie up the steep hill to the Red Palace.

We did not speak, not until we were in the crowded courtyard. Tanaka was among those gathered. He looked older, angrier, his mouth set in a hard line as he glared at me. I threw my foot over and slid off my horse, surprised when a set of hands grasped my waist before my foot could touch the ground.

I spun, facing Gavriel, who dropped his hands to his sides.

“My apologies, Your Majesty,” he said. “I only wished to help.”

“If I wanted your help, I would have asked.”

He held my gaze and then nodded. “My queen.”

I left the courtyard, passing Tanaka without a glance, and headed to my chambers. On the way, I passed Violeta, whose eyes widened with shock at my appearance.

“I need a bath brought to my room,” I said.

“Right away, my queen,” she said and fled in the direction of the kitchens.

Once in my room, I began to peel off my ruined dress. Parts of it stuck to me, dried in the blood that covered my skin. I pulled on a robe, and while the fabric was soft, it felt uncomfortable against my wounds.