Chapters (44)
- The Rising
- Table of Contents
- The Work
- The New
- The Miracle
- The Battle of the Heights
- The Losses
- The Rejection
- The Grieving
- The Brother
- The Legends
- The Women
- The Ink
- The Vengeance
- The Report
- The New Airen
- The Introduction
- The Adrift
- The Finding
- The Training
- The Assignments
- The Shimmering
- The Interrogation
- The Drawing
- The Revelation
- The Escape
- The Rainbow
- The Discussion
- The Deep
- The Dragons
- The Visit
- The Reckoning
- The Twist
- The Examination
- The Tomes
- The Feint
- The Pursuit
- The Rising
- The Aftermath
- Chapter One Hundred & Fifty-Five
- The Epilogue
- About the Author
- Books by Kristen Ashley
- Connect with Kristen Ashley
“You did not…” he began then nodded repeatedly as he seemed rather harried and awkward making his way to his desk, his gaze jumping from Faunus to Saturn and back again, but he did not sit. He remained standing. “I understand,” he went on. “Incognito in a foreign land. Though, of course, you could have told me.”
“I am sorry?” Faunus asked, watching the man closely, his big body suddenly tight with alertness in his chair.
“You do not wear the mantle of the Trusted Ones,” the constable explained, again looking between Faunus and Saturn, this indication that he was speaking about them both.
“We do not,” Faunus confirmed.
“Yes, well, I understand, of course, but I can assure you, I would have been appropriate in all ways. Regardless, of the now, Sir Alfie has requested when we are done that the two Trusted and their retinue move along to Birchlire Castle, where accommodation has been readied for you.”
“The two…Trusted?” Teddy asked.
“Yes,” he confirmed, nodding. “We just received word. From the castle. It came from King True himself, speaking for King Mars. When his Trusted, Faunus and Saturn arrive…”
He stopped when not only Teddy shot straight in his chair, Faunus did too, and emotion was wafting from Saturn as well.
“I…was to…send you along…” the constable pushed out then asked, “Did I say something to offend you?”
“You are sure this was the message,” Teddy pressed.
“Yes,” the constable said. “Apparently, King Mars received a raven that you were coming to the Keep to report. And he returned that, once you are done, you were to hasten to Birchlire so they could receive you.”
“And he said ‘Trusted,’” Teddy pushed.
The constable looked confused. “It was made particular note of. ‘They are members of the Trusted,’ it said. ‘Treat them as such.’”
Teddy felt the huge smile break out on his face as he turned to Faunus who was sitting, his handsome face stunned, staring at the constable.
“You do not have to hide your rank in Wodell,” the constable shared. “We are allies now. Your Farah is our queen, and the Dellish rejoice. Our Silence is yours, and the Dellish take pride. No one would harm you.”
“Well, thank you for that,” Teddy said, his voice practically bouncing with elation. “It means much.”
“Of course,” the constable said. “And as we have your story and the names and descriptions of the men who participated in the massacre, and I can assure you they will be sought, thus, this information will be of great assistance to our colleagues in the east. You of course know the families of these women are searching for them, and I will personally send word they are found, in good health, and they can be collected forthwith from Birchlire Castle.”
“We are invited to the castle too?” Moira asked.
The constable again appeared confused. “The entire party.”
Slowly, she turned her head to Teddy.
Teddy grinned at her.