In moments of silence, I planned. My first goal in Illucia would be to secure some measure of autonomy. I would need a hobby or a friend, something no one would question when I left the castle.

We camped rather than stop in towns for lodging, and I noticed that though Ericen sat with his men, he rarely spoke to them. In the free hours before and after dinner, Kiva and I would slip away to train. A short run followed by sparring and weapons training that made my body ache.

It’d been too long since I’d exercised, too long since I’d held my bow in my hands. Each maneuver and shot, technique and drill, threatened to make me think of Estrel. My wrist felt empty without her bracelet, but I sealed the memories away and pushed harder. In a kingdom of bloodthirsty soldiers, I had to be able to defend myself.

On the fourth day, we reached the border.

I heard the army before I saw it. Voices echoed across the camp, intermixing with the whinny of horses and the clatter of metal. My nails dug into my palms, and I forced my hands to relax. Ericen claimed we were only going to stop for fresh horses, but even a breath was too long a time spent surrounded by banners of blue and gold.

Don’t look out the window.

Calls went up as the carriage broke through the first line of tents. I could feel Ericen’s eyes on me. My own bore into the corner of the carriage, colors flashing at the edges of my vision as the camp flew by.

“We’ll be quick,” he said.

My gaze slid to meet his. “Why hasn’t the army pulled back?”

“My mother has ordered it to remain until the marriage is official.”

Heat pooled in my stomach. “If they touch a single Rhodairen—”

“I have no doubt you’d happily gut us all. Don’t worry. Their orders are very clear, and they will obey them.” He paused, then added softly, “So long as things continue as planned.”

It wasn’t a threat but a warning. Razel wouldn’t hesitate to use this army to ensure her plans weren’t disrupted.

The carriage slowed, and despite myself, I glanced out the window. The rows of blue-and-gold tents were endless, an ocean of vicious weeds.

My skin prickled. This was only half Razel’s army?

When Ericen didn’t move, I turned back to him. “Not going to visit with your soldiers?”

“Like I said. This will be quick.” His voice was low and sharp.

Sure enough, the horses were exchanged without much fanfare, and with a few final hollers between soldiers, we set off again. I stared out the window, the army passing in a blur of horses and blue.