Queen of Light (The Light-Bringer Trilogy, #3)

Six

They set out at the light of dawn the next day. Cal had her sword sheathed at her side, her fur-lined cloak was drawn tight around her. She had her hair pulled back into a knot and secured with pins.

They rode east all throughout the day, traversing the intimidating eastern section of the Vardand Fjöll. When night began to fall, they set up camp. There was always a four-person guard present around James. He was always bound in iron shackles, always under the watchful eye of the guards.

For days, weeks, they rode east—only stopping for sleep. Many nights after leaving Soturi, Cal could see Zashchita and Dragos castle on the cliffs in the distance. She stared at the castle, trying to ignore her magic's pull.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" her father asked from beside her.

She didn't look at him. "As ready as I'll ever be."

—

The guards at the front gate let them pass through, and several stable boys took their horses to the stables. A lord stood on the front steps—sent by King Andrei to lead them up to the throne room, no doubt.

"Your Highness," the lord said. "Welcome. I am Lord Garett, the King's Hand. His Majesty is waiting for you up in the throne room.

"Your Grace," Cal said in kind. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Lord Garett gestures to the large halls behind him. "If you all would follow me, I shall take you up to the king."

Cal and the Krigereans followed Lord Garett up several staircases and through the corridors until, at long last, they reached their destination. The large spruce doors were wide open and revealed the king and queen waiting for them within.

King Andrei was seated upon his throne. Andrei stared down at them with his dark eyes, his dark brown hair short yet untamed. Selene stood regally at her husband's side.

Cal stopped short of the foot of the dais and bowed deeply. "Your Majesties, thank you for agreeing to meet with us."

"The Everlight's message implied that this was an urgent matter," said the king.

Selena's brows furrowed. "Why is Captain Gomez in iron shackles?"

Cal looked back. James shook his head, grinning in amusement. Then came his bone-chilling laughter.

Andrei leaned forward. "What is so funny, Captain Gomez?"

James threw his head back and cackled. A small part of Cal died inside. His teeth... oh, gods, they looked like James's. She could see the similarities between Matias and James more and more each day.

"You think that I am Prince Matias?" he snickered. "How naïve of you. I can't wait to speak with you again."

Cal took this as an opportunity to explain recent events to Andrei.

"That's why I haven't heard from the suitors I sent six months ago," said Andrei. "Queen Melania has likely imprisoned or killed them." He steadied himself with a deep breath. "I will aid you in your fight against House Andhera, however, I implore you and your group to stay for a few days before you depart again. Rest and replenish your supplies."

Cal bowed again. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Would you prefer your husband to be kept in the dungeons or the castle chapel—given his current... state?"

"Let's try the chapel," said Akaljot.

James's eyes widened in fear and they turned the steel grey she was familiar with. "Cal? Cal, don't let them take me there. Cal, don't let them do this to me! Cal, please! I'm your husband!" he shouted while using Matias's voice. "Please, Cal. I'm your husband—your best friend!"

Tears pricked Cal's eyes and she looked away from him. She closed her eyes, trying to distance her mind from the present. She felt a hand on her shoulder. Cal looked up and saw King Andrei looming over her. He gave her a sad smile.

"Don't beat yourself up, Cal," said the king. "He's trying to manipulate and emotionally destroy you."

"I know he is," she said without emotion.

Andrei put an arm around her and he led her in the same direction as James. She kept a few paces back, watching with Andrei as they got closer to the chapel.

"Just through those doors at the end of the corridor," Andrei instructed.

James dug his heels in. Akaljot and Lucas yanked him forward. He dug his heels in again. They yanked him forward.

"Gods above, what has gotten into you," growled Akaljot. "Keep walking."

They got closer and closer to the chapel, James's struggled slowly became more and more volatile. He thrashed against Akaljot and Lucas, fighting to break free of their grasp. James looked back, his orange eyes full of fear.

Steps away from the chapel doors, Andrei's voice rang out. "Open the doors!"

James halted. He planted his feet and dug in his heels. Lucas swore and tried to yank on James's arm. He didn't budge. Cal was a few paces away when she stopped in her tracks. James threw his weight against Lucas, and Lucas stumbled back. He turned and lunged at Cal, his hands outstretched. She turned away from him. Sharp pain seated her scalp and Cal shrieked as James pulled on her hair.

"Enough!" Andrei yelled.

Her hairpins crashed to the ground, and she heard James cry out in pain and release her. She looked down at James, who had his hands over his mouth and nose and was on his knees.

"Get up!" Akaljot barked as he hauled him to his feet. "Let's go!"

Akaljot and an Apparatori guard held onto his arms firmly. Cal watched them, still following at a distance, as they took one step into the chapel. Immediately, James stiffened and let out a blood curdling scream.

Cal rushed forward. "What's happening to him?"

James kept screaming. Patches of his skin started to turn red and blister like he was being burned.

"Get him out of here!" she shouted over the screaming. "Stop it, you're going to kill him! Get him out! Stop it!"

Akaljot and the guard dragged James backward through the doors. The blood drained from Cal's face and she raises a hand to her mouth.

James was crying blood.

The second he was back in the corridor, he went limp and groaned in pain. His face, neck, and hands were red and spotted with blisters.

"Do you want him in the dungeons?" asked Andrei.

"No," said Cal. "Anywhere but the dungeons and chapel."

"Is there a secure room, Your Majesty?" asked Akaljot.

Andrei nodded. "You can keep him in a spare room. Just keep him under a watch around the clock."

"We plan on taking every precaution with him," said Lucas.

"Can we get him a medic, too?" asked Cal. "Treat his burns to prevent infection."

Akaljot motioned down the corridor. "Lead the way, Your Majesty."