I miss Prince Dahr. I miss Prince Eric too but feel like Princess Chari has that covered. I don’t think she misses Dahr as much as she misses her husband, even if she does like him. Missing them is a lot of work, so it’s good that we can split the burden, if just a little.

The Book of Lost Wisdom, Kalutu

Thirty-fourth of Learning 1142

The sun was no longer the sun. Instead it was a distant power source, and he drew from it. The wind blew, but not strongly enough to power his efforts, so he ignored it for the moment. The cottage, the pond, the surrounding trees barely entered his consciousness at all, for Dahr was thread surfing—moving from one thread to another, gleaning what information he could and moving on to the next.

The feeling exhilarated him. Lifted him. Propelled him to new heights. Finding the thread he sought, he raced along it, a thick band of yellow that extended far into the distance. In just a couple of weeks, he had come into his own. The threads were no longer a mystery to him. Instead, they were a part of him, like an extra sense, combined with a thousand extra limbs.

He zoomed from the island on which he sat; across water, dunes, swamps and forests until he came to a prairie, where he found the object of his search. Though it had only been a couple of weeks, it felt much longer. And hundreds of miles away, Kalutu froze and looked up.

“Prince Dahr?”

Chari was beside him in a second. Dahr could see the princess through his familiar’s eyes.

“Kalutu, are you okay?” asked Chari.

“I think Dahr is trying to contact me.”

Where are you?

“We’ve recently crossed the border into Melar. We’re heading toward Trilsk, which I believe is the capital city.”

You’re with King Leonid then?

“Yes. How are you talking to me?”

No time to explain, this requires a lot of energy. Just keep going. I’ll meet you there as soon as I can.

“Are you close?”

No, it will take a while. Just wait for me. I’ll contact you if the situation changes.

“What’s he saying?” asked Chari.

“He wants us to go to Trilsk with King Leonid.”

“Why?”

“He says he’ll meet us there.”

“Is Eric with him?”

Kalutu didn’t have to ask the question, since Dahr was hearing through his ears.

The answer to that question is more complicated than we have time for. He’s on a soul journey, and I’m with his body.

Kalutu repeated the news.

Kalutu, I can’t keep this up. I’ll see you when I get there. Take care of yourself.

And he let the connection drop. In truth, Dahr could have kept going, but then he’d have to explain what was going on with Eric to Chari, and he absolutely wasn’t up for that. Instead he searched out a completely different thread, one that two days ago, he’d not have been able to travel.

Prince Eric was in a room the likes of which Dahr had never seen. Of course, he didn’t look anything like Prince Eric, but since Dahr was following his soul, he knew he had reached the right person.

Hi.

“Dahr?”

Yes.

“How did you reach me? Even the gods can’t reach me here.”

Yeah, but I don’t follow the same rules they do. I mean, I followed you into your transition dream, right? I just wanted to let you know that everyone is fine, and that we’re on our way to you, so stay put. No point in leaving the safety of your current situation to try to get to us when we’re all coming to you.

“Chari and Kalutu are okay?”

Yes, Eric, everyone is dandy. I just spoke to Kalutu a few minutes ago.

“Really?”

No, I’m lying. Of course really. Well, I didn’t speak, but we communicated, much like you and I are doing now.

“You’re crazy powerful, you know that right?”

If you think this is something, wait until I level again.

“Why, what level are you now?”

Nine.

“What? How did that happen?”

I got some help from the Brethren, and George probably had something to do with it as well. You’re okay?

“Yes, though I’m stuck in this body.”

Yeah, it’s a step down for sure. What is that place you’re in?

“It’s a gym. It has exercise equipment in it. You’d like it.”

I’ll take your word for it. Anyway, have fun. We’ll see you when we get there.

“Okay. Take your time. I only just started Game of Thrones.”

What?

“Don’t worry about it. It’ll take too long to explain.”

Okay then. See you when we get there. It’ll be a while, so don’t worry.

Dahr ended the connection. He had one last person to contact. He could feel her out there, running. She’d be here soon, but that didn’t work for him. He needed more time.

So he cast his mind along the thread that led to Striker.

Hiya.

“Dahr?”

Of course.

“How are you contacting me?”

It’s not important. I just wanted you to know something.

“Yes?”

The last time we met, you held all the power. That’s no longer true. And I won’t sit idly while you attack us.

“If this is to be a challenge of wills, I suspect you’ll find it a very short bout. I’m a much higher level than you.”

Dahr sent the mental equivalent of a shrug. And where do you think you got those levels?

“Honestly, I have no idea.”

Would you like me to tell you?

“Sure.”

You got them from George.

“George can’t tether me. None of the gods can.”

That’s true. But George is not a god. Anyway, he didn’t level you.

“He didn’t?”

No. George placed the levels in Stalker, just waiting until the moment you tethered her. Her levels became your levels.

“Wait, are you saying that George used Stalker as a vessel to get levels into me?”

Yes.

“How do you know this?”

Oh I know a lot more than that. However, we’ve got other things to talk about. I’m giving you this one chance to slow down.

“I can’t slow down. I’m already late.”

I warned you.

Dahr poured energy into the connection between them. It raced along the thread and entered Striker’s soul.

“Dahr, what are you doing? This feels amazing. So much power.”

Dahr smiled, but there was no one there to see it. He kept pouring the power into her.

“That’s…I feel…Dahr, it’s too much. Stop.”

No. It’s time for you to slow.

And against her will, Striker could feel her body slowing.

“No, Dahr. We have a schedule to keep.”

I asked you to slow. You denied me. Now, you’ll have no choice.

“Dahr, this hurts. Please. Is this the kind of man you want to become?”

Dahr chuckled. Do you realize how hypocritical you sound? You abused Maynor’s trust, kidnapped Eric and me against our will. And now you’re complaining because I have the power?

“Dahr, I can’t take this.”

If you’re so much stronger than me, stop me.

“I can barely think. My head…Dahr…don’t do this!”

If you ever even think about harming Eric or me again, I’ll know. Farewell, Striker.

He left her just as she lost consciousness. Sweat poured down his face, but it was from exertion rather than heat. His breath came in ragged gasps. That was at the very edge of what he could do. In fact, only his rage allowed him to go that far. He’d have to watch that going forward, because Striker was right. That wasn’t the type of man he wanted to be.

He fought to control his breathing and, just as he started to get himself under control, he sensed someone approaching. Recognizing the thread, he turned in her direction and waited.

“I see you’ve been working on your skills,” said Gabby.

“I have. It’s getting easier and easier.”

“Well, I just wanted you to know that Eldiss thinks Striker will be returning tomorrow.”

Dahr shook his head. “She’ll probably be a couple of days late. And she’s not alone.”

“Oh?”

“She has a pack of kreve with her. You should probably mention that to the ferryman, so he doesn’t try to attack.”

“Pack of kreve? Really? What is it with you people?”

Dahr grinned. “It’s a bit like that, isn’t it?”

“It is. Anything else I should know?”

Dahr shrugged. “I would imagine a lot. The threads hold a lot of information, most of it useless or at least uninteresting. I’m still working out how to tease out what I need.”

She looked at him speculatively. “You’ve made more progress than you’re telling me.”

“I have. I’ve got to keep some secrets though.”

“I’ll tell you a secret if you tell me one of yours.”

“Lunch is ready? That’s not much of a secret.”

She looked at him sharply. “You can read that?”

“Are you kidding? You’re so hungry, you’re broadcasting like crazy. Eric could read that and he’s in a coma.”

Gabby raised her eyebrows in surprise then laughed. “I have to be careful around you.”

“I want to thank you for all your help. We’ll be leaving as soon as Striker gets here. I’m not sure how welcome I’ll be when I level again.”

“Oh?”

“Not everyone is as accepting as you are, even here.”

Gabby nodded. “You don’t need to read the threads to figure that out.”

“You’re right. I don’t.”

Gabby had nothing else to say, so she turned and started toward the cottage. Dahr followed, exhausted by the morning’s exertions. He hadn’t lied. They couldn’t stay here long. He was only waiting to hit Tier 2, and they’d be off, hopefully before anyone here tried to stop him. He didn’t want to have to hurt anyone.

He felt a bit hypocritical after what he’d done to Striker, but that was different. He hadn’t hurt her permanently, and she needed to know that she was no longer in control. That was important to him. With Striker, it was preemptive self defense. Dahr had already seen what she could do, and that was before she controlled an entire pack of kreve. She was more dangerous than ever.

Sometimes, you had to take steps to protect yourself. He wondered if that was what the Undead King had done when he’d attacked Death’s Doorstep and thought it entirely possible that that was the case. And if it was, that meant the Undead King wasn’t the bad guy…his people had been.

Dahr wondered what he would end up doing if that turned out to be the case.

*

Queen Treya shifted her gaze from Lord Ormund to Queen Raven and back again. She remained standing, as the chairs she used to sit in when visiting had been removed to make room for a second bed. She should have had Ormund moved to more spacious accommodations, but there had been so many other things on her mind. Too late now.

Stolen novel; please report.

Angel Morrow, the royal physician, a priest of Sylinar, a priest of Iorana and a priestess of Mitra were present. They remained clustered near the doorway so as not to get in her way. Treya all but ignored them. They were here as witnesses. The procedure she would be performing had never been done before. There were no authorities on it. As skilled and knowledgeable as they were, they couldn’t help her. Treya would have to depend on what little experience she had.

She prayed to both Sheba and Sylinar before she began. She tried to think of anything she might have missed but couldn’t. There was no longer reason to delay. She turned her attention to Queen Raven.

The aging queen lay on a bed under a sheet that did nothing to disguise her skeletally thin body. If Treya hadn’t known she was alive, she’d have assumed that she had already been claimed by Se Karn.

“Queen Raven, are you ready?”

“I am.”

“You understand I can’t guarantee success, and that what I am about to do might destroy your soul forever. You would cease to exist altogether.”

“I understand.”

“Very well. Fare well, Queen Raven.”

“Goodbye, Queen Treya. The road before you will be hard. So hard. You feel sorrow for performing the act that will end my life, but you are doing me a service. It is I who feels sorry for you.”

Treya raised an eyebrow. “I don’t suppose you’d like to elaborate.”

“I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

Why mention it if that was all she was going to share? It wasn’t like Treya needed to focus or anything, right? She would have laughed if she weren’t about to commit murder.

“Do you have any last words?”

“I’ve said all the goodbyes that matter. No more procrastinating.”

Treya drew in a deep breath and shifted her gaze to Ormund. He lay on his back as he had since he had sustained his injuries, still overweight, but not nearly so much as he had been. He was bald, but no longer clean-shaven. The beard and mustache would have been starting to get out of control by now, if those that attended him hadn’t kept it neatly trimmed. He was there because he had refused to betray his queen. Treya felt a pang and, though she had already prayed, spoke to the goddess.

Sheba…let this work.

I have nothing to do with this. This is all on you, Queen Treya.

Not helpful.

Sheba’s chuckle did little to comfort her.

Lord Ormund hadn’t moved since the incident—since parts of his soul had been shredded. She forced herself to confront the thought. And now she had a chance to bring him back—if only she didn’t have to take a life to do it. She steeled herself, cast Soul Salve and watched what was left of Ormund’s soul drift out of his body.

She took a moment to examine his soul one last time. It hovered just above his chest. The colors around the edges hinted at its previous perfection. Shades of blues, yellows, greens, reds and violet were evident, as well as a couple of gaping holes and a few smaller ones disrupting whatever pattern might have once been there. There were gashes in a few places, as if the soul had been torn apart by giant claws. Sarith’s Cloak had performed as advertised. If only there was some way to destroy it.

She cast Soul Salve a second time. Raven’s soul floated from her body, hovering in the air above her. Treya had already tested her ability to summon two souls in the days leading up to this, so she knew what to expect. In fact, she’d spent the last several days experimenting on volunteers. She hadn’t wanted to feel overwhelmed dealing with multiple souls for the first time.

During her days of practice, she’d cast Soul Salve on Queen Raven a number of times in an attempt to commit to memory exactly where the damage lay. That she was intimately familiar with Lord Ormund’s injuries saved her valuable time as she only had to focus on one of her patients.

Two spheres that had once been perfect floated in the air just a few feet apart. Seeing them together, it was obvious that they were meant to be joined, even though Queen Raven’s injury had occurred decades ago. She still had no idea how any of this was possible.

She wrapped her will around Raven’s soul. She could feel her connection to it. She could see where Iorana had tethered it. She moved closer…closer. She felt Iorana withdraw. The goddess of magic was ceding the soul to her. She moved into the area of the soul previously occupied by the goddess with a confidence she didn’t feel. Iorana was gone, but before she’d departed, she had shifted the tether to Queen Treya. She was tethered to a soul. This is what the gods did. At the realization, she almost lost focus but forced herself to concentrate.

Queen Raven’s soul belonged to her in a very real sense—an extension of her own. She commanded the soul to rise and directed it to move toward Lord Ormund. Manipulating the soul was as easy as thinking about where she wanted it—no different than moving a vase from one table to another. She glanced briefly at Raven and noticed the queen was following her soul’s progress. Perhaps she could see it because of the tether. An interesting tidbit that Treya had no time to follow up.

She watched as the two souls drew closer. Her job was to move it into position and…then what? She had to hope Ormund’s soul would accept it. Was there anything else she needed to do? She had no idea.

Closer…closer… The two souls were almost touching now. She continued moving, slowly, gently. It felt like a slow-motion dance. Raven’s soul touched Ormund’s. She continued moving it, superimposing one over the other. Trying to line them up. How could they occupy the same space? Never mind that…focus.

Treya had expected Ormund’s soul to react, but it remained dormant. Did she need to do something? The souls were as closely synchronized as they could be, and yet nothing was happening. Treya fought down her frustration. What had she missed?

Minutes passed. Treya thought back to what had happened so far and had an idea. Slowly, she relinquished her hold on Raven’s soul. Iorana has ceded the soul to her, now she would have to do the same with Lord Ormund.

She withdrew, slowly, as Iorana had. As she pulled back, she could see a multicolored tendril reach out. Ormund was claiming Raven’s soul. Tethering to it. She could barely breathe.

Lord Ormund’s soul became more active. Parts of it that had been dangling began to wave as if caught in an invisible breeze. Like a hand reaching out to clasp another, the pieces of Ormund’s Soul sought contact. And when each part of the souls touched, the handshake became an embrace. Pieces of Raven’s soul were filling the gaps in Ormund. It was happening so fast. She wondered if she should try to slow the process, but no. Souls healed themselves. They knew what they were doing. It was the most fascinating thing Treya had ever seen.

It took only five minutes for the transition to complete. When she finally turned away from a show only she could see, Queen Raven was no longer breathing. If she’d said anything before the end, Treya hadn’t heard it. She looked back at Lord Ormund.

His eyes fluttered open, face twisted in anguish. Was he in pain? No. When he’d last been conscious, he’d been tortured by Captain Jericho. He must be reliving that final moment. Treya couldn’t imagine anything so horrible. Only when he realized he was no longer in the chapel did confusion replace anguish.

“Welcome back, Lord Ormund. You’re safe. You can relax.”

“Zi shris larta gralz.”

Treya was surprised. It had been a long time since Sheba hadn’t translated something for her.

“Can you understand me?”

“Zes?”

“Lord Ormund, it’s Queen Treya. I don’t know if you can understand what I’m saying, but I’ll try to explain what happened. If nothing else, perhaps the sound of my voice might be some small comfort. I don’t know what you remember, but you had been attacked by Captain Jericho, and you’ve been unconscious for a couple of weeks. We’ve only now been able to treat your injury, but you’re going to be okay.”

“Grishnu, perith gothal alde? Crecian terith wilst?”

For several minutes she tried to communicate, but it was useless. She was fairly certain he was understanding her, but he didn’t seem to be able to speak, at least not any language Sheba could translate into Twylish. Why? It made no sense. Had something broken in him that the soul repair hadn’t fixed? Was it just a matter of taking the time to integrate Queen Raven’s soul? She had no idea.

Still, he was with them again. Alive and hopefully not in pain.

And suddenly, she felt exhausted. She sagged and the priest of Iorana was beside her, preventing her from collapsing.

“It’s done?” he asked.

“It is. Two souls have been merged into one.”

“A moment that will go down in history,” said the Priest of Sylinar. “Your name will be remembered throughout the ages.”

“I didn’t do much. The souls seemed to know what was required of them.”

“You are too modest,” said the priest. “Not surprising for a servant of Sheba. But worry not, Queen Treya, others will sing of the deeds of this day, you can count on that.”

“I’ve never wanted fame. I don’t deserve it.”

Angel Morrow tsked. “It seems to me that the gods think otherwise.”

Treya found she couldn’t disagree with the sentiment.

*

King Terrence surveyed the gathering troops and realized they weren’t enough. There weren’t close to enough. It was true these were only Twylish troops so far, and not all of them, but they would need a lot more if they were to march into Xarinos. Not for the first time he questioned his goals, but the gods had spoken and that was that.

As he walked back to his tent, he kept an eye on the soldiers. You could tell a lot about a man from the way he went about his chores. He was surprised to find every soldier he took notice of held their head high. He saw no resentment, fear or doubt. Men and women were laughing, happy to be doing even the most menial chores, because they were preparing to fight a holy war to finally shed the burden Xarinos represented…and they weren’t alone. King Terrence, the hand of Sheba, was there to lead them. Larger than other men, still shining with divine light. Was that how his people saw him? He didn’t doubt it, and he would have a year ago. Mitra had been right—he was changing.

Less humility and more confidence…not in himself perhaps but in his choices. The gods had ordained his path forward, and he trusted them. It was so rare that he didn’t have to question his direction. This time, he knew what he was going to do and knew it was the right choice. Like the others, King Terrence had shed a burden. It was a welcome respite.

When he reached his tent, he ducked inside. He had been planning on reading some of the reports he hadn’t gotten to yet, when he realized he wasn’t alone and knew immediately he was in the presence of a god. Once that would have staggered him, but this time he took it in stride. He really had changed.

Se Karn was an eight-foot tall, shadowy figure, dressed in robes as black as the darkest night. With the hood up, as it was now, Terrence couldn’t see his face. The god of death raised a black-gloved hand and pulled the hood back, revealing a skull beneath. Terrence wondered who it had once belonged to.

“To what do I owe this honor, death god?”

“You were promised a gift from each of us. I am here to deliver mine.”

The voice was deep, penetrating…inevitable. There was a surprising warmth to it Terrence hadn’t expected. When they had previously met in the throne room of Rish, the god of death had not spoken.

Se Karn held out a hand. On his gloved palm lay a plain silver ring. It didn’t look like much, but Terrence could feel the waves of magic pulsing from it.

“This artifact is magical in nature rather than divine. It is a ring of protection. An ancient one. It’s equal has not been made in two thousand years.

“I had considered gifting you a holy relic, but I am the god of the dead. Anything I create would favor death, making it a trap. Since this ring was meant to keep you alive, I relied on magic instead. Powerful magic. This ring will protect you better than anything I could create.”

“Is there anything I need to know?”

Se Karn proffered his hand, and Terrence removed the ring from it. It was lighter than he thought it would be. It weighed almost nothing.

“Wear it. Don’t remove it for any reason.”

Terrence slipped the ring onto his finger. He wasn’t surprised that it fit perfectly.

“I will never remove it. Again, thank you, god of death.”

“I wouldn’t thank me yet. Believe me when I tell you, you’re going to need it.”

And with that, Se Karn was gone. Almost immediately, Terrence returned his attention to his immediate worries, as if getting a gift from a god had become commonplace. It hadn’t of course. But thinking about the ring was another distraction in a world of distractions. It was in place. It would do what it was meant to do. What it wouldn’t do is get him more men.

They would march north in a day’s time, picking up more Twylians as they went. But the army really wouldn’t swell until they met up with the forces from Karmenon, and started moving through Andara picking up tribesmen.

And the worst part was, he had the damnedest feeling that even with the armies of every country behind him, in the end, it wouldn’t be enough.

*

Queen Treya sat in Andeon Walsh’s office in the Adventurer’s Guild building. Through Andeon, she had arranged a conversation with King Lynx, to inform him of his wife’s death. She felt nervous as she waited, not sure how he would take the news. Rhea had volunteered to assume this responsibility, but it was hers and she would bear it. That was what honor demanded. She had taken Queen Raven’s life, and she would make whatever restitution was required.

While they waited, she told the guild leader about how she had combined two souls into one, and he was fascinated by the topic. She might not have brought it up, if she’d have known the amount of questions he would have for her on the subject, most of which she couldn’t answer.

She was momentarily relieved when she felt the connection begin, until she remembered why she was there in the first place.

“King Lynx, it has been too long.”

“Is it done?”

“Is what done?”

“Is my wife dead?”

“Yes.”

“Good. She was in so much pain for so long. She stayed alive only for this.”

“You knew?”

“Yes. My wife and I had no secrets from each other. If you’re feeling guilty, you should stop. This was her choice. Her wish. How many of us get to choose our own ending?”

That was a point she hadn’t considered before. “Still, it grieves me that I should be the one responsible…”

King Lynx interrupted. “You must lead a very stressful life if you’re going to claim responsibility for every event beyond your control. Surely it must be exhausting. You may have been the tool the gods used to accomplish this, but I’d name that an honor and move on with my life. How long will it take before you make that adjustment?”

Treya was taken aback. She wasn’t used to being spoken to that way. Still, King Lynx was correct. She was blaming herself for the choices of others. “Perhaps I feel a bit guilty that Lord Ormund was returned to us at another’s expense.”

“Why? She still lives on inside him, you can count on that. Her soul was repaired, not destroyed. What difference does it make whose body it’s in?”

“Wait, are you saying that she’s still with us?”

“I don’t know the particulars, but surely part of her lives on, as part of Lord Ormund does. Maybe I’m just being a hopeful old man, but does anyone really know what this means? For my own peace of mind, I will continue to assume that part of Raven is still with us.”

“You make a lot of sense.”

“I’ve lived a lot of years. And now, I think it’s time for you to return to running your kingdom. You’ve talked to me. I’m fine. We’re fine. So go save us from the Undead King.”

“Of course. Thank you for being so understanding.”

“Thank you for giving my wife the ending she requested. Goodbye, Queen Treya.”

“Goodbye, King Lynx.”

And he was gone.

“I assume that went well,” said Andeon.

“Better than I had thought it could go. Tell me, Andeon. Do you think, somehow, part of Queen Raven could have survived the integration into Lord Ormund’s soul.”

“It’s a good question. Tell you what, let me do some research, and I’ll get back to you.”

*

“It’s time to go your majesty. You can’t put it off any longer,” said Captain Burke.

“I don’t want to go.”

“I know, but there isn’t a choice. And there is a schedule.”

Queen Treya sighed. “I remember fifteen years ago, seeing him off. Watching him ride away. Not knowing if I’d ever see him again. Those aren’t pleasant memories.”

“They wouldn’t be. But you did see him again.”

“I did. He came home a war hero, carrying the scars of dozens of battles he had to fight without me by his side. With the pain of friends who didn’t make it back. Everyone called him the warrior king, but it’s not how he felt, believe me. It took him ages to recover from that war.”

“One of the things that makes King Terrence great is his modesty. Do you have any idea of how many young men choose to serve Sheba because of him?”

“No. I’ve never thought about it before.”

“I’ll tell you on the way.”

Treya looked at him in astonishment then burst out laughing. “That’s very sneaky. I’m going to have to keep an eye on you.”

“Your horse is waiting.”

“Yes, yes. Can’t keep my horse waiting. You know how she gets.”

Captain Burke laughed and opened the door for the queen. He followed her out. Burke had taken it upon himself to be Treya’s personal guard when he had no other responsibilities and to make sure she had guards with her at all other times. Too much had happened in the palace for anyone to feel confident that their rulers would be there when they woke up in the morning. So far, two princes, a princess, and a captain had disappeared, and Lord Ormund had been tortured so badly, it had looked like he might never wake up. That he did was nothing short of a miracle.

Of course, Burke had learned that Captain Jericho was dead and that the king had killed him. But he also found out that Jericho had attacked the king and was the one who’d tortured Lord Ormund. It was all so insane. That made the queen a target, and she would be the last of the royal family left when King Terrence led the army away. So he’d taken this additional responsibility, refusing to lose yet another royal on his watch.

The trip down to the stables, out of the palace and then the city took too long. The queen continually tried to procrastinate. At one point she wanted to stop at a furniture shop they’d passed, but he hadn’t slowed, so she had kept going.

They left through the north gate of the city, and rode out to where the troops were bivouacked. He hadn’t been out here in over a week, and there were a lot more tents now. Captain Burke led the queen toward the king’s tent, barely bigger than the others, making it hard to pick out at a distance.

They arrived just as the king emerged.

“Well met. And not a moment too soon. If you’d been any later, I’d have left without saying goodbye.”

Queen Treya pouted. “You would not.”

“Well, I’d say goodbye to Captain Burke, at least.”

Treya looked scandalized and punched Burke playfully on the arm. He jerked it back as if he’d felt it. Terrence laughed.

“If you want a hug, you’re going to have to dismount.”

“I’m considering it. I’d expected a warmer welcome.”

“Sorry, warm welcomes are in summer only. We can’t wait that long. The chirkir told me we have to leave now, or it will be too late.”

“Truly?” asked Burke. Realizing he’d interrupted, he ducked his head, embarrassed.

Terrence laughed. “Yes. It happens to be true. I trust you’ll take good care of the queen while I’m gone.”

“Yes, your majesty. I won’t let you down.”

“I know. You came highly recommended.”

“If you two are quite done,” said Treya, “I’d like to say goodbye to my husband.”

“Apologies, my queen,” said Burke.

Treya dismounted and offered the reins of her horse to a nearby soldier. Then she walked to Terrence.

“I had hoped for a more private meeting,” she said when she reached him, low enough so no one else could hear.”

“You arrived too late for a quickie, if that’s what you were hoping for.”

She laughed. “I think that promotion has done you some good. You feel almost like the old you.”

“That’s strange because no one knows how to address the new me—except Gallen Burke. How is he working out?”

“He’s doing fine. But I didn’t come here to talk about him. You be careful.”

“I will, in as much as that’s possible. You too. I used to think we were safe here, but that theory has been disproven too many times recently.”

“I’ll be fine. You just make sure you come back to me.”

“Of course, your majesty. I live to serve.”

She leaned into him and hugged him tight, then pulled back and kissed him. She’d expected catcalls from the men, which is what had happened fifteen years ago, but they were older now, and Terrence was still glowing. No one wanted to risk offending the High King or Sheba’s voice. What a crazy year.

“I guess this is it,” she said.

He nodded. “We’ll get through this.”

“I know.”

He signaled to one of the soldiers, and his horse was brought around. Treya watched until he mounted and rode to the front of the column that was forming. Men were busy striking camp, faster than she’d have thought possible. Most of the packing had already been done, she realized. They had probably been waiting on her.

She mounted her horse and turned to Captain Burke. “Let’s go. I don’t want to see him leave.”

“Yes, your majesty.”

She turned in the saddle one last time as they rode away. She had been scared enough the first time, but this time was somehow worse, even if she wasn’t pregnant. For Queen Treya had the feeling she would never see her husband again. The thought sent a shiver through her, but she fought against the tears. Instead, she kicked her horse into a gallop so suddenly that Gallen Burke had to hurry to catch her.

She didn’t see King Terrence turn in his saddle to watch her ride off.