Page 120 of The Crown of the Dark Prince
Clay nodded sharply, offering his hand. “Commander.”
Harland clasped it firmly. “It’s an honor to serve you, Your Grace.”
“Majesty,” Rankor corrected, a sly grin tugging at his lips.
Harland’s eyes darted to Rankor briefly before inclining his head. “Very well. Your Majesty, I’ve started coordinating with some of the men we brought from the villages surrounding the castle. We’ve got around two hundred fighters at your disposal, but they’re largely untrained.”
“They’ll have to do,” Clay said, releasing Harland’s hand. “How are our defenses?”
“I’ve set up supply lines and communication runners. I’ve also identified potential choke points around the manor to keep the civilians safe while we push toward the castle.”
Clay’s gaze swept over the gathering forces, his jaw tight. This was a version of him I didn’t entirely recognize—a prince who had led legions to victory during the Great War.
“What about the cavalry?” he asked. “Do we have enough mounted fighters to break their front lines?”
“Around fifty riders,” Kent answered, joining us. “They’re capable, but I’d recommend sending scouts ahead to avoid ambushes.”
Clay nodded sharply. “Ranged support?”
“We stationed archers on the ridges around the manor,” Rankor told him, gesturing toward the high ground. “Not many, but they’re excellent shots.”
“Leave them to defend the perimeter here,” Clay instructed. “Harland, I want a full breakdown of our numbers, weapons, and supplies by nightfall. And scouts on every route to the castle.”
Harland nodded. “As you command, Your Majesty.”
We watched as the commander strode off, barking orders at the nearest group of soldiers.
“Do you trust him?” I asked Rankor, keeping my voice low.
His expression was uncharacteristically serious. “With my life. I fought with him during the Great War. He knows his way around a battlefield.”
Clay took a deep breath, a spark of determination lighting his golden eyes. “Good. We’ll need every edge we can get.”
“What now?” Iris asked, her tone clipped.
Clay’s lips pressed into a thin line as he considered. “Let’s get inside. Everyone eats and rests. Come nightfall, we ride. The cavalry will hit first by land, and I’ll attack from the sky. Iris and the members of the Order that are loyal to us will stay back to protect Thea. Thea only goes into the castle when I’m sure the pathway is safe.”
I whipped my head toward him, my voice sharp. “What?”
“You heard me.”
“I’ll be on the front lines,” I snapped.
Kent cleared his throat, exchanging a look with Iris and Rankor before jerking his head toward the gathering soldiers. “Let’s... uh... give them a minute.”
Rankor grinned faintly. “Good idea. Come on.”
Clay waited until they’d moved out of earshot before grabbing me by the arm and pulling me back toward the manor. “Thea—”
I yanked free, fire flaring in my chest. “I’m the deadliest weapon you have, and you know it. Forcing me to stay behind is a waste of your resources.”
He let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair. “I also know that the last time you exhausted your magic, you were unconscious for two days.”
“I’m stronger now.”
His hand slid to the back of my neck, grounding me with a firm but gentle grip. “I know that, princess. You’re also the only one who stands a chance against Pasnia, though. If you burn yourself out on the battlefield, who will stop her?”
The reality of our situation crashed over me like a wave, cold and relentless. For a moment, all I could see was the image of Clay falling from the sky during the battle with the shadow beasts. Fear twisted in my chest. I couldn’t go through that again. “I don’t want to leave you.”
