Page 85 of Queen’s Gambit

Chapter 24

Roksana

‘Fuck. Serves me right for trusting a mage.’ Siras pushed me at Niersen. ‘Guard her with your life. Men, with me.’

The Tangrian soldiers rushed after him, leaving a handful of Light Fae with me. More explosions followed, dragging the Empire’s forces deeper into the forest.

The Herald of Lumivitae drew his sword, armour gleaming in the sun. Made of steel and etched with silver runes, it created a barrier not only against physical but also magical attacks. Still, it was the superiority written across Niersen’s face that made me curse.

He was ready to fight, and there wasn’t much I could do against the wall of steel without endangering Irsha. A flickering light between the trees caught my attention. Tova stood there, hidden behind an oak, with something metallic in his hand.

An augurec collar. Relief and horror hit me in equal measure. A quick, covert gesture in the hand language Lily taught us signalled him to stay put.

I had a way to free Irsha, but no idea how to slip the magic-binding device around Niersen’s neck. The muffled sounds of the returning cavalry echoed in the distance, and desperation made me want to scream. The gamble to draw in the Dark Fae had failed.

I needed to speak to Tova before Siras stopped me, and with his grey gelding’s speed, I didn’t have much time.

‘Well, that was quick. I’m going behind a bush before that arsehole orders me onto a horse,’ I said, heading towards the forest.

‘You’re going nowhere.’ Niersen stepped in front of me.

I huffed. ‘Then I’ll piss on your shoes. Move! Or do you think I can outrun Tangra’s cavalry?’ I sneered.

He gestured to the guards. ‘Go with her. If she escapes, I’ll have your heads.’ He turned to me with a cruel smile.

‘You have until Siras returns. A moment later and I’ll ensure your assassin suffers.’

‘Yada, yada, save it for someone who’s afraid of you.’ I waved him off and turned on my heel.

His men followed me like a pair of guard dogs. At the edge of my vision, Tova disappeared into the dense undergrowth. I turned towards the spot where he’d vanished, and when I finally reached the wall of green, I undid my trews.

The damned guards stayed, watching my every move. ‘Enjoying the spectacle? I’d never suspect the oh-so-righteous Light Fae would indulge in such perversion. Which of your parents was Dark Fae? Hmmm?’

The taller guard muttered a curse while the other’s cheeks flushed crimson.

‘Mind your tongue, woman,’ he snapped.

I shrugged. ‘Why? I’m not the rake watching a woman take a piss.’

This wouldn’t work with the Dark Fae. They were notoriously shameless, but the Lumivitae Fae claimed lineage from Dazhbog and, like the sun deity, were of pure mind and body. After centuries of perpetuating this lie, it was so easy to use it against them.

‘Fine. Sing,’ the taller of the two said.

‘What?’

‘If you want us to turn away, then sing. That’s how we’ll know you’re still here,’ he explained, and I bit my lip to stop my laughter.

I launched into an obscene tavern song as I stepped into the undergrowth. The guards’ backs turned, and as soon as I was sure they couldn’t see me, I gestured for Tova to come closer.

His eyebrows lifted as I placed a finger to my lip and motioned for him to pass me the collar. He nodded, his hands weaving the words we couldn’t speak, as he asked what I had planned.

The Dark Fae are close. Bring them here. Tell them to attack at night, I signalled, and he nodded.

Irsha?

Enthralled, but I’ll sort it.

The Tangrians? His hands worked faster.