Page 98 of North Queen
He spun and caught her by the neck, almost pulling her off her feet. “He isSalar,” he snarled, “and I amLord Commander. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you know me—I am not a friend. I’ll use you to draw the Bear, then I’ll till our fields with the burnt bodies of your armies and savor a harvest grown in Mercia’s destruction. It’s this alone that keeps me from choking the life from you right now.”
Norah struggled for air, frightened by his sudden aggression. “I’m under the king’s protection,” she gasped.
He gave her a wicked smile. “He told you our story, yes? Then believe me when I say there is nothing I can do that Salar would not forgive.”
He pulled her closer, bringing his lips to her ear. “Nothing.”
Norah’s eyes widened, and she struggled against him. He released her, and she sank forward, gasping for breath.
His nostrils flared, and he gave her a merciless scowl. “Good day, North Queen,” he said stiffly, and left her in the cold of fear.
Norah sat on her horse, watching as the Shadowmen carefully laid their king into a makeshift haul. She knew exactly where they were going. A group of Horsemen waited as the army prepared to move. More than anything now, she needed to make her escape. But under the watchful eye of the commander, that would be impossible. Her hands weren’t bound anymore, but he’d tied the lead of her horse to his saddle. As the army moved out, they fell in behind the haul, where the king’s brute could keep his eye on the king and on her.
It was a long ride, and one that probably would force another change of plans, she expected. Her anxiousness grew at the thought of Alexander gaining ground on them. While meeting the Shadow army with the king down was the optimal time, she couldn’t say she hoped for it.
When they arrived at the Horsemen tribe, it was larger than Norah thought it would be. Adobe houses sat in large groupings around a central town square. They brought the king to a center house of mudstone and thatch, where they laid him on a large bed. Norah was quiet, watching all the activity as he was made comfortable—blankets were rolled out, food was brought in. Weakness slowed his movements, along with weariness from the travel. But his tired eyes found her.
“Eat,” he said.
“Why are we here?” she demanded. “Are these not the people who assaulted me and tried to kill you?”
“They didn’t know who they were attacking. The Horsemen tribes are friends of Kharav.” He paused, taking another labored breath. “And it wasn’t safe to camp where we were. Abilash will keep us until I can travel. Now eat.”
“I’m not hungry.” It was a total lie. She was near starved.
“You’ll need your strength.”
Norah scowled at him. Fine. She’d eat, but she’d be angry about it. She took a loaf of bread and a small cut of meat. “Who’s Abilash?”
He gave her a mischievous look. “A Horseman king. I think he’ll take a liking to you.” He smiled, and she could tell he was teasing her. “He’s looking for a wife.”
Norah gave a repulsed laugh. “I’m not to be had.”
“Because you’re betrothed to the Aleon king?”
His reminder of her marriage needled her. “Because I’ll marry who I deem worthy,” she snapped.
He shrugged. “Abilash is a king.”
“Then he should find a woman who thinks that’s good enough.”
She saw the corners of his mouth turn up in amusement. He watched her, thoughtful. “What makes the Aleon king worthy?” he asked.
Norah didn’t answer. She wasn’t sure he was. What made any man worthy? His kingdom? His wealth? None of that mattered to her, especially now. Her chances of escaping lessened each day. There was fight still inside her, but she knew she would likely never make it to Aleon, or back to Mercia.
The day passed slowly, with the king drifting in and out of sleep. Norah watched him as he moved about restlessly in his sleep. What haunted his dreams? She knew what haunted hers. She was still lost, failing to simply remember. She was failing as queen. Failing her kingdom and her people. Failing Alexander. All she could picture was Alexander walking into a trap. If anything happened to him…
As night fell, she looked out across the village, seeing the houses filled with firelight. How wonderful it must be, she thought, to be with loved ones in the comfort of a simple home. Where there was no pressure of the crown, no vengeful enemies. How wonderful it must be to choose a life of the heart—these were the things she longed for.
“You didn’t answer my question,” the king’s voice came from behind her. She turned to see him sitting up in the bed.
She raised a brow. “There are many questions you haven’t answered for me.”
“Ask one, then. I’ll answer.”
She eyed him suspiciously.
“Truthfully,” he added. “I’ll answer truthfully.” His breathing was uneven. His strength was returning, but it still took energy for him to hold himself up.
