Page 111 of Shadow Queen
“Don’t break away from the army,” he gruffed.
Don’t break away from him, he meant. “Then they need to keep up,” she said with a smirk, and urged the Wild mare into a gallop toward Mercia.
The gates of Mercia opened wide as the bells rang out. Norah and Adrian rode through the city, across the bridge, and into the courtyard, followed closely by Alexander and Caspian. Norah brought her mare to a stop in front of the grand entry to the castle.
At the top of the stair stood Catherine. Norah didn’t take her eyes from her as she slid off Sephir to the ground. She hadn’t exchanged words with Catherine since receiving her letter in Kharav, urging Norah to return home.
Now shewashome.
Catherine stepped down the stairs slowly. Cautiously even. Norah’s heart hurt. Did her grandmother think of her as the enemy now?
When they reached each other, they stopped. Catherine’s face was difficult to read, but then her eyes welled. She reached out and pulled Norah to her, holding her tightly. “My dear child,” she breathed. “I wasn’t sure I would ever see you again.”
Norah tried to blink back the tears in her own eyes. “I wasn’t sure if I would see you either.”
Catherine pulled back and gave an emotional smile. “I’m so glad you’re home.” Then she stiffened. A cold fell over her face as she looked past Norah to the arriving company. Norah followed her gaze to see the lord commander with the Crest. All eyes were on him.
His destrier let out a ghostly scream. Soren slid from his mount like thunder to the ground and strode toward them.
Mercian soldiers parted warily.
“Grandmother, may I present—”
“How dare you bring this monster here!” Catherine spat bitterly. “Do you not think of your people, Norah? How many Northmen has he killed, and you waltz him in as our guest?”
Norah took a step back, surprised. “I know that this is difficult,” she started, “but—”
“Take him!” Catherine commanded the guards. The Northmen pulled their bows, and the sound of steel rang out as Soren drew his sword.
“Stand down!” Norah shouted, backing up to him with her arms raised.
“I didn’t believe it when it was said to me,” Catherine said, her voice shaking. “You side with the Destroyer?”
“I’m queen of MerciaandKharav, and the lord commander serves me, under my protection. Anyone who defies this will answer to me,” she stressed, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Her Northmen lowered their bows, and she looked back at the commander, who sheathed his sword.
“Then put him in the tower,” Catherine seethed. “If he must be here, then I want him out of my sight.”
“No, he’ll stay in a royal guest chamber, as is right for his position,” Norah said firmly.
“Are you mad?”
“I’m getting close,” Norah said shortly.
Catherine’s face darkened as she stepped back. “He’s here to guard his king’s interest, isn’t he? The Shadow King has made you a prisoner, even in your own castle.”
Norah glanced back at Soren. It was an easy assumption to make, but it wasn’t true. Not now. Mikael trusted Soren. She trusted Soren. And she was glad he’d come.
Catherine puffed a breath of disgust, then turned and strode into the castle, but the Northmen were still on high alert.
Norah turned to Soren. “Caspian will show you the stables, and you can see to your horse. Then he’ll take you around the castle.”
Caspian stepped forward. “Of course, Regal High.” He nodded to the commander. “Lord Commander.”
But Soren didn’t move, clearly disliking the thought of leaving her.
She spoke low, pleading. “You’ll see me again after Caspian has shown you around.” But his face told her he wasn’t interested. “You are quite literally moments from starting a battle in this very courtyard.” She dropped her voice to a whisper. “Please.”
