Page 115 of Shadow Queen
“There’s something I would ask your help with,” she started again. “Something I need a fresh perspective to resolve.”
He didn’t answer, but his eyes met hers and his face grew even more serious.
“Pirates,” she told him.
“Pirates?”
“Mercia and other seafaring kingdoms have always been plagued by the threat of pirates. One of our ships was attacked last week, and we lost twenty-eight men. Alexander is increasing forces and weapons to defend our shipments, but that spreads our ranks thin and takes up valuable trade space.”
“I know nothing of the sea.”
“But you know war. You know how to deal with threats. TheEvanyasails in a week’s time, and she’ll have our largest trade of steel this year. I have to find a solution.”
“TheEvanya?”
Norah gave a smile. “The ship named for my mother. They’re all named after Mercian queens.”
“Do you have one?” he asked.
She nodded. “TheNorah.” She sighed, thinking. “I have to find a way to keep my men safe. I can’t tolerate it anymore.” She paused. “I don’t need a lord justice. I need the Destroyer.”
He seemed surprised but nodded. “Let me look into it. I’ll see what there is to be done.”
“Thank you.”
They ate quietly, and Norah’s heart was light. He was dropping his guard with her. “There is something else I’ve been wanting to ask you,” she said.
Soren looked up from his plate in curiosity. She waited, and he gave an urging nod.
“What did the seer show you? In Odepeth?”
His face grew dark, and he sat back in his chair. He looked away, his mind obviously drawn back to the memory.
“Tell me,” she pleaded. “Is it Mikael? Is it you? What did you see?”
“Put it out of your mind,” he said in a low voice.
“I can’t. Why didn’t you tell Mikael?”
He set his fork on his plate. “I think it’s best if you leave now.”
Norah stood, leaning over the table. “Have you not told me the worst I might imagine about Alexander? About Mikael? What else is there?”
“Leave me,” he growled, rising from his own chair. He moved toward her and used his size to push her back toward the door.
“Whatever it is, you can tell me—”
“I kill you!” he thundered.
Norah’s breath caught in her throat as she stumbled back against the wall.
“You want to know what the seer showed me? It’s your death.” He boxed her in against the doorframe with his arms, bringing his face inches from hers. “I kill you,” he said in a fierce whisper, “willingly.” His eyes were cruel, and they hurt her. Surprisingly, they hurt her.
He reached and opened the chamber door, and she stumbled backward, out of the room. Their eyes locked again as she stood, trying to get her breath, and he closed the door between them.
Chapter thirty-two
Norahstaredatherselfin the mirror while Serene laced the back of her dress. All the while in Kharav, she had dreamed of returning to Mercia, but now that she was here, it didn’t feel as she’d expected. It didn’t feel right, just as Soren’s words the night before hadn’t felt right. She wasn’t sure she believed him.
