Page 67 of The Prince's Fealty

But when this was all over, Tor wanted a bed. (And please, not a cell in his brother’s dungeon.) He wanted a comfy bed with lots of space, where he and Pel could spend too much time together.

He just had to figure out how to keep everyone safe first.

Tor fell asleep thinking about having enough magic to be able to put perpetual shields around everyone that he cared about. They might get awkward, but they would definitely protect everyone…

They rose and set off early, Tor lamenting the fact that there wasn’t time for any more fun—but the sense of urgency was growing in him, and he couldn’t tell if it was just anxiety or something else. He’d proved, after all, that he was tied to his twin in a way that wasn’t usual. No one else could borrow magic from someone else, certainly not at the distance Tor had reached when he’d needed to protect everyone from the landslide in the Tondian mountain.

He’d heard that bonds could occasionally confer a sense of danger or well-being about your partner, but not everyone seemed to be convinced that was even true, feeling that people merely convinced themselves it had happened when looking back.

Given how Pel had wound up under the nursery window just in time to catch Tor, he was inclined to give the idea credence—but he also hoped that right now, his alarm was just his active imagination and not an actual sense of impending doom.

Pel ran a hand down his arm during their brief break for food at noon. “We’re going to get there as quickly as we can.”

Tor nodded. “I know we are. I just can’t shake the feeling we need to be even faster—and I know that doesn’t make sense.”

Pel smiled gently at him. “You’re worried about your family. Of course it makes sense.”

There wasn’t really anything to say to that. They were galloping when they could but trying not to exhaust the horses. The sun was shining down on them, which didn’t helpwith speedy travel, but there wasn’t anything they could do about that. They made sure to let the horses drink whenever they could.

And still, Tor wanted to urge them faster. He couldn’t shake the feeling that they weren’t making enough progress—but he could literally see them getting closer to Baless. He was just impatient and worried.

They arrived at the castle in the early afternoon with horses that would surely be glad to be done with them.

Tor made sure to pat the flank of his horse and thank him very much for everything.

“And now you’re going to rest and get fed all the oats you could possibly eat, and you’ll probably be glad never to see me again.”

The horse nudged at him, so Tor patted him on his velvety nose and hoped he was going to be forgiven for the work that he had put him through in the last two days.

They’d dismounted a bit away from the stables so that Cavun and Denil could lead the horses in. Tor was back to wearing Rin’s helmet, and grateful for the fact that they’d brought it with them. It was warm and uncomfortable in the heat, but it reduced the chance of him being recognized.

They had no idea who might be spies, but it was likely someone had reported on Tor’s activities, and they couldn’t be sure it was just Forex, who’d presumably been in on the plot. Were there others who reported directly to Nostex (or Fernila or Yomil)?

They’d decided not to hide Pel’s return to his own castle, and hopefully it would look like Bavil was reacting to his brother’s return from Alossa. Even with only the part of the story Pel would know if he hadn’t found Tor, a lot had happened that he’d need to share with his brother.

Bavil led them inside and barked out orders to get people scrambling out of their way and hopefully not looking too closely at the helmeted Tor.

Tor and Pel were soon tucked away in a little side room on the second floor, and Bavil summoned their sister and then assured them that he would go and make sure that supplies were arranged.

When she arrived, she flew right into Pel’s arms.

“Oh, I’m so glad you’re all right.”

Pel wrapped his arms around her. “I’m fine. As it turns out, I’m also accidentally bonded and, uh, maybe a bit pregnant, but other than that, totally fine?”

She pulled back to stare at him incredulously, and then she hugged him again, even tighter from the looks of it. As soon as she was done hugging Pel, she turned to Tor and pulled him into a hug, too.

Tor appreciated the affection, because he should probably have been getting a scolding.

“It’s way more complicated than that, though,” Tor admitted. “My brother was unfortunately convinced by all the naysayers about what happened up the mountain. I’ve been accused of committing treason, have technically escaped from the dungeons, and am currently thought to be dead.”

Larexa’s eyes grew as wide as saucers as she demanded, “Tell me everything!”

“We need to make it quick,” Tor said. “We’re getting horses and supplies, and then we’re riding off again, because I’m afraid that my family’s in danger.”

Very briefly, he summarized what was happening, with Pel adding comments here and there.

Larexa looked stunned.