Page 181 of Sword & Sacrifice

The door opened and everyone turned toward it, expecting Silas to walk in and end the argument.

Instead, Griselda strode into the room. When she saw everyone’s eyes on her, she scowled and demanded, “What?”

“Have you seen King Silas?” Cal asked.

Her eyes narrowed. “No, he skipped dawn exercises. Don’t tell me Silas has gone and gotten himself kidnapped. Again.”

Emmaline’s heart jumped into her throat. “Could my father have ...”

“Nah,” Echo said, waving away her concerns. “Too sneaky for Everett. He likes direct confrontation.”

Emmaline arched an eyebrow. “Have you forgotten how we met?”

Echo stared at her for a moment, then stood up so fast the chair clattered away from them. “Maybe a few of us should look for him.”

Emmaline was halfway out the door before they grabbed her hand. “It’ll be faster if we split up,” she said, though she didn’t shake off their grip.

“True, but if your father is involved, I’m not letting you out of my sight.” They flashed her a cheeky grin. “Besides, it’s a good excuse to hold your hand.”

Emmaline huffed in exasperation but didn’t shake them off.

“His Majesty? I haven’t seen him this morning, but around this time of day he’s usually in the Council Chambers.”

“No, we haven’t seen him today.”

“Last I saw him was in the kitchens.”

“He left, said he had a meeting.”

“Have you checked his office?”

Emmaline had, but that’d been half an hour ago. She thanked the maid and hurried down another corridor.

“I almost wish he’d tackle me again if that meant we’d find the damn man,” Echo grumbled from a few steps behind her.

Before Emmaline could reply, she spotted Langley standing outside the office door. Her heart soared in relief. “Good morning, Langley! Is Silas inside?” She didn’t wait for the guard’s answer as she knocked briskly.

A few moments later, Silas called, “Come in.”

Overcome with relief, Emmaline burst into the room. “We’ve been looking all over for you!”

“You were supposed to meet the captain an hour ago,” Echo scolded, wagging a finger in Silas’ face like a displeased tutor. “We’ve got plans to make, defenses to raise, bullies to scare off. And we had to leave your dear general with my dear captain and I’m pretty sure if someone doesn’t intervene, one of the deer will turn into a wolf.”

Silas’ lips quirked in a small smile. “I received a letter from your mother.”

Tears sprang to Emmaline’s eyes as she accepted the letter, clutching it to her chest. It was the most wonderful thing she’d ever seen, and she hadn’t even read it yet. “She’s all right! Oh, thank you, Silas! Thank you!” She leaned up to kiss him on the cheek, then whirled out of the room again, already reading the letter as she walked.

Silas,

I hope things are well in Bellacosta. Archer arrived safely, bringing news of everything you’ve faced since we’ve parted. You’ve survived so much and I am sorry to lay more worries at your door, but there are things you must know to protect your kingdom. To keep my daughter safe.

Emmaline sniffled as she read the last sentence. Even now, when she faced her own dangers, Mama was still determined to protect her.

The next few paragraphs summarized the events of Causley Estate, Niall’s deception and how Alistair had possessed Valerian. Emmaline skimmed the contents, not wanting to dwell on those memories. She gasped when she reached a part of the story she hadn’t known.

Penn made a deal with Alistair. He would stay with the mage, serve him, in exchange for mine and Emmaline’s freedom. I followed them, trying to assist from afar, all the while unaware that someone else was hunting me.

His name is Everett Shaw and he is Emmaline’s father. The man I knew was only a facade, a handful of fake smiles and charming lies. Underneath it all, the real Everett is cruel, calculating, and determined. He has allied himself with Varro, and I fear what he will do if he finds Emmaline.