Of Darkness and Crowns (Goddess Wars 2)

Her words are simple enough, predictable enough, yet there’s something in her expression. Some other message I’m supposed to receive. I only nod, unable to voice words around the lump forming in my throat.

“Farrah be with you, Protector Kaliope.” This is said in unison by all the women in the room. All save Teagan.

I never thought those words would bring me so much dread. Or despair.

? 19 ?

Caben

SOMETHING IS BOUND TO go wrong.

I’m not trying to curse us. I just never do anything, make a single move, without thorough planning first. This whole plan reeks of impulsiveness. Of Kal. Although, curse might be the wrong word—as Bale’s minions, we’re all cursed.

The night swallows us. Fast-moving clouds race across the moon, giving us the cover of darkness to go undetected. But truly, that’s pointless. They’ve made their preparations. They know we’re coming, have made damn sure I’d be here. I’d just need the satisfaction of having a plan. So that I don’t feel the loss of control so completely.

Bax stands beside me, no longer bound. He’s a willing hostage. Obviously, he’s been doing some planning. I doubt he’d risk his family to be here now otherwise. Even though he considers Kal part of that family, I don’t think he’d give up his baby son or wife for her life. Maybe he’s already asked himself if he would, or could. If he hasn’t, he should.

As we wait in the tree line near the Court entrance for our moment to strike, Bale’s last words ring in my head. Sacrifice. What I am willing to sacrifice? It angers me that I have to give up anything. I, unlike Bax, am finding it a much harder question to answer.

Lake sidles up beside me, loud as a damn Crusher. I glare at him.

“Sorry, My Liege.” He bows. “I wanted to quickly inform you that the last unit has caught up and is in place. Your legion is ready.”

“Good.” I grip the hilt of my sword with one hand and palm the emblem in my other. “It’s time.”

On cue, Lake holds up a fist. “Move in!”

The ground quakes. Hundreds of Otherworlders stomping down in unison thunders around us, and then they’re moving ahead. I did not bring a select detail this time. I brought the whole damn army.

No diversion tactics. No stealthy invasion. The war has been stalled long enough.

Every unit that my country and Cavan has are waiting for us behind those walls. And oddly, it’s quiet.

The citizens, who should be filling the inner-court, anxious and awaiting a show of executions, have been ordered away. Some to their homes, if they’re far enough out of reach of the soon-to-come battle. Others who are privileged to live near the palace, probably sent to some relative miles past. It’s what I’d have done had it been my decision to make.

The stomping grows louder, the earth trembling beneath my feet, as the flank begins their march behind the legion. My skin sizzles with anticipation. The currents of power spark and snap at the frigid night air. A guttural battle cry sounds in unison, and Bax flinches from the impact of it.

No. There is no sneak attack tonight.

Along the palace wall walk, figures begin to emerge. Dark-clad and shrouded by the night, like us, yet clearly visible against the blooming glass lamps. Their lights ignite in quick-fire succession. One by one illumining the palace to welcome us.

Very different than my first welcome home party.

The tingle under my skin intensifies to a strong buzz, fueling me with determination. This time, I will get all that I came here for.

“If you falter, I will not hesitate to end you,” Bax says.

I glance at him and laugh. “Funny.” I turn my attention back to the legion. “I was just thinking the same of you.”

We do not need him, Bale whispers. Be done with him.

Like we no longer need the goddess relic?

Precisely.

Starting to move forward, Lake and Bax on either side of me, I smile. Gripping the emblem tighter, I let the moon goddess get the full dose of my thoughts. I will dispose of the mutant when I’m sure we don’t need him. I’m not confident in this quick-hashed plan, and he might still be of use as a bargaining chip later.

He’s setting you up, Prince. I can feel it. Kill him now!