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‘Good for you. Do you want my blessing?’ I asked. His gaze lingered on me.

‘I know it was you, Roksana. I don’t know how you brought them here, but if you try to run, I promise I’ll hunt you down and treat you as you deserve.’

‘Oh, like a queen? Or the vivamancer who can save your kingdom, or maybe like every woman who deserves dignity and freedom?’ I placed my free hand on my chest.

He lashed out. The bowl flew from my lap, stew splashing over the tent’s wall.

‘Roksana, for gods’ sake, I’m trying…’ He paused, looking at his hand on my throat, then released me as if I’d burned him. ‘Stay in the fucking tent.’

The tent flap dropped behind him before I took another breath. I reached over, moved it aside, and peered through the gap. Just as before, Siras took his men, leaving the Lumivitae soldiers behind. I slipped the pouches of powder from my sleeves. With the augurec collar against my skin, I couldn’t cast, but that wouldn’t save Niersen.

The Herald was an undefeated duellist in the tournaments, but tournaments had rules, and I’d never been known for fighting fair.

I waited until the sound of galloping horses disappeared before moaning loudly. My guard peered inside.

‘Please, help me,’ I pleaded, writhing on the bedding. ‘I need a healer.’

The Lumivitae Fae were known for their healing magic, but I was betting Niersen wouldn’t let anyone help me. This sick pervert loved suffering, and I was certain he’d come to watch the spectacle.

A few minutes later, the tent’s wall glowed as a light drew closer. The flap lifted, revealing the fully armed Lumivitae Herald.

‘Stop pretending, wench,’ he said, standing over me, hands clenched into fists as he glanced over his shoulder.

‘Help me.’ I reached out, forcing tears from my eyes. ‘Siras said you’d help me if the pain grew too much.’

‘Why would I?’ A slow smile spread across his thin lips. He leant over me, morbid fascination gleaming in his eyes. ‘Beg me, Roksana. Let me hear those sweet words of supplication.’

I swung for his face—or at least I tried. Niersen reared back. Gods, he was fast. Even in full armour, he almost dodged the blow. The sleep powder flew from my hand and a white cloud engulfed his face as he drew a deep breath.

‘Guards!’ he shouted, staggering back and coughing. Two men burst into the tent, swords pointed at me.

‘You want to kill me? Go ahead. See how Siras reacts.’ They hesitated long enough for me to throw the second pouch of powder in their faces. That was it, the last of my poison gone.

I whipped the augurec collar from under my blouse and locked it around Niersen’s neck before tearing off of my blouse for a rope.

‘Drah’sa, where are you?’ Tova’s whisper came from behind the canvas.

‘Here. Just rip the tent fabric.’ The dwarf barged in and glanced around the tent, one eyebrow rising at the three bodies.

‘That’s my girl. What now?’

‘Where are the Care’etavos?’ I asked, considering our options.

‘Some lured your Prefect away, others await instruction nearby. The Light Fae soldiers look nervous. I don’t think we have much time before someone comes for their commander,’ he said, and I bit my lip.

‘Tell the Care’etavos to attack. I’ll find Irsha. Tell whoever’s in charge to leave this tent alone.’

We bolted in two different directions. The initial shock on the guards’ faces was replaced by horror when the Dark Fae descended upon the camp.

I ran to the horses where I had last seen Blade. My friend was still there, bound and gagged like a festive sausage. The fury in his eyes when he saw me didn’t bode well for Niersen.

‘Where is that fucker? Please tell me you kept him alive,’ he sneered as soon as I pulled out the gag.

I nodded, cutting the ropes as fast as I could before passing him a dagger.

‘In the tent.’

Irsha bolted. I didn’t bother trying to stop him. His revenge was long overdue. Just like mine. I looked down at my clenched fists and forced them to relax.