So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced #2)(131)

Five crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re Rupert, aren’t you?”

Six gasped. “The infamous pirate?”

Five nodded. “He’s the only one on Aerthlan who can control the wind.”

Rupert moved his hands again to keep the wind filling the sails. “Yes, I’m a pirate. If you don’t want to be associated with me, I can put you ashore.”

Five snorted. “You’ve been harassing Gunther for years. Why?”

Rupert shrugged. “He’s an ass.”

“Everyone knows that.” Five stepped closer. “Who are you really? Why do you want Gunther’s throne?”

Rupert gritted his teeth. “Gunther’s father killed my father. His family has taken what is mine.”

Five drew in a sharp breath. “The lost prince.”

“What?” Six stared at Rupert.

“I am Ulfrid Trepurin, the rightful—” Rupert paused when Five dropped to one knee. “You believe me? I have no proof.”

Five smiled as he straightened. “My grandfather was chieftain of the Trevelyan clan, and he told me a secret before he died. Only a few of the king’s closest friends knew that his oldest son was actually Embraced and gifted with a magical power. That would be your ability to harness the wind, right?”

Rupert nodded. “True.”

“When my grandfather was dying,” Five continued, “King Manfrid came to see him. It was over twenty years ago, but it was my first time to see a king, so I have always remembered it. The proof is in your face, Ulfrid Trepurin. You have your father’s eyes.”

Rupert swallowed hard. “You saw my father?”

Five nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty.” His eyes gleamed with excitement. “I’ll take you up on your offer to be set ashore. If you can drop me off in the north, close to the Trey River, I will rally the clans. In four days, we’ll have an army of three thousand marching south.”

Rupert gripped Five by the shoulder. “You didn’t forget? You remained loyal?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. We’ve been waiting for you.”

With a laugh, Rupert clapped Five on the back. “I knew you were more than an inventor.”

Five grinned. “I knew you were more than a farmer.”

“What can I do to help?” Four asked.

“I have an idea,” Six said and quickly explained.

“I like it.” Rupert increased the wind as the boat reached the mouth of the Loure River. Soon, they would be meeting up with Ansel.

And soon the country of Tourin would be in chaos.

*

It took five long days for Brigitta to return to Lourdon Palace, for Gunther’s caravan moved slowly with its fully packed carts. For the entire time, Brigitta was heavily guarded and isolated, either alone in the carriage or alone in her tent. Whenever she was transferred from one place to the other, she scanned the area, searching for Bjornfrid and Sister Fallyn.

There was a guarded carriage traveling at the end of the caravan, and she suspected that was where Mador was hiding them. She also suspected he had a number of guards who were more loyal to him than her brother, for they were clearly keeping Bjornfrid’s existence a secret. But then, she figured it was possible that they didn’t know the identity of the young man they were guarding.

While she was alone, she had too much time to think and worry. Would Rupert believe she had betrayed him? How could she convince her brother that a sorcerer was pretending to be Mador? Would she be forced to marry the sorcerer in order to keep Rupert’s brother alive? She considered telling everything to Gunther, but she feared he would have Bjornfrid executed. No matter what, she had to keep Bjornfrid and Sister Fallyn safe. And pray that Rupert would come back for her.

When they arrived at Lourdon Palace, Gunther escorted her into the Great Hall.

“Your Majesty.” Lord Argus bowed low. “Praise the Light that you have safely returned. Did the competition finish as you had hoped? Were Captain Mador and General Tarvis the winners?”

Gunther grimaced as he sat on his throne. “Mador won. Tarvis was burned to death by one of those damned dragons.”

“Oh.” Argus blanched. “Oh, dear. Then Seven came in second place?”

“No,” Gunther growled. “He’s a loser just like the others. Once we capture the bastard, he’ll die with the rest of them.”

Argus’s eyes widened. “You mean Seven has escaped?”

“Mador and his men will catch him soon.” Gunther gave Brigitta a wry look. “Then our princess will marry Mador and watch her precious Seven hang.”

Never, Brigitta thought. She might be forced to marry against her will, but they would never be able to capture Rupert.

“Excellent, Your Majesty.” Argus inclined his head. “Shall I begin preparations for the wedding?”

“Yes.” Gunther glowered at Brigitta. “She has nine more days.”

Argus nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty.” He cleared his throat. “It is unfortunate that we have lost our head general and admiral. It could leave us vulnerable if the country is attacked—”

“Not a problem.” Gunther waved a dismissive hand. “Mador will be my new general. Promote Lieutenant Helgar to admiral.”

Brigitta recalled meeting the lieutenant who hated Rupert with a passion. If Rupert attacked the navy, he’d be fighting the lieutenant once again.