Frozen Tides (Falling Kingdoms #4)(81)

His father was in Kraeshia with the emperor, conducting secret negotiations. And to think that, in his mind, Magnus was the traitor.

To rule the world was exactly what Gaius Damora wanted. And now he had the air Kindred.

Lucia and Kyan had the fire Kindred.

Amara had stolen the water Kindred.

That left only the earth Kindred unaccounted for.

“Agallon, you will go to Kraeshia as my representative to speak with Felix and his new group of rebels,” Magnus announced. “And then you’ll find my father and put a dagger through his heart.”

It was the only way this could end.

“Will you do this?” Magnus asked after all had gone utterly silent at the table.

Jonas nodded. “I will.”

“Good. You’ll leave tomorrow at dawn.”





CHAPTER 21


CLEO

LIMEROS

Roused from slumber, Cleo opened her eyes to find her room in shadows, and the sky outside her window still dark save for the light of the moon.

“Princess,” whispered an urgent voice. “I’m sorry to disturb you so early.”

A lantern’s blaze cut through the darkness, bringing the face of Cleo’s confidante into view.

She wiped the sleep from her eyes and sat up in bed. “What is it, Nerissa? Is something wrong?”

“I’m not sure ‘wrong’ is quite the correct word . . . but there’s something I knew you’d want to know, and it can’t wait until morning.”

“Tell me.”

Nerissa sat on the edge of the bed. “Jonas and Nic returned yesterday.”

“What? Why am I not hearing this until now?”

“The prince got to them first and didn’t want you to know.”

Oh, no. A thousand different scenarios of how their return might have played out burst into her head at once.

“Are they all right? What has Magnus done to them?”

“They’re fine,” Nerissa assured her. “I just saw them briefly. Jonas asked me to tell you he’s leaving at dawn, boarding a ship at Black Harbor bound for Kraeshia.”

“To Kraeshia? Why to Kraeshia? To go after Amara and the water Kindred?”

“No. The prince has learned that King Gaius is currently in Kraeshia. He’s sent him over to . . . take care of that situation.”

“Oh. I see.” Cleo was beyond surprised. Why would Magnus trust the rebel with such an important mission, especially after his unexplained disappearance? How desperate and bereft of other options he must be.

“Where’s Nic now?” she asked.

“He’s back in his room, sleeping I assume.”

Cleo felt a sudden thud of disappointment. “If their trip to Paelsia had been successful, they would have woken me immediately to deliver the news.”

“I’m sure Nic will tell you all about their trip in the morning.” Nerissa rose from the bed. “For now, go back to sleep. You’ll need your rest tomorrow.”

It didn’t feel right to her, any of it.

“Why would Magnus make such a monumental decision without consulting me first? Why hide it from me?”

“I don’t know,” Nerissa said, shaking her head. “Do you usually expect him to consult with you?”

“I don’t have any idea what I expect from him anymore,” she muttered. “Thank you for telling me this, Nerissa.”

“Try to sleep, princess.” Nerissa doused the flame in the lantern and turned to go.

“Do you really think I’ll be able to go back to sleep now?”

Nerissa glanced over her shoulder. “Princess?”

“Help me get ready,” Cleo said, pushing off her blankets and climbing out of bed. “We need to get to Black Harbor before dawn.”

? ? ?

Black Harbor was located at the bottom of the high cliffs, below the castle grounds. A snaking road allowed travel by cart and carriage, but that route would make for a long journey, so Cleo and Nerissa decided instead to take the steps chiseled into the side of the cliff.

The treacherous, icy steps chiseled into the side of the cliff.

Finally, they reached the docks.

“Perhaps this was a foolish idea,” Cleo whispered, her cheeks stinging from the frigid wind.

“Not at all,” Nerissa assured her. “I admire you. You’re standing up for yourself. You’re not letting others make decisions that affect you. However . . .”

“Yes?”

“I wish we were still in Auranos. This cold is unbearable, and I miss the warmth of home.”

Cleo couldn’t help but laugh. “Agreed.”

The small harbor was used only for docking ships visiting the palace, and for import and export. Today there were three large ships docked: two bearing the Auranian crest that carried imported goods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, and live animals—crates of chickens, pigs, and sheep—and one black ship with red sails bearing the Limerian cobra signet. Painted on the side of the ship were the words Strength, Faith, and Wisdom.

Dozens of sailors, servants, and other crew were moving about the docks, which was laden down with supplies. Cleo and Nerissa stayed back, watching the organized chaos.

“Princess.” Nerissa took her gloved hand and squeezed it to get her attention.