Page 48 of Shadow Kissed

I take a sharp breath as I recall last night’s dream. If you could call it a dream when there are mutts involved.

“Was anyone hurt?” Moryen asks.

“No, a few injured mares, but none of our men,” Raegal replies. He seems distracted, and I lean closer to peek through the small gap between the two doors to see him reading the note in his hand.

“And the rebels have claimed responsibility for this attack?” Moryen queries.

Raegal’s jaw ticks. “That’s the strange thing. The soldiers report that this attack was by night mutts alongside a single hooded figure who wielded strange magic.”

“Night mutts?!” Saveya whisper shouts. I freeze when two eyes look right at mine through the gap in the double doors. Before I can retreat, the doors fly open and Saveya and I tumble into the hallway, landing on top of each other in a heap on the floor.

“Ow! Damn, Saveya, get your elbows out of my ear!” I exclaim as we try to climb off each other. With an amused look on his face, Raegal’s shadows lift me up off the floor. Before he turns his attention to helping Saveya up.

Moryen glares at me, her dark shadows leaking from her person. “Is there no level beneath you, Miss Lockwood?”

My cheeks redden and I drop my gaze.

“I despair! I cannot let this go unpunished. You can spend the afternoon learning to crochet with Mistress Leysa. Go now! You can find her over in the east wing, in room four.”

Saveya grabs hold of my hand and tugs me toward the east wing as fast as her little legs can move. She mutters underher breath about being mortified at being chastised by Moryen. Meanwhile, I am still reeling from the news. How is it possible that I dreamed about something at the same time it was taking place? Was that hooded figure me? Did I somehow travel out of my body and control those mutts? I shake my head. The idea is ludicrous. Maybe I’m developing seer magic?

20

REYA

This morning has been complete torture. I throw down the crochet ring and it bounces along the grass until it stops by a sturdy pair of black boots. My eyes trail up his body until I meet those now familiar grey eyes. He wears an amused expression on his face.

“What is the cause of this tantrum?” He bends down and picks up the crochet ring and studies my pathetic attempt before placing it back down on the blanket beside me.

“Good day, Commander,” Saveya sings, smiling up at him. I roll my eyes. Why do all women melt in his presence? He’s rude, arrogant and pig-headed. “Reya is struggling with the basics of crocheting, and I am trying to help her.”

I snort. Struggling is an understatement. How do girls find this to be an entertaining hobby?

“I think Reya would prefer to be over in the training grounds with my men than crocheting her initials.”

I sigh and stare across the vast mansion gardens. “I miss it. I miss holding a sword in my hand and besting my opponent.”

Raegal’s open hand appears in front of me, and I glance up at him with my brow wrinkled. “What?”

He wiggles his fingers. “Come, I am tired of seeing you mope. If dirt and swords are what you need, then so be it.”

I arch a brow at him, a flicker of hope lighting in my chest. “You’ll take me to the training grounds? But this is my punishment for this morning!”

His lips quirk into a half-smile and he nods his head. He taps the side of his nose and his gaze lands on Saveya. “Then we mustn’t let Moryen find out. We’ll need Saveya to protect our secret, though.” He looks over at Saveya expectantly.

Saveya nods her head and winks back at him, her crochet ring all but forgotten. “It’ll be our secret.”

I look at his waiting hand and place mine in his, and he pulls me to my feet. “If Moryen asks where she is, I’ll tell her she’s gone for a walk around the grounds.”

He tugs me into his body and wraps a hand around my waist. “Hold tight, my little terror.”

“Terror?” I repeat with a brow raised.

“Yes, you look like you want to create terror when you can’t do what makes you happy.” His shadows whirl around us as he shadow weaves us to our destination.

I can’t fight the grin that breaks out on my face when his shadows disperse, and I spin on the spot to take in where we are. There are a couple of Asen soldiers sparring over to our left, and they nod their head in respect when they notice Raegal.

The sparring ring is a large circular space surrounded by tiered seating. My eyes drift upwards to the top of the arena that is open to the elements. Large tusks decorate the roofline.