The castle loomed ahead, its towers blackened but defiant against the bruised sky. Smoke rose from the western walls where Everan’s banners—red and gold, with Two Lions fighting against each other, —snapped in the wind.
My heart pounded with every step. Each clang of my boots on the ancient stone felt like a memory come alive. This was my home, I thought. My husband’s kingdom, my people’s refuge.
Now it was a fortress of betrayal.
Aldric moved beside me, his face drawn but determined. “The tunnels are clear,” he said. “We can breach the outer wall before dawn.”
I nodded, gripping my husband’s sword. Its weight felt like both burden and blessing. “Once we’re inside, we head straight for the throne room.”
Gideon’s eyes were sharp. “Lord Roderic will be waiting.”
“Let him,” I said, my voice cold as steel.