The kings stayed close but gave me space. Darius scanned the horizon with that cold focus he wore like armor. Kane kept one hand near his knife, his scarred fingers relaxed but ready. Rylan leaned on the parapet, his gaze sweeping the tree line like he could will any threat to show itself. They had learned to stand with me instead of over me. The night before had settled that between us.
A shout rose from the gate below. A rider galloped in, cloak flapping, a second horse trailing behind him with a slumped figure tied across the saddle. Garrick met them in the bailey and looked up at the wall. His gesture was urgent.
We descended the stairs together in a rush of adrenaline trying to know what's going on. The children stayed with me. I would not hide them from what the world sent our way.
The rider was one of ours, face pale with exhaustion.
