A Crown of Cursed Hearts (Kingdom of Blighted Thorns #3)

65. Tempest

65

TEMPEST

W e only remained at my court long enough to dump the bone coins into bags before we dressed in new leathers and flitted to the border between Weldsbane and mainland Lydel.

At the sight of Ivenrail’s attacking force, I sucked in a breath, overwhelmed by what we’d soon face. A mass of at least two thousand winged dregs soared and dove above the enormous fae army spread out across the enormous plain.

The dregs wore scaled armor to deflect dragon flames. It shimmered steely gray in the harsh sunlight, blindingly reflective. Even at a considerable distance away, the air hung thick with their guttural growls and beating wings. The scent of sulfur and smoke invaded my nose, stinging like the ashes of some poor soul burned by dragon fire.

They flew toward us before darting back, teasing us with what we’d soon face. Wind from their enormous wings gusted me like the smack of damp palms across my face. Their claws dangled beneath them, and when one came too close to another, they shrieked and struck out, raking one another before peeling away.

Two-story-tall, furry beasts with long fangs and enormous horns jutting up from their heads paced at the front of the king’s army, their muscles tense, their glowing yellow eyes glaring at anything that moved. Spiked collars dug into their flesh, connected to chains binding them to the ground. The air vibrated with their low snarls, deep, guttural sounds that tore through my bones. The pungent odor of sweat and rage swirled through the air, a biting stench I’d remember until my dying day.

As they strained against their chains, their fur bristled, and their claws gouged deep grooves into the earth. Each pull on their bindings sent metallic clinks echoing across the plain. Poised for release, they’d roar toward us, their horns slashing, and their fangs ripping through anyone standing in their way.

The king’s fleets of dragons spiraled in the air, guided by black-cloaked riders, another force we’d have to defeat before I could reach Ivenrail.

A tall, colorful tent with bright green fluttering flags mounted on numerous peaks had been set up well above from the fury. Ivenrail must wait there, eager to stride out from the splendor to command his vast force on a collision course with mine.

“You’re here.” Reyla came up behind me, giving me and Vexxion each quick hugs. “Evergorne Court made good on their promise.” Her head tilted to the mass of fae warriors stretched out behind us, bristling with weapons, their power pulsing in thick waves. “Six hundred soldiers.” She gave me a pert nod. “All with magic and armed to take on this challenge. They’re seasoned, too, fresh from battle on Evergorne’s borders. This is more than I’d hoped for.”

I wanted to ask her thoughts on Evergorne in general, but this wasn’t the time.

“Layla and Zayde are with the combined Weldsbane and Lydel force?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said. “Zayde’s fired up to fight, of course, and even Layla picked out a dragon to ride, but I’m sure Zayde will hold back if for no other reason than to protect her. Which . . .” Her gaze dragged away from mine.

Layla was my heir and needed to be protected at all costs. They might make it through this. As for me? Only time would tell.

Sorry I didn’t have more time with you, sister, I called out to Layla in my mind, though I knew she’d never hear me. I still had to speak the words. I love you, and I’m glad I found you again, my Layla.

“Dragons and Lydel riders also arrived from the island,” Reyla said. “But I can’t find Airia anywhere.” Her brow knit. “I’m worried.”

“She won’t be joining us.” She’d already helped, and I’d owe her forever. I hoped wherever she was now, she was safe. “It’s just us three now, plus our allies.”

“Fuck.” Reyla’s feral smile grew quickly, shoving aside her flash of fear. “Love the odds.”

“We just need to distract him,” I said .

Vexxion squeezed my hand. What are you planning, tiny storm? he purred in my mind . Whatever it is, I will be a part of it. No arguing. No demanding I remain behind.

My task must be done alone. But as he’d said, there’d be no arguing about it.

I just wouldn’t tell him.

“Who’s commanding the riders now?” I asked. “I need to speak with that person.”

Reyla grunted. “Airia set up a solid chain of command with one top general ready to step in and replace her at any time. I can go to her for you. What do you need?”

I hefted one of the many sacks I’d filled with bone coins. “Every single rider needs to take a handful of bone coins and fly above Ivenrail’s dregs. I want them to drop the coins down onto the dregs and flee the area as fast as possible.”

“No way,” Reyla said. “Remember? We were told never to let dregs near bone coins. That’s part of the reason we take them from the Lieges.”

“Why do you think we were taught not to let dregs near bone coins?”

She shrugged. “Bone coins make them more powerful.”

“They’re the powerless . They have no power other than what the king cast upon them.”

Yes . Vexxion’s hand swirled up and down my spine. This is why you’re leading this army. Your storm is waiting, Fury, poised to blast across this world. I can’t wait to see it happen.

Reyla’s face scrunched. “Are you saying we were tricked?”

I shared the mirror vision of the powerless, each wearing a bone coin around their neck. “I don’t have confirmation, but I suspect if they have their coins back, it’ll block the king’s power.”

“And they’ll no longer be dregs?” She scratched the back of her neck. “What if your theory’s wrong and it only makes things worse?”

I swept my hand toward the king’s vast army. “Do you think things can get worse than they already are?”

“I’m willing to try it.” Reyla’s gaze met Vexxion’s. “We only have two hundred and fifty or so dragons and riders. That’s not enough to cover this many dregs. We need everyone.”

“I can’t go with you,” I said. “Take whoever is willing to fly. Pair people up if you have to. If this works, it’ll strike a devastating blow to the king.”

“And if it doesn’t?” she asked.

“We’ll try something else.”

“Alright.” She grabbed the bags from the ground by my feet and spun to run toward the dragons.

“Love you, Reyla,” I said.

Pausing, she turned, studying my face. “What are you planning?”

So much. “Nothing.”

“Hmm.” A flick of her finger reinforced the ward she’d gifted me. Frowning, she scanned my frame before she gave me a quick nod. She turned and raced across the open area, darting around Evergorne warriors preparing for battle and surging up a steep hill where our flights of dragons waited at the top.

“She needs you,” I told Vexxion, not meeting his eye. I strengthened my mind’s wall, adding thick forests and stone and even a band of glowing magic. I couldn’t allow him to know what I planned.

What will you be doing while we’re tossing bone coins at dregs, Fury? he asked in a deadly voice.

I lifted my chin. “I’m going after the Blade of Alessa.” After I’d finished completing the second part of the Liege’s first favor. Why that spell in particular?

The blade has been missing forever, Vexxion said. Where do you think you’ll find it? He gripped my arms and turned me to face him, releasing me only long enough to tip my chin up with one finger. I’m going with you.

“You can’t. I have to do this on my own.” Please understand. I love you. I’ll come back to you if I can. Know this.

Fury!

Trust me. Please.

Before he could hold me back, I flitted to the top of the tallest hill overlooking the plain, where I gathered my power. Once I’d formed a churning mass, I flung it at the flying dregs.

Like with the one at the cage at the fortress, nothing happened.

Why had the Liege insisted on this? I might never find out.

I flitted inside Ivenrail’s tent, landing on the plush carpet lightly enough he didn’t realize I was there.

Until I stepped toward him.

His low laugh rang out, and he gave me a slick smile. “What did you come to steal this time, rider ?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I taunted.

A whip of his power flung me onto his throne, the only chair in the room. Vines snapped up from the floor and bound me quickly.

I didn’t struggle. I didn’t pull on my power.

I allowed him to do this.

He sidled over to stand in front of me, tipping back my head to scan my face, using a finger just like his son always did.

“Are you planning something, Lydel heir?” he asked in a slithering voice.

“I’m High Lady of Lydel Court, if you please,” I said with a grin. “I’ve swallowed my court’s core.”

Come and get it, you slimy fucker.

With a growl, he slammed his thumb against my forehead.