A River of Golden Bones (The Golden Court, #1)(95)

Sadie threaded her arm through Navin’s. A strange, dumbfounding feeling settled in my gut. Our expressions oscillated between terror and giddiness. We’d saved them and we’d survived.

“We shouldn’t be sitting in wet clothes on your chairs,” I said, feeling the damp fabric on my seat.

“You almost died!” Ora exclaimed. “I’m just glad you’re safe. You could smell like a wet dog for all I care.” They sucked in a sharp breath, placing a hand on my forearm. “I’m so sorry. Is that offensive?”

I snorted. “We do smell like wet dogs. It’s fine.” I pursed my lips. “I appreciate you taking us in.”

“Who exactly are you?” Mina asked, toeing my boot from under the table to get my attention. “These three are Silver Wolves . . . but who are you?”

I glanced at Grae and he bobbed his chin, a silent conversation passing between us. They’d helped us so many times. We could trust them.

“My name is Calla Marriel,” I said, and the humans gasped, and though it was clear they probably didn’t need the last part, I finished, “I’m a Gold Wolf, twin of the Crimson Princess.”

“Another Marriel child?” Ora gulped. “How?”

“It was my mother’s dying secret,” I said. “A faery granted her dying wish to protect us until Briar’s wedding day.” Grae threaded his fingers through mine. “King Nero said it would be safer to keep me a secret as well, one less target for Sawyn, but now we know he just wanted one less Marriel standing in his way of claiming Olmdere for himself.”

“That’s awful,” Ora said.

“You have no idea,” Hector replied, leaning his head back and staring up at the canvas ceiling.

“So you’re going to challenge Sawyn for your family’s throne?” Navin asked.

“First, we need to rescue my sister’s mate, Maez. We need to find a way of getting Briar out of Damrienn, too. Every day we leave her there is a threat.” I squeezed Grae’s hand. “She’s King Nero’s last bargaining chip, and I know he will use it however he can.”

Ora fiddled with their golden rings. “So, what’s our plan?”

“We will leave you at the first town in Olmdere,” I said. “I don’t want to drag you into this anymore than I already have.”

“You didn’t hear me correctly. What is our plan. Does it look like we’re being dragged?” Ora huffed. “We want to help you.”

“Sawyn destroyed my family.” We all turned to Navin’s rasping voice. His right eye had swollen shut, purpling all the way up to his temple. His ear was so swollen with fluid it had completely lost its shape and I wondered if he could hear out of it. “I want to help.”

“I’m sorry for what happened to your homeland.” I swallowed, looking into his one open bronze eye. “I don’t know that my parents treated your family any better . . . and I’m sorry.”

“I don’t quite remember myself, but that’s irrelevant. What matters is what you plan to do going forward.” Navin pursed his swollen lips. “Olmdere needs a ruler to lead us out of this darkness. I’d rather it be you than her. And if I can help, I will.”

My gut clenched. It wasn’t exactly a roaring endorsement, but it was more than I’d expect.

“I can see the guilt of your ancestor’s actions running through you,” Navin said. “If you dedicate your reign to righting their wrongs, then the people will follow you, too.”

Sadie leaned her head into his shoulder.

“I think I will need some human advisers to keep me in line, should you like the position?”

Sadie’s eyes widened at me as Navin kissed the top of her head, a rare smile appearing on her face.

“I’ll think about it,” he said.

“Hear, hear,” Ora said, raising their mug and pausing. “We’re going to need some stronger drinks.”

We all chuckled. I glanced around the muddied and bruised group. We’d narrowly escaped the jaws of death and even more battles lay ahead.

“Good. I doubt I’ll sleep tonight,” I said. “Tomorrow we’ll be in Olmdere.”

“What are we going to do about that?” Hector tapped his finger on the wanted poster sitting in the center of the table. “These were all over town. I’d imagine the Rooks at the border will have them, too.”

“You could hide in the wagon,” Ora offered.

“And if they search it and find me, you’ll all be imprisoned.” Grae shook his head. “I can’t risk that. I’ll pass through on foot.”

“There is no passing through on foot,” Navin warned. “The Sevelde forest is filled with Rooks and booby traps. And being caught is a fate worse than death. The only way in or out is under.”

My mouth dropped open. “Through the mines?”

“But that is not without its risks, either.” Navin’s eyes grew haunted. “Though maybe for Wolves it won’t be as treacherous.”

“So we’ll split up and meet you on the other side,” I said, cutting Grae off with a look. “I swear to the Gods if you suggest I stay behind, I’ll throttle you.”

Grae’s lips twisted. “I wouldn’t dare.”