Court of Vipers (The Lady of Innislee Book 1) by Jacqueline Pawl

Author:Jacqueline Pawl [Pawl, Jacqueline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-07-31T05:00:00+00:00

The sky was still dark when Crafford appeared before them, smoke rising from the chimneys of its sturdy wooden houses. Beyond the peaked roofs, Riona could see the stormy gray expanse of the Tranquil Sea, reflections of the stars sparkling on its waves. The suitors’ ships were docked in the harbor, their sheer size dwarfing the fishing boats to either side of them. Her gaze snagged on Erduria’s double-headed eagle crest, and she pushed thoughts of Auberon away for what felt like the hundredth time since they’d left the capital.

She focused her attention on Aeron as he led her through the outskirts of the town. It was better that they had come alone, even if it meant she’d been forced to endure four hours of riding in relative silence. For all his faults, at least Auberon provided plenty of commentary.

It wasn’t long before Aeron stopped in front of a simple two-story tavern. After tying up their horses, he led her inside and up to one of the rooms on the second floor, where he knocked on the door in a peculiar way—three short raps, then a pause, and one more. A few heartbeats later, it swung open to reveal a young elven woman in a worn tunic and skirt, her long brown hair falling in tousled waves around her shoulders.

Riona’s breath caught at the sight of her.

Faylen’s fair skin was mottled with green and yellow bruises. Her nose had been broken, and it sat among a sea of bruises and shallow cuts. A fresh scar cut across the edge of her narrow jaw, hooking up across her cheek. More gashes crisscrossed her bare forearms and hands, but they were not what Riona’s gaze focused on as it swept over her body. It was the curve of Faylen’s round belly, heavy with child.

“Were you followed?” the elf asked, leaning forward to peer into the hall.

“No,” Aeron said. “Faylen, this is Lady Riona Nevis. My lady, Faylen.”

She studied Riona for what felt like an eternity, then opened the door wide. “Come in, then. I’ll tell you everything.”

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