Chain of Loyalty by AC Ward

Author:AC Ward
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: A.C. Ward

Chapter 19

When she saw guards at the castle entrance, Shou braced for an attack. Instead, their helmets didn’t even turn to follow their progress inside. It was as if only darkness filled the armor.

Katashi reached out to touch the shiny black stones that made up the walls. “Do you always take Lord Masaru to such unusual places?”

She hadn’t taken Masaru into Yomi. His own stubbornness had led to it, and her throat tightened at the need to make him promise to never let it happen again once she found him. The reminder that he was close quickened her pace.

Within the castle, steps led down to one of the most decadent displays of food and jewels she’d ever seen, but her eyes skimmed past it. Disappointment filled her as she couldn’t find the person she so wanted to see.

“Ah, the other heir has finally arrived.” Shou turned to the throne, so similar to the ones she’d seen within the kami realm. Only the throne before her was made of more black stones. The kami queen’s golden gown added color to the display.

Shou lowered in a bow as she took in the queen’s angry expression.

Katashi had already taken a similar stance. “Queen Izanami, your realm is breathtaking.”

The golden dress slid with a sound similar to chains as the queen stood. “A bit of wordplay while in the realm of the dead. You are intriguing, human.” She tapped the long handle of the spear against the ground.

The weapon drew Shou’s gaze, jeweled stones sparkling along the hilt and leading to the blade above.

Izanami’s hand tightened on it. “You are not as polite as the other heir, to bow so shallowly to me.”

Shou lost all interest in the jeweled spear. Her feet carried her forward. “Please, where is Masa?” As her eyes met the queen’s, she swallowed at the darkness within the kami’s gaze.

Izanami waved her free hand at Shou. “Such an unflattering face you make. My child was correct about you.”

Her voice overlapped with the memory of another kami queen in Shou’s mind, one that constantly threatened a watery death. Shou’s hands clenched as she lifted her chin. “I am not afraid of you.”

The queen’s smile appeared. “Ah, but it is not fear that is necessary. You have come to ask for my favor, have you not?”

Shou swallowed, lowering her face.

Katashi stepped forward. “Please, Queen Izanami, forgive my companion’s impatience. It is true, we have come seeking your agreement to release Lord Date Masaru.”

The queen sighed. “This is not about that decaying corpse the nekomata is so fond of.”

Shou’s gaze followed movement close to the throne. A furred creature crouched near the queen. If it was the nekomata that had stolen Masaru’s body, then answers were already so close. She rushed toward the cat-like kami.

Another figure blocked her path, one who pulled a katana. “This kami has earned my protection. Come no closer.”

Shou’s chest tightened and her eyes filled. Her direction changed as her arms widened, ready to throw herself at the person she’d been longing to see since the moment he had disappeared.

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