Chapter 45

Acker rides into the city with Jovie shackled before him and Irina cloaked in an illusion as Beau. Cold and visibility force a slow approach as Acker reassures Jovie and commits to whatever ruse is needed to keep her safe.

At the city gate, soldiers attempt to turn them back until Acker reveals himself. They are admitted, passing crowded streets and a dry central fountain. The palace gate guards, recognizing Acker, wave them through, and the trio enters a courtyard slick with frozen blood as servants scrub while idle soldiers look on. Acker angrily orders the soldiers to help.

Hallis meets them on the steps, suspicious of “Beau.” Acker steers the group into a quiet storage room. There, Irina briefly drops the illusion to prove herself, and Hallis warns the disguise won’t fool the king for long.

Pressed for news, Hallis explains that Acker’s father reshaped his council and enforced an alliance with Roison by executing dissenters, including Tyreek, in the courtyard. Zion, enraged, killed several soldiers and was subdued and thrown into the dungeons, though inexplicably kept alive.

Hallis urges Acker to leave, but Acker, sticking to the plan, orders Hallis to inform the king that he and “Beau” have returned and to meet in the king’s sitting room, postponing explanations until they can confront Acker’s father directly.