“I took care of them,” I assured her. “They’ll never be able to harm you again.” The last part was a promise, as much as a threat. I’d kill anyone who laid a hand on her. She was to be my queen and I would protect her as such. Confused, she glanced over my shoulder at where we had just come from. There was smoke rising into the sky, but the boat was already gone. Koraine didn’t ask, but I knew she could guess what had taken place. Instead, she rested her head against my chest.
