The carriage rocked gently as it rolled down the uneven road. Selene sat in silence, her wrists still bound by heavy chains, though now hidden under the folds of her cloak. Her gaze flitted to Kade, who was lounging across from her with a calm, unreadable expression.
She had a thousand questions, but none of them made it past her lips. Her mind raced through the recent events—her unexpected release, the cryptic proposition. He wanted her as his champion. But for what? The more she thought about it, the more she felt the noose tightening around her.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the door creaking open as a guard stepped in.
His eyes immediately darkened when they landed on her. "You brought her?" His voice was cold, filled with contempt. He stepped inside the carriage, his broad shoulders barely fitting through the door.
Kade smirked. "Yes, her. Is that a problem, Cassian?"
Cassian's dark gaze flicked back to Kade. "It's not my place to question your decisions, Your Highness." The title slipped from his mouth like it tasted bitter. "But I think it's foolish to trust an assassin, let alone the infamous Selene, with such a task."
Selene leaned back, her eyes narrowing. So this was Cassian—the notorious guard captain who had made it clear to anyone listening that he despised her for the last hour.
She had heard of him before, of his strict loyalty to the crown and his disdain for those who broke the rules. He looked every bit the part, with his strong, intimidating figure, his jaw clenched in constant disapproval, and a scar that ran down the side of his neck.
"Foolish, maybe," Selene said, her voice cutting through the tension. "But I'm still here. Doesn't that tell you something?"
Cassian turned his cold gaze toward her. "It tells me you've been lucky. Nothing more."
Kade chuckled, folding his arms as he leaned forward slightly. "Careful, Cassian. She's got more than luck on her side. She's got skill. Something you can appreciate, surely?"
Cassian's lip curled slightly, but he didn't respond. Instead, he sat across from Selene, keeping as much distance between them as possible. His armor clinked slightly as he adjusted himself, and his eyes flickered to her chains, a look of satisfaction crossing his face.
"Shouldn't you be outside guarding?" Selene asked, her head cocked to the side.
"Shouldn't you be rotting in prison?"
Selene lips stretched into a smile, "I should. I was."
Cassian squinted his eyes, his nose flared.
The silence hung heavy in the air, tension thick between the three of them, until Kade cleared his throat, the smirk still lingering on his lips. "Since we'll be arriving soon, Cassian, perhaps you could explain the rules to our guest here. You're much better at all the formalities than I am."
Cassian's jaw clenched, but he nodded stiffly. "There are rules," he began, his voice flat, "both in the castle and the city you'd do well to remember. First and foremost, magic is forbidden. Any use of it will result in immediate punishment."
Selene raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
"Yes," Cassian snapped. "The Ironclad Kingdom has survived centuries without relying on sorcery or magic. We value skill, discipline, and strength. The use of magic is a sign of weakness."
Selene snorted. "Sounds like someone's compensating."
Cassian's eyes flashed, but he pressed on. "Men and women are bound by different laws. Women have limited roles in the city. They're expected to marry well, maintain their households, and—"
"—and be seen, not heard?" Selene interrupted, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Sounds charming. I remember I use to live there."
Kade grinned, clearly enjoying the exchange. "She's got a point, Cassian. The rules are a bit... outdated."
"They've kept us safe," Cassian replied tightly. "The last thing this kingdom needs is chaos. Or assassins who are women and can't control their tongue," he added pointedly.
Selene crossed her arms, her chains clinking. "So let me guess. I'm expected to fall in line with all these lovely rules? Wear a dress, pretend to be demure, and keep my mouth shut?"
Cassian leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes locked on hers. "As long as you're in the Ironclad, you'll obey the rules, assassin. Or you'll find yourself back in a cell faster than you can blink."
Selene met his gaze, unflinching. "We'll see about that."
Kade stretched out, clearly amused by the exchange. "Now, now, let's not be too harsh. Selene's here for a reason, Cassian. And as for the rules... well, I think we can make a few adjustments for her, don't you?"
Cassian didn't respond, his eyes fixed on Selene like she was a snake he was waiting to strike.
They continued on in silence after that, the carriage jolting slightly as the road changed from rough stone to smoother cobblestones. Selene leaned back, staring out the small window. The city was coming into view, the tall spires of the castle gleaming under the stars.
And what stars they were.
As the sky opened up, the vast expanse of night revealed the most beautiful alignment of stars Selene had ever seen. It was like the universe had woven together a masterpiece just above the kingdom.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Kade murmured, leaning closer to the window, his eyes bright with wonder. "Once a year, the stars align like this. It's a good omen, or so they say."
Selene stared up at the sky, feeling a strange sense of awe. She hadn't seen the stars like this in years. Locked away in Ironkeep, she had almost forgotten what it was like to witness such beauty.
"Seems like the only good thing about this place," she muttered.
Kade laughed softly, but there was a knowing look in his eyes. "You may think that now, but Ironclad has its charm. You'll see."
Cassian, on the other hand, remained silent, his eyes scanning the road ahead. He seemed too focused on duty to be caught up in the beauty of the night sky.
As the gates of the kingdom loomed ahead, Selene shifted in her seat, feeling the weight of the moment. She was stepping into something bigger than she had imagined. But Kade had made it clear—she was here for a reason. And whatever it was, it wasn't going to be easy.
The carriage came to a slow stop, the gates creaking open as they approached. Selene looked out and saw the sprawling castle grounds, illuminated by torchlight, with guards stationed at every corner. They were close now.
One of the guards, standing by the entrance, gave a sharp salute, then froze when his eyes landed on Selene. His hand trembled slightly, but he quickly composed himself.
Kade caught the hesitation and chuckled under his breath. "What's the matter, soldier? You've seen assassins before."
The guard swallowed, looking flustered. "N-no, Your Highness, it's just—"
"Ah, I see." Kade's grin widened. "The most dangerous assassin in the kingdom, and you're afraid she might break free of her chains."
Selene tilted her head, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Afraid of little ol' me?"
The guard turned beet red, mumbling an apology before stepping aside quickly. Kade's laughter filled the air, his voice rich with amusement.
"The most dangerous assassin," he mused, glancing at Selene. "And yet, you're scared of a few guards?"
"Don't get too cocky, prince," Selene shot back, her tone sharp but playful. "The only reason I'm still in these chains is because I choose to be."
"Oh, I don't doubt that," Kade replied, his eyes gleaming. "Which is why we'll need to keep a close eye on you. Can't have my champion running off before the games begin."
Selene's brow furrowed, but before she could ask what he meant, the carriage doors swung open. Cassian was already outside, barking orders at the guards to secure the perimeter.
Kade stepped out first, extending a hand to Selene. "Shall we?"
She hesitated only for a moment before taking his hand, stepping out into the cold night air. The kingdom of Ironclad stretched out before her, vast and untamed. It was a place full of rules, boundaries, and dangers.
But so was she.