We made our way to the head table, waving and chatting with those we knew as we passed. When we finally stood opposite Prince Halad, he was chuckling.
“You two are like those people in your world who are on those strange screens with moving people,” he said.
“Celebrities?” I offered, trying to keep in a laugh.
“Yes!” Halad held up a single finger. “That’s the word.”
Alex chuckled. “Maybe here, but not back home.”
The prince shrugged. “The closest thing we have to that is royalty, but with you two around, no one cares that I’m here.” His eyes danced as he watched the crowd spin and twirl in front of him. “To be honest, it’s a pleasant change, not being the center of attention.”
“How are you feeling? Are you all healed up?” I studied the spot where the Shadows had attacked, but could discern no injury through his regal attire.
“Not quite,” he admitted. “I’ll need a few more days before I’m good as new.”
“Makes sense. You were hurt pretty bad.”
The prince nodded. “I was lucky that you killed the beast who attacked me, and everyone worked to return me quickly to the castle. Thank you for what you did—for saving my life.”
“You don’t need to thank us.” I gave him a small smile. “To be honest, I feel a little guilty.”
Halad cocked his head, and I explained.
“There was no need for us to go to that fae cottage. The aether-blessed fae we sought was dead when we arrived. You got injured for nothing and could have died too.”
Alex ran his hand softly along my back, but didn’t deny my words.
The prince, however, shook his head. “I don’t look at it that way. That woman was a subject of my kingdom, and no one knew that she had died.” He heaved a sigh. “If anything, the journey brought me to a stark realization.”
“What’s that?” Alex asked.
“We need to be more involved outside the cities and villages. Even in your world. And while I can’t come with you, since Mother would have a fit, and I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not battle ready,” he gestured down to his wound, “my cousins would like to go.”
“Like the Torna twins?”
Prince Halad nodded. “Well, yes, but also those who joined us on our journey to the border. Flynn, Grahn, and Lyon have more aether magic than Ayla or Sana. If the Shadows are any indication, spells and brute force are effective against them, but aether—like your dark magic—will work too.”
“You know . . . you don’t have to send them,” I said. “It’s not your realm to protect.”
“It might not be my realm they invade today, but tomorrow, who knows? If our journey made anything clear to me, it’s that the Shadows have infiltrated the Riverlands. If they continue to do so and grow stronger then my kingdom is at risk. Not to mention,” he grinned and gestured to the right, “it seems to me that some of your kind might like that my cousins join you.”
I followed the gesture to find Sam and Flynn dancing closely together. Flynn’s long, white mane practically obscured their faces as their lips inched closer together. Not far away, Amethyst appeared caught up in talking with Lyon, whose blue-veined wings seemed to shimmer with excitement over what they were discussing.
The idea that a romance or two could blossom during this time made me smile.
“I see what you mean. Well, thank you. We appreciate you sending people you can trust.”
The prince smiled. “The Riverlands Court will do whatever we can to assist. Mother and Headmistress Cristala have been discussing all day exactly how many trained soldiers to send.”
I blinked, and my heart rate sped up. “Seriously?”
“As the aether that runs through me,” Halad replied, which I took to mean ‘very seriously’.
“Wow,” I breathed. “That would really help. Even if they don’t possess aether magic, as long as they can fight, we can use them.”
“They can, and they will. Just like we need to take better care with our borders, we must do so with our allies’ lands too,” Halad said. “We will assist you as much as we are able. You have my word.”
“Thank you,” I said. “Tonight is turning out so much better than I expected.”
