“But I have to discuss your arrival with the leader of the rebels, my sister, and we’re not close. Not even friends at this point.”
“Do you want us present for that?” Freyia asked.
There were pros and cons to inviting vampires into the castle before I could assure others they were on our side. Fear being the biggest con. However, if the rebels witnessed how composed the sisters were, that might change things.
“I think you’ll have to make a magically binding deal to stay, so yes. It will have to be quite serious too. Your protection or your death if you betray me.”
“We have no intention of betraying you. Not when you could give us everything we’ve ever wanted,” Astril replied. “When should we return? We can sneak in unseen—perhaps another selling point to keeping us around?”
With two heists in the future, and others of the Red Assassin Guild still hunting me, I had to agree.
“When the rebels are breaking their fast. They do so all together—save for a few who remain on guard. You’ll smell the food, which means most of them will be otherwise occupied. I’ll request an audience with Thyra at that time. Show up for that. Do you know where the great hall is?”
“We do. We spent all day scouting the castle before approaching you.”
Fates, and none of the rebel lookouts spotted them. The sistersweregood.
If I convinced Thyra and the rebels not to kill the vampire sisters, their skills could be an enormous boon.
“Then meet us in the great hall when others are breaking their fasts. Fewer eyes will be a good thing. And your quiet arrival will only prove how useful you’d be.” Itook in their red eyes. “Do you think you can hunt and feed enough in the meantime to dim the red? Revert them to their normal color?”
Astril stood. “There’s wild game about, and we can run a great distance and still return in time. We won’t appear so hungry when we see you in a few hours.”
“I’ll be ready to vouch for you,” I echoed, and the other two vampires followed their older sister out of the annex. The door shut behind them.
All around, my friends seemed to hold their breath. I remained silent too, not knowing exactly when the sisters would release the guards’ compulsion and if the rebels would notice. A minute passed, two, then three. When I heard a shuffling outside—a sound far too loud for a vampire to make—I exhaled. The guards had been released. They said nothing, though. Perhaps they also suspected nothing? I hoped so.
Shoulders loosening, I turned to Vale.
“You’re sure about this?” he asked.
“My thoughts exactly,” Anna cut in, “this feels crazy, Neve.”
“I can see why you’d think that.” I took Anna’s hand. “But consider what this could mean. They had every advantage to take Thantrel and me out before you all woke. They could have done their killing and slipped away, and no one would have been the wiser. But they didn’t.”
My wings stretched. I’d watched the sisters doing the same often. The very fae gesture hammered home that they belonged here. That their misfortune should not be punished.
“They used to be fae, Anna. They’re furious that the vampires took their lives and twisted them into something monstrous. They want some part of who they used to be back. I can relateandgive them some consolation if I take the throne.”
“But what if Thyra wants the throne? Isn’t it safe to assume that she does?”
Thatwas an issue. Well, that and the whole having to fight to dethrone King Magnus.
“I’m going to convince her that they can be useful. Surely, if someone with my past can say that, she’ll listen. And if I convince her of that, she’ll protect them too. No matter who wears the Crown of Winter in the end, I don’t want them to have to go back to the Blood Kingdom.”
Anna didn’t look convinced, and I wouldn’t try to force that. Once the vampire sisters made an oath, I hoped Anna would feel more relaxed.
Vale came behind me, rubbed my shoulders. “Forward thinking. That’s what this kingdom needs.”
I tucked up against him, savoring his warmth. “Let’s hope Thyra agrees.”
Chapter 30
VALE
Thyra accepted my mate’s request to meet on the condition that Thantrel not join us. The demand shattered the youngest brother Riis, but he rolled his shoulders back and claimed he would be fine. Selfless was not usually how I’d describe my half-brother, but he knew how having three loyal vampires could benefit us.
When one did not possess an army at their disposal, any ally was welcome.
