“And Neve?”
“She is better off than the both of you. The long sleep and blood regeneration potions did her much good.”
“You’re finished then?” I itched to pull my shirt back on.
“Apply the balm you carry before bed. I’m done with you for good, unless you hurt yourself again.”
I dressed. With my cloak back on, I turned matters to my own thoughts. “Rynni, I have something I wish to talk about.”
“Is this the secret you’re hiding?”
I blinked. “How did you know I had a secret?”
“Most fae do, but yours makes your neck tighten.” She chuckled and rubbed her hands together. “I’ve worked with many bodies, Prince Vale. I can tell when someone is holding something back. It shows in their muscles and posture. The eyes too, though you seem to hide your secret well there. Still, I’m willing to bet my future at the White Tower that you have a secret and it’s as large as a frost giant.”
Try as large as a kingdom.
“It is. And I wish to share it with the people here, which is why I must ask you to perform an eiðra with me before I share it.”
She blinked. “Will the others?”
I’d asked Caelo to do so, but only because at that time, I’d been a complete mess. The precaution had not been necessary. I’d only been trying to soothe myself.
Luccan and Duran were trustworthy members of my cabal, and while I was not as close to Arie and Thantrel, I was sure that once they knew I was a brother, they’d take that secret to the starry halls of the afterworld. Anna and Clemencia were Neve’s best friends and harming me meant harming Neve. That alone made me think Anna and Clemencia would never tell.
“I take that as a no,” Rynni let out a huff. “Is this a life-or-death secret?”
“It is.” I still was not sure what the king would do when he found out—for he would, eventually, find out. To strengthen Neve’s claim to the throne, I’d share this secret publicly, but the timing had to be right.
“Why do you think I’d share a dangerous secret when I need you to secure me a spot in the White Tower? If you’re dead, I’ve done all this for nothing.” She gestured to the surrounding woods.
“I must insist. I do not know you as well as the others.”
For a moment, she was silent, then Rynni reached out her arm. “Do it. I’ll swear on the power of the dead goddess Eirial.”
Seeing as this healer had no family, her goddess was likely the most precious bond to her.
I took her arm, pulled my power up, and I felt when she did the same, her warmer magic meeting my cold. Half dragon and Winterborn fae.
“On the power of the dead goddess Eirial, and your own magic by extension,” I started the vow. “Swear you will say nothing of what I’m about to tell you until I tell you it’s safe. You may only speak of it to those in this camp on this night, or your magical essence will be smothered to nothing.”
My magic surged, and Rynni tightened as the cold flooded her, but she cleared her throat and lifted her chin as she spoke. “I swear on the dead goddess of healing’s powerandmy own that I will keep your secret until you permit otherwise.”
As her warmer power rushed over me, an exhale parted my lips. I released, as did she, the bind set.
“So? What is it?” she asked.
“I’ll tell you with the rest of them.” I wasn’t about to tell Rynni before my brothers.
“Fair enough. Let’s go then.” She stood and stomped through the snow.
Neve leaned against a tree, taking a break from building our shelters for the night. Anna and Clemencia spoke with her, as the males blanketed the horses for the night.
“The prince has something to say,” Rynni called out before I could. “Gather round!”
The others did as she said, most of them with looks of interest on their faces. Only Neve and Caelo appeared calm, both likely sensing what I was about to say.
So once everyone came together, I got on with it. “I’ve been keeping something from most of you. Something I hope will be well received. I ask that you tell no one about this news. Not until I’m ready for the public to find out.”
