It was time.
I popped the ring in my mouth and cracked my door open, sliding out before anyone could notice. I followed the men down the hall, heart thudding. Nacheran rounded the corner behind me.
Fuck.
I plastered myself against the wall, watching him come closer. He came within touching distance and my mouth went dry. His nostrils flared, and he hesitated for a long moment. Finally, he kept moving.
I shadowed his steps. He opened the door to his own quarters, just a few doors down from my own. Lucifer had ensured he had one of the best guest rooms in the palace.
I followed him into the room, ducking under his arm.
He closed the door with a sigh.
“You may as well reveal yourself, your royal highness. I know you’re here.”
I spat out the ring. His eyes followed it with interest. “I’ve heard of that little trinket. I attempted to find it myself once.”
“You wouldn’t have found it. The seelie king had it.”
“As much as I’d like to hear that story, I’m sure you’re short on time.”
I nodded. If we were found talking alone… my mouth went dry once more.
“I’ve heard rumors,” I began slowly. “About your loyalties.”
His gaze narrowed, expression turning disdainful.
“So your grandfather sent you in here to what? Sniff out where those loyalties lie? I’m surprised. Usually, Lucifer is much less obvious than this.”
I took a deep breath, and then I rolled up my sleeve.
Nacheran’s gaze dropped to my arm and then flicked back up to mine.
“Youarebonded to Samael.”
“Yes. My grandfather has quashed my powers with this cuff.” I held up my other hand. “But that doesn’t change anything. I speak for both Samael and my father, along with their people. Will you join us?”
He turned and paced to the windows, pulling the thick curtains closed. Then he gestured to the small sitting area near the fire. I sat on an antique sofa, and he stood in front of the unlit fire, hands on his hips as he regarded me.
“If Lucifer learns of this…”
“He won’t.”
“And Pischiel?”
“Pischiel knows where my loyalties lie,” I said carefully. “He has done nothing to impede my plans. However, I won’t mention that we have spoken.”
He turned and paced. I let him think it through, attempting not to think about what would happen if we were discovered here. I kept my ring in the palm of my hand, ready to shove it in my mouth at any second.
“You’re asking me to commit treason.”
“Yes.” There was no point sugar coating it. I was taking a risk even suggesting it to him, but Agates had assured me it was the right call.
“If your little plan fails, my people will be slaughtered. My land will be taken.”
“Yes. But if it doesn’t fail, your people will no longer live in fear.”
“Everyone lives in fear. And there’s little point exchanging the terror you know for one that could be worse.”
