Aubrey closed his eyes, but he nodded.
“Strike three was learning that Taraghlan wasn’t just delaying me in the hope that I’d lose my bondmate and then my life. No, it turns out your traitor king made a deal with Lucifer himself.”
The blood slowly drained from Aubrey’s face, and he opened his eyes once more. “I assume you’re planning to declare war.”
I bared my teeth. “You assume correctly.” I gestured at the artifact. “I’m sure by now you know what I need. Can it be done?”
He gazed at the pocket realm, which could hide hundreds of thousands of soldiers at one time. Then he met my eyes, and his expression was resolved.
“Yes,” he sighed. “It can be done.”
“Good. Bael will bring you anything you need. I suggest you tell your people to wear something to differentiate them from any seelie who turn up on that battlefield. We wouldn’t want to accidentally kill them.”
* * *
DANICA
That afternoon, I managed to get up, bathe, and shove some food in my mouth, although it was as tasteless as sawdust. The maids seemed pleased, and Pischiel slapped me on the shoulder, his hand shaking with obvious relief.
As soon as I’d choked down some food, I crawled into my bed. The moment I fell asleep, Samael’s arms came around me. His eyes were haunted as he pulled me close to him, and I mentally cursed myself.
He’d thought I was in trouble. Blocking him out had been a shitty thing to do.
“What happened, little witch? Why couldn’t I contact you?”
My throat ached as I attempted to pull air into my lungs. I’d been shoving down my grief so I could function, but now it rose up like a wave that would pull me under if I let it.
“Lucifer killed my father.”
Samael gazed down at me, his eyes dark. “I’m so sorry, Danica. I should have spent more time looking into his disappearance.”
My eyes burned, but I couldn’t give into the tears. If I did, I didn’t know if I’d be able to function again.
“I’m surprised you hadn’t heard.” I murmured as Samael pulled me closer, until I could lean my head against his chest.
“Lucifer will have sworn his people to silence on pain of death. By killing Agates, he risks making him a martyr.”
“So let’s spread the word. Send the news through the underworld and our realm. Maybe it’ll help convince people, who would otherwise be on the fence, that they need to join us.”
Samael slowly nodded. I blinked back tears as he shifted back, catching my chin in his hand as he looked into my eyes.
“You didn’t come to me.”
I took another deep, shuddering breath. A single tear escaped my eye, and he kissed it away.
“I knew you’d comfort me. I know it sounds stupid, but I don’tdeserveto feel better. It’s my fault he’s dead, Samael. Mine.”
“Ah, witchling. Do you really think Agates would want you to punish yourself for Lucifer’s actions?”
“If I hadn’t been caught with him, he would still be alive. We could have freed him, Samael.”
“He judged the risk worth it so he could see you. Don’t forget that. He knew what could happen.”
I studied his face. His expression was blank, but I could feel his hurt, deep beneath his shields. As he had likely felt mine, but I’d shut him out. My gut twisted at how badly I’d wounded him by not allowing him to comfort me.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve come to you. I could barely… function, Samael.”
“I understand, little witch. This bond is still relatively new. We will have centuries together, centuries in which you will learn to trust me with everything.”
