"And the fairies?" Nesilhan asks.
I look at her, seeing the determination in her golden eyes. She believes in this, believes we can find them.
"We try to make contact," I say. "Research every method we have for reaching the Forgotten Grove. Dream Walkers, ancient rituals, whatever it takes. If the fairies can help us, we need that alliance."
"The Karakoncolos clans might also be worth approaching," Emir suggests carefully. "They have no love for the Light Court."
"Yes, but they'd demand a price we can't afford to pay," I reply. "Hunting rights during the winter months, access to our territories. The political cost would be too high."
"What about the Simurgh?" Zoran asks. "The great birds in the eastern mountains?"
"Negotiating with creatures who consider themselves gods is... complicated," I say dryly. "Though not impossible. Add them to the list of potential allies. But the fairies remain our best option—they have the most to lose if the Light Court wins, and they're already connected to us through Banu."
"Assuming we can find them in three days," Yasar points out.
"Then we'd better work fast," I reply. "Nesilhan, you take point on the fairy research. You know more about Dream Walkers than anyone here."
"What about you?" she asks.
"I'm going to send messages to every neutral faction we haven't completely alienated," I say. "Make it clear that Light Court domination isn't in anyone's interest. And I'm going to personally visit Lord Riza."
"That's dangerous," Emir warns. "He's technically in rebellion."
"Which is why I need to talk to him before he's fully committed to the Light Court side," I reply. "Riza's smart enough to know that surrender today becomes subjugation tomorrow. I just need to remind him of that."
"I'm coming with you," Nesilhan says immediately.
"Absolutely not?—"
"Don't even try," she interrupts. "You need me there. The Light Court princess standing beside you sends a message—that this isn't Shadow Court tyranny, it's a unified front against Light Court aggression."
She's right, damn her.
"Fine," I concede. "But Elçin comes too. And a full security detail."
"Agreed," Nesilhan says.
"How touching," Yasar murmurs. "The happy couple, presenting a united front. I'm sure Lord Riza will be very impressed by your... solidarity."
"And you," I say, turning to face him directly, "will stay here and manage court affairs. Try not to cause any disasters while I'm gone."
"Me? Cause disasters?" Yasar places a hand over his heart in mock offense. "I'm wounded by the suggestion. Truly. I may need to lie down."
"You'll be actually wounded if you cause problems," Elçin promises.
"Oh,finally, someone who speaks my love language." Yasar beams at her. "Violence and conditional approval—just like mother used to give."
Elçin turns to me. "Can I kill him? Just a little?"
"Tempting, but no. He's annoyingly useful, and I refuse to train another one." I pause, considering. "Besides, if anyone gets to kill him, it's me. I've earned it."
"The favoritism in this court is astounding," Yasar says, not sounding remotely bothered.
"We're leaving in two hours," I announce, cutting through their banter. "Everyone, prepare what you need. We reconvene here for final briefings before departure."
As the group begins to disperse, I catch Nesilhan's hand briefly. "You're sure about the Dream Walkers?"
"I'm sure they're our best chance," she says quietly. "And Kaan... I think they might already be trying to reach us. I've had dreams. Strange ones. A woman with fog-grey eyes..."
