The suggestion snaps my attention to her. “You know, that actually sounds like a good idea.”
I turn toward the drink cart tucked in the corner, eyeing the bottles of faerie elixir and wine that I’ve never even considered tasting before.
Scarlett laughs, a note of disbelief in her voice. “I was joking. You’ve got a horse to ride tonight. Probably best not to do that drunk.”
Her words pull me back to reality. She’s right; as tempting as it is to drown out the anxiety clawing at me, the last thing I need is to be impaired for what’s coming. I turn back to face them, drawing in a steadying breath.
“Alright, no alcohol,” I agree reluctantly. “But something has to give. I feel like I’m coming out of my skin waiting like this.”
Mia’s expression softens with understanding. “We know. We’re here with you, E. Just breathe. Tonight will be the first step toward getting him back.”
A gentle knock sounds at the door before Raiden, Zaria, Tristan, and Kian enter one by one.
My pulse quickens, a wave of anxiety washing over me as I watch them all. The tension in my body grows at their fierce expressions. Taking a deep breath, I try to compose myself, willing my emotions to subside. A sharp mix of frustration and anticipation course through my veins.
“Wait. Let Lutin and Senka in,” I tell Kian before he can shut the door.
His lavender eyes widen, but he steps out the door before returning with both Lutin and Senka. Kian closes the door behind them, walking around them and taking a seat in the armchair.
“So, tonight is the night,” Tristan breaks the tense silence that hangs heavy over the room. “Are you ready?”
I meet his gaze. “I’m more than ready.”
Raiden lets out a low grumble, his brows furrowed in concern. “I’ve told Malick and Gideon to prepare the horses discreetly. They’ll have them waiting outside the castle grounds, near the grove. We’ll slip out quietly, but we have to be swift.”
A voice from behind interrupts. “Sorry, but what exactly is happening tonight?” Lutin steps forward, a puzzled look on his face. Senka stands at his side, her sharp eyes curious.
We all exchange glances, before I turn back to face them. “I’m leaving tonight.”
They stare back at me, their wide eyes mirroring the shock and confusion that lingers in the air. Senka opens her mouth to protest, but I raise a hand to stop her. “I’m going to get help. I can’t wait here, hoping for something to change on its own. I need to bring our king back, and to do that, I have to gather allies and prepare for a real fight. But I can’t do it alone.”
Lutin’s face softens as he places a fist over his heart in a gesture of loyalty. “Whatever you need, My Queen.”
Senka follows suit, her own hand pressing firmly over her chest. “We’ll do whatever you need.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, emotions rising and clogging my throat. “I need you both to pretend I’m still here. Spread word that I’ve fallen unwell, weakened by my mate’s absence. Let them believe that I’m confined to my chambers, too heartbroken to be seen.”
Senka nods, understanding immediately. “You don’t want anyone knowing you’ve left. Smart.”
“Exactly. I can’t have anyone suspecting my departure until I’m well out of reach.” I take a deep breath, looking each of them in the eye. “I trust you both with this. Keep the truth hidden. And protect my friends and this castle in my absence.”
“We will,” Lutin promises, his expression fierce and resolute.
Senka opens her mouth but seems to hesitate before speaking. “Forgive me for asking, but . . . ” she trails off for a moment. “Why aren’t you suffering like most bonded mates would be after two weeks without their other half, especially with the new moon just past? I mean . . . if I’m not mistaken, your fangs look new. Doesn’t that mean you need to feed, like we high fae do after mating?”
I give her a small smile, though the question strikes me right in the heart, a bitter pang of longing echoing through me. “I am suffering, Senka. Being without Maxon . . . it’s like trying to breathe underwater. Every second apart feels like I’m drowning, like I’m missing a part of myself that I can’t live without.”
Senka’s brow furrows, the concern on her face deepening, but I continue. “I’ve been able to see him, in a way. We actually dream-walked together during the new moon." A soft warmth rises in me as I remember that night. "We shared each other's strength . . . and fed off each other, too.”
Senka’s eyes widen slightly in understanding, and she gives a respectful bow. “That explains it. The connection would sustain you both, for a time at least.”
I absently rub a hand over my heart. “Yes, it helps. It soothes the worst of the longing . . . but it doesn’t erase it. I can still feel his absence like an open wound.” I pause, inhaling deeply to steady myself, and feel the comforting hum of our bond, even though it's muted. “Maxon and I, we’re bonded in every way. And whilethat connection gives me strength, it also makes it impossible to forget how far away he is. It’s . . . agonizing.”
Lutin shifts on his feet, drawing my attention. “Forgive me, My Queen, but can I ask something?”
“Go ahead,” I reply, wanting them to be open with me.
“How is the king? Is he okay?”
