I nod my head at the strong Warrior Prince at my back.
Keane is.
He’s prepared for the change and is ready to fight. As is his brother Desmond. So much so that they’re prepared to take the Woodlands city of Fensby in the name of their Court just to ensure the humans there are treated fairly.
“You want to deal with Livyatan personally, don’t you?” I ask.
“Yes. I do not care for Isham or his façade as Peacemaker, nor do I care for how he looks at you. The Leviathans have been a problem on our border for centuries, and his placating appearance in our capitol now is only a front. His men still ride close to Fumagalli and Varon, though they come just shy of attacking our forests. And while Desmond and I believed that a travel to their lands was never necessary to deal with them, today’s conversation almost makes the trip imminent.”
“What of Pyre? The McQuoids know of the rumors surrounding the Leviathans. Would they help?”
Keane eyes dart over mine, replying without hesitation. “I believe if asked, they would join in our excursion to Livyatan.”
I nod in agreement, believing the same. The way they hold their court and Kingdom without any distinction as to their races is proof of that. They’re a perfect example of how things should be.
But Clair couldn’t make that travel in any near future....
“Clair wouldn’t join,” I tip my head back on Keane with a smile, “she’s pregnant.”
Keane’s eyes widen at the news before he gives me a beaming grin.
“Good for them. I will write to McQuoid later in congratulations.”
Keane’s hands on my thighs tighten, his brown eyes holding mine with a longing question I know he wants to ask. I shake my head but press my lips to the inside of his neck, truly not prepared to give him an answer right now but promising to save the conversation for another day.
“Do you think Holis and Mana resent me?” I ask quietly.
“No,” Keane shakes his head, one arm gently wrapping around my shoulder to pull me in closer, “but you certainly caught them by surprise. No one in that room blames you for your beliefs, Alexis, and we all understand your need to fight for the mortals of the Old World. I promise to you that Holis and Mana know that… I just think they forgot for a good moment.”
“I still want to bring Alanna and Lord Daniel into the fold,” I rest my cheek on Keane’s chest, “they’ve been with us through the whole travel. If I can find somewhere private, I’m hoping I can talk to them tonight.”
“They are deserving of the truth,” Keane nods, “however, I do think it best to keep the fourth term between us, and perhaps Desmond, as he’s already aware of the oak wood and pen.”
“You want me to keep it, then?” I glance up in confusion.
“Those pieces take only a fraction of small magic to use,” Keane replies, “and it allows me to stay in communication with you when we are apart. This is all I will ask of you when it comes to using magic, though I understand if you wish to decline.”
I frown and look out to the Willow around us, considering his request.
“What of your father? He vowed for my actions.”
“He did,” Keane nods, “which is why I ask for it to remain a secret. Both the term and the oak.”
My eyes dart over to Millie grazing with Ash and to the traveling bag I keep with me hooked over her saddle. The oak wood is resting inside, as is Golem’s jar and two magical books.
“Everything magical I have is in my traveling bag,” I jut my chin towards Millie, “so if anyone, for whatever reason, decided to look within my bag, there would be no keeping the secret. What would happen then? Would I be tried? Brought before the Four Kingdoms?”
Keane follows my gaze and grips my thigh in a reassuring hold. “There are ways to keep things hidden that will require nothing from you. I will have Desmond stealth the bag.”
“Lord Tadeo has seen me with a book from an Old World library,” I whisper, seeking his reassurance again, “as have a number of people from Fumagalli and Gaumond…”
“Your possession of magical books is sanctioned by the King and the Four Kingdoms as a result of their Council. You do not need to hide them, nor would you need to hide that from anyone in Fumagalli.”
“But I would in Gaumond?” I look up at him.
“No,” Keane shakes his head, “your possession of the books is sanctioned by the full Council no matter where you travel. Gaumond is no different. But there will always be curious eyes, Alexis, people who will see what you are reading and inquire into more. If you do not want that then I advise you keep the books hidden in Gaumond. Even my brother sends men from his Court into ours.”
I grimace at the thought, at the sheer sadness of the odds the brothers must be at to send people to spy on each other. It’s completely disheartening, especially when I know that Keane and Desmond do the same to Troy.
