Tate couldn’t tell if he really believed that or if he was using it as an excuse to justify his actions.
It was easy to start lying to oneself and almost impossible to stop. Evil acts committed with the best of intentions were still evil.
It wasn’t her place to comment on other’s relationships. If Roslyn hadn’t been a friend, she would never have interfered in the first place.
Her gaze landed on Roslyn waiting next to a group of guards, watching them. “Somehow I think your daughter will be alright with or without a relic.”
Roslyn had already proven her ability to survive. She might not have been as strong as Tate or the others, but her intelligence and cunning more than made up for it.
Tate started past the duke, his voice stopping her.
“I’ll have my collection delivered to the Guardian’s temple. You can look at it under their supervision.” He turned to pin her with a look. “I expect it to be returned in the condition I lent it to you in.”
Tate’s lips parted in surprise. “I don’t understand.”
The duke’s lips quirked, his playful expression making him seem a decade younger. “Our records are as extensive as the guardians. The name Tatum Allegra Winters appears throughout his journals many times.”
Tate’s mouth clicked closed as understanding dawned. She’d announced her name in court to draw out her enemies, forgetting there might be those closer to home who might recognize it.
“He described that woman as being the driving force behind the Saviors’ success.” The duke watched her carefully. “The last entry in his personal journal says if that woman should ever request anything from our family, we will provide it. No matter how crazy or nonsensical the request might be.”
“He certainly didn’t make it easy for me to keep a low profile.”
“I expect it’s difficult to ensure your message will reach someone centuries into the future.” The duke had a faint smile on his face as he moved past Tate. “It’ll take a day or two for me to assemble the records.”
She nodded. “I’ll look forward to it.”
She stumbled in his wake as they headed for the top of the stairs. By the time they’d reached the palace grounds, Tate was feeling shaky and nauseas.
The duke strode away as Tate trudged to a stop next to Ryu, taking in the sight of Dewdrop standing in front of nearly fifty people wearing the uniform of the emperor’s guards.
“What’s this?”
“The Lord Provost wanted the emperor’s guards checked right away,” Ryu answered, his arms crossed over his chest and his feet spread as he watched Dewdrop.
Tate groaned and let her weight collapse into Ryu’s side, her head settling on his shoulder. “I just want to sleep.”
Ryu’s arm came around her shoulder, tugging her more fully into him. “This won’t take long.”
As if to prove him right, a loud piercing note came from Dewdrop as the guards curled into themselves to try to avoid the sound.
William and Archie watched from the sidelines with the guards who Dewdrop had already tested in the Rift, weapons drawn in preparation.
“Home or headquarters?” Ryu’s asked into her ear.
Headquarters would be closer, but Tate craved her own bed and the comfort of her things.
“Home.”
Ryu swept her into his arms as her eyes slid closed. “Rest,ahveena. I’ll see you to safety.”
* * *
Tate dreamed she was flying, immense wings spread wide as she caught an updraft. She glided, the land below racing by. Hazy and indistinct like something out of a dream.
Soft plumes of azure and scarlet clouds wafted across the sky like rudderless ships.
She changed course, diving through the middle of the clouds. Lightning and fire played along her wings, their laughter heating her blood as they frolicked beside her.
