But he didn’t blame her. He only blamed himself.
Because he had failed to protect her. He’d listened to Cole and let himself be manipulated into leaving. He had abandoned her—again—and for that fact alone, he would never forgive himself. So why should she? There was no way he deserved to be with her after that.
And yes, he was furious at Cole and Iblis and the entire damned Underworld for dooming their relationship, but the worst part was, he understood. He understood everything she’d said to his very core. Because even if none of this had ever happened, he could never be what she needed. He couldn’t keep her safe and be the heir that he needed to be for his people, to keepthemsafe, at the same time. And as much as he hated thatfact—loathed it with his entire being, actually—he realized now that no matter how long he had spent denying it, it didn’t change a thing.
He was the heir to the Underworld. Tiptoeing around it and pretending that it wasn’t the case hadn’t allowed him to keep her. He’d brought this on himself.
Ty wanted to rage. He wanted to fucking beat the absolute shit out of something, but his knuckles still throbbed from where he’d punched the cave wall earlier, and he physically couldn’t handle more of that.
And besides, Ena might not be his anymore, but she still needed him. He may have failed to protect her, but he wouldn’t keep putting her in danger now.
They needed to leave as soon as possible.
Ty took several long strides down the passageway when he saw Lara coming towards him, carrying the broth she had promised in her hands.
“Is everything okay?” she asked, her eyes filling with concern as they landed on him. His face must have looked just as grave as he felt inside. “Is Ena alright?”
“She’s fine. I—I just need to go get Turner and Steig. Will you stay with her?” Ty’s voice came out strained and thick, so he cleared his throat, but it didn’t help. Lara was too quick.
“Ty, what happened?” she asked, her voice serious.
“Not now,” Ty said. He couldn’t talk about it right now. Iblis, he could barely even think right now, and he had things he needed to do. “Just…stay with her. Please?” His voice cracked on the last word, and he sounded pitiful even to his own ears, but Lara just nodded and didn’t ask any more questions, carrying on down the passageway towards Ty’s room.
First things first, he needed to get Turner and Steig, so he walked towards the king’s kitchen, killing two birds with onestone, and asked animperito deliver a message to each of them, telling them to meet back at Ty’s room as soon as possible.
After discussing his need for provisions with the head cook, explaining that he’d been sent on a last-minute mission from Cole, he went to Myka and did the same. He didn’t like lying to them, but it was the safest thing for them if Cole were to try and blame them for aiding in his escape.
Nial would be a bit trickier, though.
Ty decided he couldn’t leave Nial in possession of the books from Petyr. Iblis only knew what kind of rampage Cole would go on once he was gone, so he needed to protect those who’d helped him.
He found the old man stacking books in the far corner of the Archives. Nial’s head swiveled to greet him, and a kindly smile lit up his face as Ty approached.
“Ah, Ty, what brings you here this time of night?” he asked.
“I, uh, need my private reserves,” Ty replied, looking around to ensure they were alone, but the Archives were quiet as a grave.
“Of course,” he said, seeming unperturbed by the late request. “I’ll be right back,” he added as he shuffled off to fetch the books.
When he returned, he handed the sack containing them to Ty.
“A bit late for reading, isn’t it?” Nial asked, his voice solemn and pointed.
Ty gave the old man a sad smile. This was one man he couldn’t fully hide the truth from. Not anymore. “I’m not planning to read them right now,” Ty said seriously. “I’m going away.”
The man’s face fell as he nodded his understanding. He seemed saddened by the news but not surprised. It was as if he’d seen this coming. “I see,” he said. “Well, I guess this is goodbye for now, then.”
Ty nodded. “Thank you, Nial, for everything.”
Nial shook his head. “I’ve done barely a thing, and it was my pleasure.”
Ty gave a tight-lipped smile before turning to leave, but the man stopped him.
“Oh, and Ty?” the old man began. “You’re doing the right thing. Everyone here will see that one day. There’s no doubt in my mind—you’re the king we need.”
Ty felt all at once a relief and a crushing weight settle upon him. Did Nial somehow know what he was up to?
He stared at the man, trying to discern his meaning, but there was no time to ask those questions now. He needed to leave.
