“Captain,” Grey is calling to Malin in Emberish. “Call them in.”
But Malin is already at the door.
Alek has drawn close. “Howmany?” he repeats to Igaa in Syssalah.
“I have no way to count,” she says. “Many horses.”
Grey looks to Sephran. “How many did you face in Gaulter?” he says in Emberish.
“At least four dozen,” Sephran says.
Grey looks to me, and I nod. “Armed,” I say. “Mostly Syhl Shallow nobility and private soldiers.”
“With Lady Karyl?” says Queen Lia Mara.
“And her magic,” Alek says grimly.
Once the other Emberish soldiers make it into the barn, they all gather to stand at attention and await the king’s orders. Grey’s five, plus Malin, Sephran, and Leo. Jax and I stand beside the king and queen, with Alek and Callyn just to our right.
Fourteen of us to stand against fifty. Maybe more.
I watch Grey scan the people in the barn the way he did earlier. Assessing readiness and willingness. Leo looks all right, but he didn’tfight through the battle. Malin and Sephran look rough and worn— but determined. Alek looks a little pale.
Grey’s eyes stop on the horses, still tethered in the corner, then skip back to me. His voice is very quiet. “What do they want, Tycho?” he says in Syssalah. “Do they want to kill me?”
“Yes.”
“It’s not just you anymore,” says Alek.
We both look over.
“It’s anyone with magic,” he says. He presses a hand to his side and winces.
“Do they know it’s me?” says the queen.
He shakes his head. “They have their suspicions, but they don’t know for sure.”
“Do they know it’s me?” Callyn whispers.
Alek reaches out a hand and clasps hers. “No.”
But they know it’s me.I swallow.
Grey looks at Igaa. “How far now?”
“Less than half a mile, perhaps.”
He turns to the queen and presses a kiss to her lips. But it’s only for a moment before he pulls away. His voice goes very soft. “I am very glad you sent word. You have my heart. Tell Sinna I love her.” Then he looks to Callyn. “Take care of my wife and daughter.” He looks to his soldiers. “Keep them safe,” he says in Emberish, the words sharp like an order. “Do not follow me.”
He turns away, heading for the horses.
Lia Mara sucks in a breath, but she slaps a hand over her mouth as if to stop herself from crying out.
My heart stops. I suddenly realize what he’s doing.
And I realize whatIhave to do.
I turn to Jax, whose eyes are a little wide, his breathing a little quick. Before I can think about this too carefully, I press a kiss tohislips.
