I grab his bag and backpack, then he helps me out of the plane and up the rocks to Ottar and Lara.
Immediately, Lara pulls me into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
Oh my God, I’ve missed her.My heart is pumping fast. Given I hadn’t known we were in danger on the island, and despite the emotional roller coaster with Keller, I’ve survived being away from Lara. Being away from home. But I wasn’t aware how scary this all was until today, until I was rushed off the island, up into the air, and now, standing here holding one of my dearest friends. No wonder I’m shaking.Talk about an adrenaline rush.
“I’m good. A little shaken from the past twenty-four hours, but good.”
She releases me, and to my surprise, Ottar pulls me into a hug as well. It’s brief, but it’s very unlike him. “Glad you’re both safe. Let’s head into Harrogate. You two must be exhausted.”
“I don’t know, I have some adrenaline pumping through me,” I say as Keller walks up to my side and links his hand with mine. Lara takes in the gesture, and a smile crosses over her face.
Not sure how much they know, but it seems like we’re about to have a download.
* * *
Lara shakes her head,her eyes teary. “I can’t believe you were able to make it through that,” Lara says. “Keller, I’m . . . I’m so sorry. I thought such shitty things about you. I should have known. I should have considered your sudden departure more. I just . . . I just wrongfully assumed you didn’t want to go through with the wedding.”
“So did I.” Ottar hangs his head in shame. “Fuck, I’m sorry.”
We’re all sitting in the living room, a fire blazing in front of us, thank God, because the moment I was able to take a breath, the cold seeped back into my bones. It feels odd and also amazing being here again. Harrogate was a safety blanket for me when I first came up to Torskethorpe. It’s where I learned about my mom, my grandparents, my country. And it’s where I fell hopelessly in love with Keller. It’s also where he proposed to me. Now, it’s part of my enchanting homeland.Mine.
“Don’t apologize. I didn’t make it easy for anyone to believe otherwise.” I curl into his side, holding him tighter. He kisses the top of my head.
“When you left, you knew you had to get Lilly because if you didn’t, the people who kidnapped you would?” Ottar asks.
Keller nods. “Yes. I heard one of the men talking when I escaped my cell. They were going for her next. I wouldn’t let that happen, and since they obviously had an inside source, I didn’t want to attempt tipping you off.”
Ottar nods. “Well, the palace is on lockdown right now.”
“Really?” Keller asks.
Ottar nods. “We planted a few spies at the Crowned Cod, trying to hear anything that might be going on. One of our spies heard someone mention the king’s island. They didn’t hear much, but the person was asking questions, seeing if anyone had heard of it. Immediately, I knew you had to get out of there.”
“But why bring us here?” I ask. “Won’t this be obvious?”
“Yes, that’s why you should come here. The palace isn’t safe right now with an inside source leaking information and the secret passageways that we’re working on closing up. Queen Pala and King Clinton’s staff are protecting Theo and Katla in Marsdale. And Henrik and a team have everyone who’s been involved over the past four months being held at the palace and questioned. No one is allowed in and no one is allowed out, not until we figure out who’s behind this.”
“But Theo and Katla are okay?” I ask. “Did he look better?”
Lara nods. “He actually started to look a bit better once he heard from Keller.” Her eyes find Keller. “He was terribly distraught over losing you. I went to visit him once to see how he was, and he held my hand and wept.” Lara takes a deep breath. “He was so happy to hear that you were okay. I’m not sure how much we tell him you went through, but—”
“Everything,” Ottar says. “We need to tell him everything. It might hurt to know, but Keller deserves the accolades and recognition of bravery.”
Keller shakes his head. “No, that’s not necessary.”
Ottar’s eyes narrow. “No way in hell am I going to let this slide under the table.” Ottar leans forward. “What you did to survive, to make it through three months of hell only to come out of it and save the future queen from harm, that deserves to be recognized.”
“He’s right,” I say. “And if you don’t tell him, I will.”
Keller looks between us and shakes his head. “I survived for Lilly.” He gestures at us. “I don’t need you all ganging up on me.”
“Deal with it,” Lara says.
“Yeah, deal with it,” I say, poking him in the stomach, bringing out that sexy smile of his.
“Now, can I ask something that I probably shouldn’t ask, but I just need to know in order to get any sleep,” Lara says.
“Sure,” Keller says.
