“Killian already knows them well,” I added. “It’ll be easier hiding him somewhere unfamiliar.”
Mal considered for a moment, then nodded. “It is smart. Earth is safer.”
“I will go with him,” Sorcha announced. “Keep him safe.”
“Thank you,” I said quietly.
The logistics came together quickly. Ten guards would accompany Killian and Sorcha to Earth. They’d stay at my apartment above the bookstore. Aurion would rule Ravenor in Mal’s absence. We’d take five guards with us to find Tyreen, and leave tomorrow at dawn.
Now came the hard part. Telling Killian.
We found him in the family playroom, practicing his portal magic by moving his toys from one side of the room to the other. A wooden horse disappeared in a shimmer of light and reappeared across the room with a soft pop.
“Killian, baby, come sit with us,” I said.
He looked up, his little face suspicious. “Am I in trouble?”
“No,” Mal assured him. “We need to talk to you about something important.”
I took a breath. “Mama and Papa have to go find someone who can help protect you. You’ll stay with Grandma Sorcha for a few days.”
His face fell. “You’re leaving?”
“Just for a few days, baby.”
“Can I come?”
“No,” Mal and I said at exactly the same time.
Killian’s bottom lip stuck out. “Why not?”
“It’s dangerous. But you get to go to Earth!”
His face transformed instantly. “Earth? To see Auntie Krystin?”
“And Auntie Bella and Daphne,” Mal added. “They’ll take good care of you.”
“Okay!” He was bouncing with excitement. “Can I bring my toys?”
“Some of your toys.”
“Half my toys?”
“A reasonable amount of toys.”
His face scrunched up. “What is reasonable?”
Mal and I exchanged amused looks. Our son, the negotiator.
“Five toys,” I offered.
“Ten.”
Mal was watching us like it was a spectator sport, clearly entertained.
“Seven,” I said. “Final offer.”
Killian considered this with the seriousness of a trade negotiation. “Seven toys AND my stuffed dragon.”
