“At least let me speak to him.” She inwardly groaned, instantly regretting saying that. Her desperation was showing.
Going all winter without catching sight of Von left her with an odd restlessness. It was unusual not to see him around, and she couldn’t help but feel worried.
Tarn’s pale eyes narrowed. “We may be cordial, but you will not make demands of me.”
Dyna glowered. “Then I suppose you will continue to search aimlessly for the Druid. Goodbye now.”
“Maiden.”
She paused.
Tarn set down his papers. “Why don’t we end this little dance and tell me what you truly want?”
Dyna shifted in her seat. “What do you mean?”
“For what other reason are we having theseconversations?You didn’t contact me at random merely to pass the time. You want something, yet you are too prideful to admit it.” His piercing eyes held hers, and she felt the air thin. “Say it.”
Dyna grew serious as they stared at each other. He was right. There was something she wanted. It had been forming in the back of her mind since the day she spoke to him through the water mirror, festering like her own dirty secret.
“I want to join you.”
CHAPTER 7
Lucenna
“When do you leave Skelling Rise?”
Lucenna tossed another pair of boots into her enchanted bag, and they vanished into the depths. “At dawn tomorrow. Rawn and the others are discussing it now.”
Lucien looked at her worriedly from her orb resting on the desk. “Please be careful. The journey through the Bridge is perilous, and I fear the Enforcers catching wind of you.”
“We plan to leave Urn before they notice me. We are more than ready to face the trolls now. Once we reach Dwarf Shoe, we will set sail for Mount Ida.”
What could possibly go wrong? She wouldn’t dare ask it aloud, lest she curse herself with bad luck.
“Good. That eases some of my worry.”
Lucenna heard something in his tone that made her pause to look at her brother as he kneaded his temples. Lucien looked tired, and shadows had formed around his eyes.
“How are you, though?” she asked.
“I’m fine.” Lucien leaned back in his chair with a sigh and ran a hand through his short, white hair. He had cut it recently. She liked the new look but couldn’t help but feel it was his way of starting anew.
“How is Princess Ava?” Lucenna asked softly.
Lucien’s lilac eyes dimmed. His past love was a sore subject, but he offered her a faint smile, regardless. “She’s well. Ava and Ender … well…” He took a deep breath and expelled it slowly. “They’re expecting.”
“Oh!” Lucenna exclaimed excitedly but caught herself and said more nonchalantly, “Oh…”
“It’s great news,” Lucien said with a feeble chuckle. “For us especially. As first to bear an heir, this means Ender will ascend as the Archmage once his child is born. The hunt for you is nearly over.”
Lucenna bit her lip so she wouldn’t smile so much. She thought of her freedom first, before a distant thought reminded her Everest would no longer be obligated to the throne. But there were others who were desperate to keep him on it.
“Not necessarily.” She straightened. “How far along is she?”
“Three moons.”
Lucenna placed a hand over her medallion, and she grew anxious. “Father won’t give up while there is still time. He will send many more Enforcers as possible to bring me back.”
