“It was a smart maneuver,” Raza said. “I just don't understand what she hopes to gain from it.”
“Ride for Seelie,” I said to Raza. “I'll head to the nearest rath and travel the Between over.”
“No,” Raza growled, “we'll go together.”
“I need to get there as fast as possible, Raza.””
“We'll use the inter-kingdom raths,” Raza growled. “then fly the rest of the way. It will be only slightly slower than going straight over via the Between.”
“Then you won't mind me going ahead of you,” I snarled.
“The hell I won't,” Raza snarled back. “I'm not letting you out of my sight. Not during this debacle.”
“Raza,” I shook my head.
“Please, Seren,” Raza whispered. “Your father will be slowed by his army, I promise that we shall reach Seelie before him.”
“Alright,” I sighed.
“Thank you,” he gave me a quick kiss, then shouted, “Hana!”
Raza's cousin ran up, already in her armor, “Yes, Your Majesty?”
“Lead my army to Seelie,” Raza ordered. “I'm flying ahead with Seren.”
“And me, Cousin,” Kader came forward. “I fly with you.”
“Thank you,” Raza grabbed Kader's shoulder affectionately.
“And I'm going with you as well,” Tiernan stepped forward.
Raza glared at him.
“My father is there,” Tiernan said.
“Alright,” Raza agreed. “You may join us.”
“Well then, I'm going too,” Killian said. “I've never flown Dragon Airlines before.”
“You're not doing it today either,” Raza snapped.
“You may need me, Dragon King,” Killian said simply and gave Raza a steady look.
“Oh fine,” Raza growled.
“I can carry him,” Kader offered.
“Again, thank you, Cousin,” Raza said.
Cat yipped.
“No, Madam Puka,” Raza pointed his finger in Cat's face. “You will not be able to hold on. You must go with the army.”
“Come on, Cat,” Conri said. “We'll have a nice run. Straight to the rath, where we can ride the Between all the way to Seelie. We'll beat Seren there.”
Cat whined but went to stand with Conri.
“I love you, Cat,” I kissed her face. “You're not to go into that castle until I get there.” I looked up at Conri to make sure he had heard me.
