Braxis looked at me and lifted a brow.
“Fine.” I waved him forward.
“He's obeying you?” Malik gaped at Braxis and then at me. “I thought your magic...” he glanced at Braxis and left the sentence to hand.
“I'm not obeying her,” Braxis growled. “I'm heeding her advice.”
“My magic is still diminished,” I answered Mal's unfinished question. “We've had some time to talk things over and Braxis and I have forgiven each other.”
“Youwhat?” Malik's voice went low.
“I know how it sounds.” I held up my hand. “I just went through this with your father. I—”
“You contacted my father first?!” Malik roared.
“I didn't know how to contact you until I spoke to Lucifer!” I snapped. “Malik, please, just hear me out.”
Malik's breathing had gone rough. I could hear each jagged exhale. “I'm listening.”
“We've both done horrible things and I'd like to put them behind us.” I sighed. “Mal, Braxis was just trying to free his people. You saw his stronghold, it didn't even have proper lighting. Your father has...” I paused and shook my head. “No, I'm not going to point out everything your father has done; I suspect that you know already. But I'm asking you to consider what you would have done in Braxis' place.”
Malik's jaw clenched as he looked at Braxis. “I would not abduct another man's mvarra and force myself upon her like a rutting animal. That's what Iwouldn'tdo.”
“I regret what I did,” Braxis said evenly. “It was out of anger and—” Braxis shook his head. “There is no excuse. I offer my most humble apology for what I've done to you, Prince Malik. I'm bringing your mvarra back to you and then I'm hunting down Gregory and killing him.”
Malik blinked. He frowned. He looked at me. “What's happening right now?”
“Gregory tricked Braxis. He gave him the Silver Tongue in exchange for attacking the Embassy and a Triari outpost.”
“Gregory's trying to restart the war,” Malik concluded without surprise.
“Yes. But he double-crossed Braxis and the Triari were waiting for him to attack.”
Malik snorted and smirked at Braxis. “You deserved that.”
“Perhaps,” Braxis conceded.
Malik frowned again. “Why the sudden change of heart?”
Braxis' eyes widened at Mal's choice of words and he glanced at me. I shook my head urgently. Malik's eyes narrowed.
“No,” Malik growled as he leaned forward again. “You didn't. You can't.”
“Can you truly blame me for loving her?” Braxis shot back.
Holy Hell,” Malik snarled. “So, I'm supposed to believe you're our ally now? You fall in love with my mvarra and switch sides?”
“I've come to an arrangement with your father.” Braxis lifted his chin. “He will pardon my men and me in exchange for Gregory's head.”
“What?” Malik growled.
“There's more to it than that,” I hurried to say. “We've already spoken to my uncle and explained what happened; the truce is secure. Then we spoke with Lucifer and worked out a trade agreement and the pardon. Malik, I know this is a lot to take in right now. Just think about it. Let it sit awhile. I'll see you soon, okay?”
“Amara.” His jaw clenched. “Do you... tell me you don't—”
“I don't return his feelings, Malik.”
Malik let out a heavy breath and nodded.
