Star snorted. “That failed.”
“Yes, but now that I know why we're getting these dreams, that it's Hell encouraging me to fulfill the prophecy and not something menacing, I can return.”
His voice went eager, “You will? You'll come to Hell?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you, Seren. I'm losing my mind here. Nothing I do is calming the quakes.”
“I imagine the Light of Hell is increasing its efforts. They'll probably cease as soon as I arrive. But I have to take care of this blight first.”
“How long will that take?”
“Oh, I'm sorry the blight of regret threatening our planet is cutting into your schedule,” Tiernan drawled.
“My planet is in jeopardy as well, King Tiernan. But you're right, and I apologize. I'm just on edge.” Astaroth sighed deeply. “Your threat is worse. Of course, you need to handle your problem first. But then please, come to Hell.”
“We will,” Tiernan said.
“Tiernan, I'm going alone,” I said.
“Is that what you think?”
“It's what's going to happen.”
“Seren, there is no way—”
I cut him off. “How will any of you ever trust me again if I don't do this alone?”
Tiernan stared at me.
“I won't betray you.”
“I promise not to attempt anything romantic with your queen, King Tiernan,” Star added. “At first, the dreams were incredible. But they're not real, and every morning I woke without her hurt. That pain has compounded. I was going maduntil you found a way to protect us. I love her. You know that. I wish we could be together, but it just won't work. Honestly, I just want this to be over. Ineedit to be over. I can't rule like this.”
Tiernan grimaced. “All right. But the others may not agree with me.”
I nodded. “That's why I'll leave without telling them.”
“Seren!”
“It will be easier that way. I may be back before they know I'm gone.”
“I'm not going to lie to them.”
“Who are you more loyal to?”
Tiernan blinked. “What did you say?”
“It's a simple question—one that I have pushed aside too many times because I was afraid of your answer. I'm not afraid anymore. So, tell me. Who are you loyal to first, above all others? Them or me?”
Star did something very wise and remained silent.
“You, of course. You have always been first. I only care about them because of you.”
“And yet, it doesn't feel like that lately. I'm your wife—something you keep brandishing about like a sword when you're angry. You stab it at Astaroth and threaten me with it when I do something you don't like. The five of you band together against me. It has gotten so bad that when you were touched by the blight and took my side against Raza, I knew there was something wrong with you. Wrong. With. You. For supporting me. How fucked up is that, Tiernan?”
Expression horrified, Tiernan whispered, “Seren.”
