“No, but some of the other Lelurra captives took word of my wellbeing back to my family when we were freed, and I've recently written to them. They know I'm safe.”
Kisa grimaced, and then she rubbed her arms. “Dear Gods, I can't remember what it's like to fly. He wouldn't let me out of this house.”
“The sky remembers for you.”
She smiled softly. “Yes, it does. And it will welcome me home. Just as it will welcome you.”
“I can't go back now.”
“Yes, you can. You can always go home, Eliel.”
“No.” I smiled. “I mean, I'm mated to the King. This is my home now. I may visit, but I can't return to stay.”
“What?” Kisa's brown eyes went wide. “You're the Dragon King's mate? Your parents will be so proud.”
I nodded. “They're coming to visit in a couple of days for my presentation to the Tabaa Dread.”
“Presentation,” she whispered. Then she burst into tears.
It didn't surprise me. Freed captives were often calm to the point of seeming normal until their mind began to process things. Then they broke. Again and again it would happen. I knew the process so well that I was already swooping in to hold her before she crumpled.
“It's going to be all right. You never have to see him again, and he's going to be punished by the Dragon King for what he did to you. You're safe. I promise, Kisa. No one will hurt you ever again.”
“Eliel, he . . .”
“I know what he did. It was done to me. Look at me, Kisa.”
Sniffing, she looked up.
“Look at how strong I am now. I wasn't at first. I was worse than you. I was beaten terribly, one wing broken. But I healed in my body and my mind. Now, I'm mated to the King, and I'm so very happy. You will be happy again too. I promise.”
“I don't think I will. He sucked all the happiness from my soul.”
“It will refill itself.” I cupped her cheek. “It seems like you're dying right now. That the hollowness will consume you. But it won't. You will fly and sing again, my friend. The sky remembers.”
“The sky remembers,” she whispered.
“Now, let's get you dressed. As soon as you leave this wretched place, it will get easier.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
The Hulfrin lord was taken back to the royal palace with us, though he rode in a separate carriage, guarded by Raven's knights, while we rode ahead with Kisa. Along the way, the King explained to Kisa that her captor wouldn't be given to the Talons for a trial but instead would be held in the palace's cells until he determined the bastard's fate. Kisa agreed to stay with us until Raven could see to the transfer of the Hulfrin's assets to her.
We were just leaving Kisa to get settled in her guest suite when the castle steward came running up to us, his Deldin ears flapping and his blue eyes anxious.
“Your Majesty, there is a messenger from the King of Sconheit waiting in the throne room.” The steward bowed.
“Thank you, Trun. Fetch the Alchemist, please.” Raven turned to head toward the throne room.
“The Alchemist, Sire?”
“Yes, Master Sevarin, the Alchemist. I believe this will have something to do with him.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Trun ran off.
“Should I attend you?” I asked.
Raven took my hand and tugged. “You go where I go, Mate.”
