“That’s where I got the idea…” I answered. Before I could move another step, I collapsed on Dorian.
He and Rilen lowered me to the deck and let me lie.
“All right?” Rilen asked.
“That wasn’t nearly as hard as the rocks,” I chuckled. “But am I going to fall over every time I use my power?”
Rilen shook his head as Dorian laughed. “No,ilati, not as long as you keep up with…resupply.”
“Is this a ploy to get into my bed?” I asked him.
“Have you ever known him to be coy, Kimber?” Rilen offered me a hand up.
“There is nothing coy about Dorian, ever,” I answered.
I turned and gasped when I found the king staring down at me, his angry blue eyes flashing. His hand wrapped around my arm, and he held more than fast—there would probably be a bruise.
“You.You arethe Breaker.”
Dorian pulled his brother away from me, and Rilen wrapped an arm around me. While it felt protective, it didn’t feel restrictive.
“I am,” I answered him. “I’m Kimber Raven, Lady Stormbreaker, Bright Sword, Breaker of the Spine.”
“Youknewall this time that we were looking for you.” His breath washed across my face. “You knew that, and you let Niniane take Gwynnore. And you let me think that you didn’t know who the Breaker was.”
There was thunder in his countenance.
Dorian slipped in front of me. “It was my choice, Bel. I made the decision not to tell you. I didn’t know… I still don’t know what you want her for, and I won’t let her be used. She’s powerful—you saw that. And she’s not a prize to be won and used.”
Belshazzar stared at Dorian, and it seemed that lightning crackled between them.
“Three thousand years,” Dorian hissed. “Three. I didn’t know you. I don’t know you. Iknowher. The way you know Gwen. I didn’t know if that bastard I sired had gotten to you, too.”
“I brought you hisfuckinghead.”
“How would I have known you didn’t take it just to take his place?”
“I did.” The king stepped up, practically nose to nose with his brother. “But I did it for you.”
“I know that. Now.”
“Your Highness, we would have told you,” I said, stepping away from Rilen and from behind Dorian. “We would have. And wewillgive you the help you need after we find Gwen and destroy what’s left of Savion’s and Niniane’s kingdom.”
“We—”
“Our problems are each as important as each other’s,” Aiko said, walking up next to the king. “Yours are important for your people, and ours are important here. We can only see our here and now, sire.”
“Let us rescue her,” Rilen said. “The seas are calm. Kimber can get us up the Spit, and we can search better there.”
“I know that army,” Aiko said. “There are only so many places she can hide, and they know them all. Sire, please. It will make it easier for the Masters to go with you if they know their world is safe from threats.”
“You left yours in the hands of people you can trust?” Dorian asked.
Bel nodded. “Or, at least, ones who don’t want to destroy the vampires.”
“Then give us that,” Rilen said.
“I will give you my help willingly,” I added.
