It didn’t seem to make a difference, but I’d thought the same thing with Reyla. It might take time for him to rise back to the surface.
Fates willing, I’d be there waiting.
“I have to leave.” I rubbed his shoulder. Leaning forward, Iwrapped him in my arms, whispering by his ear. “I miss you, Bro. Come back to me. Please.”
Leaning back, I looked into his eyes, feeling tears in my own when he continued to stare forward without expression.
I slid to the floor and left, traveling through the unused areas of the castle quickly, releasing every creature I found. Some dug into the tiles while others went out windows I opened. It wasn’t the best use of my power, but this was the only chance these poor beings might have to be free.
When I couldn’t find any more, I flitted to Brenna’s sitting area. She sat in a chair, staring out the window.
Reyla rushed over to me, dragging me into the bedroom and shutting the door. “What happened?”
“The high advisor is upset about Delaine’s death. I explained that I didn’t know what happened to her, and he let me go.”
She grunted, her lips twisting. “Just like that, huh?”
“Yes.”
Her huff rang out.
I would explain everything to her tomorrow, hopefully while we celebrated the death of the king.
Or I could be dead by tomorrow and it wouldn’t matter. It would all come out, regardless.
Gripping her arms, I made her meet my eye. “If things get odd at the wedding, I want you to promise me something.”
She jerked out a nod, and her eyes shimmered with tears. My friend knew me so well.
“Run. That’s it. Run.” She’d be able to leave without the collar. “My bag’s in the throne room near the wall. Grab it andrun. Take Bro with you and keep going until you reach Nullen territory. Board a ship for a place far from this land. Once you arrive there, build a new life and never tell anyone about what happened here.”
“Something horrible is going on here. A bunch of Lieges lay dead in front of the castle. They’re not a present for the wedding couple. I’m happy to see them dead. I hate them for what they do to us. But something else is going on here, and I bet their death will only make things worse.”
It would get worse unless I succeeded today, because killing Ivenrail would break his hold over the dregs.
She gripped my forearms just as tight. “Tell me what’s going on.”
I shook my head. “Promise me you’ll run.”
“I will, but you . . .” She pinched her eyes shut, and when she opened them, tears trickled down her face. “I have a feeling Kinart’s death is wrapped up in whatever you’re planning today. I also have a feeling that I could pin you to the floor and poke you with a dagger and you wouldn’t tell me anything else.”
“You’re right.”
“Thenyoupromise me one thing.”
“If I can.”
“Survive whatever’s coming. I’ll never get over Kinart’s death.” She pressed her fist against her chest. “I hurt so bad, Tempest. I always will. But just like I’m going to find a way to live for whatever future the fates throw my way, you need to promise you’ll live as well. Like you said, neither of us can bear to lose anyone else.”
“I’ll try. That’s all I can say.” Damn, but I’d try to live through this.
She tugged me into her arms, and we held each other, two lost souls who’d found each other again if for only a brief time.
“Ladies?” Brenna called out from the sitting area. “Where are you? Tempest, that bird is here. He flew in with the staff bringing my tray of tea, and he’s carrying something in his beak. It looks nasty.”
Reyla’s eyes shadowed. “I’ll pour her tea while you take Drask back to your room.”
“Thanks.” I hugged her again quickly before stepping back and opening the door. “Remember to run,” I whispered as I strode back into the sitting area.
