“Could everyone join me in the parlor after we’re through?” Tempest said. “I want some input on a few things.” She sucked in a breath and released it. “I need to start planning a war.” Her gaze sought Vera’s. “I placed a ward on the island, but I worry we need more than that to keep us safe.”
“I warded the island the moment we arrived,” I said.
“Mine is still in place,” Vera added.
“Thank you.” Tempest sighed. “The thorns are gone. Will three wards be enough?”
“It should be,” Vera said, biting down hard on her lower lip.
I grunted and took a sip of my tea, carefully placing the mug back on the table. “Three wards won’t stop the king.”
Reyla’s eyes widened. “You’re saying he can come here whenever he pleases?”
Vera patted her arm. “Mayline’s spell was more than just thorns. It also contains a powerful ward, adding to what we’ve done.”
“Will it keep out those who aren’t loyal to Lydel?” Tempest asked.
Vera gave her a pert nod. “Of course.”
“Does the spell do anything else?” I asked.
“Even if the Bledmire monster flew above on a dragon, seeking us with his magic, he wouldn’t be able to hear or see anything going on below.”
“Then we can talk anywhere.” Brodine relaxed back in his chair. “Good. I was worried about that.”
“As long as the rest of her spell holds,” Vera added.
I swallowed my bite and lowered my fork onto my plate. “I’ll see if I can strengthen that part of her ward.”
“I welcome anything.” Vera looked toward Tempest. “I need to take you to the sea soon.”
Where she’d claim her court’s core power.
“I’ll go with her,” I spontaneously said.
Vera frowned. “This is hers to claim.”
“Claim what?” Brodine asked.
Reyla, Airia, and Layla watched us as intently.
Zayde relaxed back in his chair and bit into a roll. “What was hers the moment she was born.”
Brodine looked from Zayde to Vera. “What’s that? I’m still stunned by the fact that she’s fae and the Lydel High Lady, but now you’re saying there could be more?” He leaned forward to speak past me to Tempest. “I’ll go too. You shouldn’t have to face anything alone.”
“I said that she won’t be alone,” I bit out, struggling not to smack him with my threads. “I’llbe with her.” My irritation was fed by jealousy; I knew this. But I couldn’t seem to make myself behave when he looked at her like he adored her more than me.
“She can’t take any of you with her,” Vera said sharply. With a sigh, she lowered her voice. “I’ll go partway with her to instruct her, but after that, her success or failure must lie solely with her.” Our eyes met. “Each court handles this differently. You’re Weldsbane, so mined stone plays a role in your core.”
Such as the pabrilleen pendant Tempest wore on a chain around her neck. I recognized it the moment I saw it. It had been in my family for many generations, though my mother rarely wore it. Much too delicate, she’d said. I like gaudier things, she’d added with a sweet laugh.
It fit Tempest’s personality perfectly.
I lifted my eyebrows Vera’s way. “And Lydel’s core is . . .”
“Aligned with the sea.” Tempest’s gaze caught mine. “I’m not sure how I know that. It just burst out.”
“You’re correct,” Vera said. “Our main court is bordered by water on all sides.”
