“She must marry him,” my aunt intoned once more. “This, I see.”
A foretelling. Shivers tracked across my skin on needlelike claws.
I walked back over to stand beside Reyla, taking her hand. “We don’t need his fleet of ships or warriors that badly.” Actually, we did. Dragons and riders were not enough. I knew it in my heart, but Reyla . . . I sent her a pleading gaze, whispering. “Don’t do this.”
Stay here with me, I wanted to shout. I need you.
Her chin lifted, and she locked her gaze on Lord Dultrette’s. “I’ll do it.” Reyla turned my way. “I need to do it and not just because your aunt is stating it’s my destiny.”
“Please, don’t,” I croaked, feeling as if she was leaving me already.
Reyla’s devastation-filled eyes turning Vexxion’s way. “I’ll need more magical lessons before I leave.”
“I’ll help in any way I can.” He strode over and took her hands. “You don’t need to do this. Someone else can go instead.”
“I came to fairie for a change, and while I found it, my past keeps following. I still see him everywhere, feel his touch on my cheek, his mouth on mine. Maybe when I ran, I didn’t travel far enough. Evergorne Court could do it.”
“You’re sure?” He cupped her face, his thumbs stroking her cheeks. “Take time to think about this. Lord Dultrette can wait until the morning to return with our answer.”
Her chin lifted. “I said I’ll do it.”
“I’ll fight the world for you, little sister,” Vexxion said. “I’ve ached to bear arms in your name from the moment I met you.”
“It’ll be alright.” She gave him the sweetest smile. “Come see me. Please. Don’t make me be the one who has to travel to you all the time.”
“I promise.”
If this turned into a horrible situation, she’d leave. My friend was strong. She wouldn’t allow anyone to hurt or control her.
With a nod, she stepped away from him, facing Lord Dultrette again. “When does he want his bride?”
“Your agreement is sufficient for now.” He rose to his feet. “I’ll inform him that we have an agreement.”
“If he’s anything like one king I know, I’ll gut him before the wedding night,” she said fiercely. “If he behaves, I’ll treat him decently. I can’t make any promises other than that.”
“Yes, err,” Lord Dultrette said. “I’ll tell him that,” he frowned, “Reyla, the Lydel Court Enforcer—”
“And little sister to the Beast,” she added. “Don’t forget that tiny detail.”
He jerked in his breaths as he flicked his gaze between her and Vexxion. “That . . . That means you’re, err . . .”
Reyla scowled. “Unfortunately, yes. I don’t claim him as my father, however.”
The lord bobbed his head a couple of times. “Yes, well, err.I’ll tell him Lady Reyla of . . .” He swallowed hard. “Weldsbane Court, that is, has agreed to his, err, kind offer.”
Reyla snorted. “He might want to meet me first.”
“I’ll share your physical description with him, naturally,” Lord Dultrette said smoothly, quickly recovering his poise. He dipped a bow my way. “High Lady? With your leave, I’ll, err, flit to him with your answer. The sooner his ships arrive, the better. And may I say that I’m not the only one who is loyal to Lydel. When I return, I’ll speak with those who’ve remained hidden. Riders. Lords and ladies prepared to join you in this vital fight.”
“Thank you,” I said.
With a nod, Lord Dultrette flitted from the room.
61
TEMPEST
“He’s gathering along the border,” Aunt Vera shouted. Hitching her legs up, she clutched her face and rocked on the sofa.
