Whobetrayed me?I asked, tightening my fingers on his shoulder spike to the point they ached. I wanted to pull a blade and slash out at someone, but I didn’t know who to gut.
I don’t know.
Then how do you know someone betrayed me?
I didn’t tell you to look for Prager, but someone did. Think back. Who was with you when I suggested you look for her?
We’d just landed in the meadow outside the village. All my friends were there, getting ready to walk to the inn. You and I were still chatting and . . .I frowned.I could swear you told me to look for Prager.
Few who seek Prager live to tell about their interaction,he said.They sent you to an almost certain death.
Maybe it was someone in the forest nearby. We could’ve been followed.
Perhaps.
It couldn’t be one of my friends.But a worm of distrust started squirming through me, seeking something vital.My aunt told me only those who love Lydel could get through the thorns to reach me. The spell let all of them pass.
The person could still be on the mainland, then.
Then they can’t hurt me here.
Remember, loving Lydel doesn’t necessarily mean they love you, he said.
I’m Lydel,I snapped, frustration grinding through me.I can’t believe it’s one of my friends.
I’d be wrong not to mention the possibility.
Threats were coming at me from all sides, but I’d thought I would be safe here until I was ready to attack the king.If it’s one of my friends, and I can’t believe it is, it can’t be Vexxion. Even if he doesn’t love me, he wouldn’t betray me.
It’s not him. This I know for a fact.
How do you know that?
He flew for a few moments before he sighed.I’ve been in his mind.
What?I barked.I didn’t think our bond allowed you to speak with anyone but me.
I can communicate with your fated mate. We three are connected in a way no others have been for many generations.
When did you speak with him?I asked.
Not long ago. He’ll find his way back to you. This, I know in my heart.
I wanted it more than anything.
Zayde adores his father despite the evil the king has shown to theworld,I said.But he must see that his father needs to be controlled if not outright killed.Zayde could be clinging to a misguided notion that he could convince his father to give up his plan to rule the world, but that didn’t mean he’d try to kill me.Alright. I can’t completely discount Vexxion’s brother.Who else?Layla will never go back to Ivenrail. She’s mated to Zayde. She’s my sister.
If Zayde has decided to work with his father, would she go with him to Bledmire?
She and Ivenrail are married. He has more claim to her than Zayde as far as fae law is concerned.The only way she could safely go with him was if she found a way to hide. I couldn’t see her taking that chance despite her love for Zayde.Layla’s Lydel, but we’ve only recently connected.
We can’t discount the feelings she has for you already.
I could feel the pull between us. A sister! I’d never dreamed I might have surviving family.Would she betray me to gain her Nullen father’s help? Vexxion told me the Nullen king’s new bride was pregnant, that this meant he might replace Layla as his heir. She must realize he sent her to an almost certain death.But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t run to him if he made her an offer she couldn’t refuse, especially if that meant she could remain with Zayde.
Would I betray her if it meant I could finally be with Vexxion again?
No. We were still growing close, but I could never do that to her even if it meant I’d lose the only man I’d ever love.
