Footsteps echoed from multiple corridors, shouts growing louder.
“We need to get out of here,” Dorion said, supporting Laphira while scanning the hall. “Now.”
As we raced down a hallway, the castle's ancient bells began to ring, the frantic clangs signaling invasion and emergency.
If they found what was left of Naveer's body, they'd kill us.
Chapter 42
Reyla
The four of us flitted to our suite at Irridain.
Dorion carried Laphira to the sofa, gently laying her on the cushions, stroking the hair off her face.
“Dorion?” She gazed up at him in wonder. “You’re dead. She told me you were dead.” Her hand shook as she reached up to stroke his face. “But no. You’re real. Truly here and…real.” Her shoulders shook with sobs.
He climbed onto the sofa and gathered her close. “I’m here, love. No one’s taking me from you again.” He glanced up at us with tears in his eyes. “Go. We’ll follow soon. We need to control the situation here first, but with her death, my love is free.”
“There you are.” Calista rushed from our bedroom with Farris right behind.
Farris scampered over and jumped around us, whimpering. He got solid pats before I straightened.
Calista frowned at Dorion and Laphira before her gaze met mine. “Why is he holding Princess Laphira and why is she sobbing on your sofa? And what’s that infernal noise?” Shestomped over to the window, drew it up and poked her head out, only to duck back inside quickly and rush over to us. “It looks like they’re preparing for war down there. Soldiers are rushing in from all directions and?—”
I held up the pendant, letting it spin on its chain, its tiny wings fluttering.
Calista cupped her cheeks tightly enough to make her lips pucker. “You’ve done it, my queen.” Her gasp rang out. “I mean…Lady Bliss. You’ve done it!” She peered back at Dorion before turning back to me and Lore. “Incredible. I assume we’ll leave immediately? It might be wise to depart now if they’re preparing for war.” Her jaw dropped. “You don’t think they’ll be attacking Evergorne Court, do you?”
It was a very real possibility—if they connected Naveer’s death to us.
“Irridain willnotattack Evergorne.” Laphira stroked Dorion’s face again before easing off his lap. She drew herself up stiffly. “With my mother dead, I am now in control. There will be nothing but peace with Evergorne.” She pressed her palm over her heart. “This I swear.” She extended her hand to Dorion. “Would you come with me to make the announcement?”
Calista leaned close to me, keeping her voice low. “She recovered quite quickly, didn’t she?”
A queen did what she must.
Dorion rose, towering over her petite frame. “Wherever you go, love, I follow.”
She leaned into his chest. “We have some talking to do. Soon. You’ll stay with me, won’t you? I have news to share.”
He took her hand and kissed it, gazing into her eyes. “I’m staying.” He glanced our way. “I know you need to leave soon, but thank you.” Pure gratitude glowed in his eyes.
They eased around us and left.
“I’ll gather your things,” Calista said, seeking my approval with her eyes.
“Moira…” How could I tell her?
Her head tilted, her brow furrowing. “Moira…?”
“She’s dead.”
Something flickered in her eyes, confusion mixed with pain, before her face cleared.
The spell was still working, still stealing pieces of memory.
“I’m terribly sorry.” She pursed her lips and reached out to pat my arm in sympathy. “Was Moira a friend? I’ve heard the competitions can be dangerous. Poor dear. How horrifying to lose someone here in this wretched court.”
