Dorion rolled his eyes. “We’re here, and we’re going to help you.” His eyes met mine. “Are you holding up alright?”
I forced a stiff nod. I had no choice, now, did I?
I joined them as Laphira reached the dock, her hands folded neatly at her waist, her eyes darting toward me.
Smiling, I gave her a small nod.
She returned both, her smile tentative.
Farris leaped around Dorion, yipping, his tail a furious spiral. Dorion crouched down and gave the nyxin lots of pats while Farris licked his chin and whimpered. That brought out Laphira’s full smile. And when she looked at Dorion…
Any fear I might’ve had that things weren’t good between them fled.
When Dorion straightened, Farris trotted tomy side and plopped down at my feet, his ears perked forward, his gaze traveling from Dorion to Laphira.
“You know the creature?” she asked him in a sweet voice.
“I sent Farris for help.” Dorion took her hand, linking their fingers. “He found Reyla.” He waved toward us. “Allow me to formally introduce you to King Lorick and his lovely bride, Queen Reyla. Our hosts. Reyla, Lorick? This is Laphira, soon-to-be queen of Irridain Court.”
“It’s nice to meet you again,” I said. We’d escaped literal torture at Irridain. Killed her mother. Was it better not to mention something like that?
“Yes, welcome to Evergorne,” Lore said, equally pleasant.
“Where’s Brys?” I asked Dorion, glancing up the gangplank, expecting his dark curls to peek over the edge.
“At Halendor,” he said, his smile fading. “He’s safe. I didn’t want to risk him, not when I wasn’t sure what we’re walking into.”
A prickle ran down my spine. Not from Dorion’s words, but from what he didn’t say.
What exactly were we walking into?
“We’ll flit from here,” Lore said, already pulling in power. “No need to tire yourselves with a long journey by carriage.”
I lifted Farris into my arms, and Lore wrapped his arm around my waist, extending his other hand to Dorion.
Dorion shook his head, putting arm around Laphira’s shoulders. “I figured out how to make it work.”
“How?” I half-whined.
He shrugged. “It wasn’t that hard. I just had to make sure I was forceful when I cast the spell.”
“I’ve been forceful!”
Lore’s eyes sparkled. “No worries. I’ll take you, love.”
With a blink, the sea was gone and the warmth of EvergorneCourt swept in around us. We stood in the foyer with sunlight filtering through the entrance glass, and citrus oil scenting the cool air.
Lord Briscalar appeared and rushed down to greet our guests. After brief pleasantries about rooms and arrangements, he led us upstairs to the silver suite. Briscalar paused outside the proper door and opened it, gesturing inside with a courtly flourish.
“If you have need of anything,” he said, “please notify one of the staff.” He inclined his head and left.
Dorion waited exactly one heartbeat after the door closed behind him before turning to us. “Let’s talk.”
“In our suite,” Lore said. “It’s easier to ward since there are already protections in place.” He led the way up another flight of stairs and down the hall.
As we approached, Talvon bowed and swept the door to our sitting room open.
Farris padded in beside us, his gaze flicking between the two guests.
