“He can wait.” Lore's voice dropped to that low, possessiverumble that made my toes curl. “I've waited lifetimes to have you back in my arms.”
Sometime later,and dressed in simple clothing, though not leathers for a change, we strolled into the throne room with Farris at our heels, finding Dorion lounging on Lore’s throne. And Talvon standing nearby, glowering at Dorion.
When we arrived, Dorion stood and sauntered across the dais, joining us on the open floor below, his gaze skimming my frame. “Reyla, you look amazing. So glad to see that.”
Lore and I shared a wicked smile. Not long ago, I hadn’t known if I’d ever see him again. Standing here beside him now felt like a miracle.
“Someone rescued me,” I said, linking my arm through Lore’s.
My husband huffed. “My wife rescued herself.”
Farris leaped over to Dorion, scampering and hopping, his tail and body wiggling with joy.
Stooping, Dorion gave the nyxin lots of pats while my pet whimpered and licked Dorion’s chin.
“Welcome to Evergorne Court,” Lore said, giving Dorion a quick hug.
I did the same. After, I leaned back while Dorion held my forearms, looking me over with a critical eye.
“Tunic and pants?” Dorion gave me an easy smile, and it was nice to see that some of the stress lines on his face had smoothed. He looked good dressed in formal clothing and smiling with ease.
“Comfortable clothing,” I said with a smile.
“That bodes well.” His gaze shot from me to Lore. “I wanted to come right away with the news. Actually, I have lots of news.” He scowled at Talvon. “Someone’s listening.”
“We’ll speak in the gold room, Talvon,” Lore said, and his head of the guard hurried to the door behind the thrones and thrust it open. Lore tipped his chin in that direction. “This way. It’ll be quiet there. No one will overhear.”
We strode from the chamber and down the hall, taking seats inside the gold room, Lore and I on one sofa, his arm around my shoulders, my palm on his thigh, while Dorion took a chair across from us.
Farris hopped up onto the cushion beside me and circled around before settling. He placed his chin on his paws and stared at Dorion, his tail flipping and flopping.
After a long look at Dorion, Talvon stepped out of the room and closed the door.
Dorion’s gaze slid from Lore to me. “So tell me what happened.”
“I dove into her shadow and brought her back.” Lore squeezed my hand.
Dorion’s pale blue eyes sharpened. “I have a feeling it was harder than you make it sound.”
Lore shrugged. “Congratulations on your upcoming crowning.”
“I’ll send an invitation, though it won’t take place for weeks,” Dorion said. “My plan includes both of you being there.” The look of sympathy he sent Lore spoke well of him. I wasn’t going to think of us failing. We’d find the third talisman, fuse the three together, and break the curse. Then we’ll celebrate a second time at Dorion’s crowning.
We had so much to do before something like that could happen, and being reminded of how little time we actually had left made bleakness grab onto my bones and shake me.
“We’ll be there,” I said firmly. “Both of us.”
“I believe you shall.” Dorion flashed me a smile beforehis face took on a more serious slant. “Change is coming to Halendor, and I’m afraid many are not happy about it already.”
“Anything we can help with?” Lore asked. “We’ve…had our own issues here.”
He and I shared a look.
“Perhaps, but not yet, though I’ll keep your offer in mind.” Dorion’s slick smile grew. “I’m enjoying setting things straight. My father was truly terrible. I knew that from the time he smacked me for entering a room without bowing first, but it’s been reinforced over the past day already.” He edged forward in his chair, bracing his hands on his knees. “But I didn’t come here for that. I went looking forher.” His swallow took a long time to go down. “She… Things are strange, but I found out she still has it.”
“Who has what?” I asked. When he said “she,” was he referring to the “her” he spoke of with bleakness while we were inside the labyrinth?
“Princess Laphira of Irridain, and I speak of the talisman you’re looking for. The final one you need to break his curse.” He nudged his chin toward Lore. “But despite my asking quite politely, Irridain Court refuses to part with it. It’s a treasured family heirloom, per her mother’s rather cryptic reply.”
