“You don’t want to know.”
Anna and Ella fluttered by Olivia,who smiled and walked over to my dresser and picked up my crown. Her favorite part of this exercise was wearing any and all of my accessories.
“Where are we going?” Tallis eyed Olivia, blinking at everything from her height to her skin tone changes.
“It’s better if I tell you once we are there. Refuse any visitors,” I told Olivia.
“What if the king comes?” she asked.
“Anna, say you put me to sleep because I was frantic with grief.” I dragged one of the chairs over to the window. “Even if someone comes in, if Olivia stays bedridden, we’ll be fine.”
Tallis stood up on the chair next to me. “This is a terrible idea. I still don’t know what thisplanis.”
“I know. I’ll tell you on the way.” I looped my arms around his neck.
He put one arm around my waist, holding me flush to his body, and then suddenly we were flying. His wind ability moved the surrounding air, a tornado creating a shield and shooting us through the night sky.
There was a pulse of magic as we passed through the barrier surrounding the castle. Only the royals and Tallis could pass through once the keep’s defenses were raised. The rune on my hand and the ones around his eyes held a magical marker to allow us passage. Tallis flew higher until we were enveloped by stars. I held on to him, mesmerized by the twinkling constellations. “It’s beautiful.”
We hovered for a moment, enjoying the splendor.
When Tallis and I were young, I would jump on his back and beg him to take me up past the clouds. Sometimes, he would oblige and show off his wondrous gift, other times he’d plop me on my rump and blow the wind in my hair so hard it would knot.
“Hold on tight,” he said, and we rushed across the mountains, leaving the palace in the distance.
When we were farther enough away, he brought us down to the ground. I pushed back my hair, my cheeks hot and windswept. “Why don’t we do that anymore?”
“You don’t ask.”
“Well, you should have offered,” I said and gently poked his shoulder.
He folded his arms and eyed me. “Are you going to tell me now what this terrible plan is?”
“Yes,” I said, “but you must promise me that you will not get angry.”
“The last time you said those words to me, I got walloped by the cook for stealing her blackberries.”
How I missed those younger days, when life was simpler, and my biggest worry was getting caught sneaking snacks. “If I remember correctly, you partook of that bounty with me.”
“Hmmm.” Tallis’ face softened, his mouth curving into a smile. “That I did.”
The conversation paused and I knew I could not put off our destination anymore. With a steadying breath, I said, “We’re going to see the Lich King.”
Chapter Twelve
Tallis
“I’m not taking you to theLich King. How could you even suggest that?” My voice rose, louder than respectable.
“It’s the only option we have.”
“We should never have left the castle. I’m taking you back right now. There we at least know the devils we deal with.”
“Do we really?” she yelled and grabbed my arm. “Listen to me.”
“No. The Lich King or any of his minions would kidnap you the moment you set foot in that territory. I’m not risking your life.”
“You’re wrong.”
