“I don’t want to leave this chamber,” she admits, voice heavy with the truth.
Our tether hums warm at the confession.
“I know,” I press the words into her forehead, kissing her tenderly. “I wish the world would still for us to have more time like this.”
“But instead, it may be the end of it altogether.” Her emerald-green eyes pin me in place, so loaded with emotion and meaning. “It’s time to take our thrones back,” she says.
Neither of us speaks about what that means for us—rulers of different kingdoms, Starbound but forced to be apart.
No, instead we fall into silent embrace, her face pressing into my chest as my hands rub against the scars on her back. The scars she did not earn. Scars that will be paid for in blood.
“Then let’s activate this rebellion and get to Nymeris,” I answer with pragmatism, though all I want is to lock the world out and keep her here.
She nods, breaking our embrace, and returning to dressing—binding her breasts, sliding into leathers that hug her warrior’s build, strapping daggers and blades at her waist and thighs, and holy fucking gods, the sight of her almost buckles my knees.
With god metal swords strapped at my back, I head for the door. My hand grips the doorknob, and I hold out my otherhand for her to take it—a silent invitation that says a thousand words. Words that neither of us wish to say aloud.
It’s time to go to war.
It’s time to leave this behind.
It’s time to be the leaders we’re destined to be.
She walks toward me, hair pulled back in a simple tail, shoulders squared and chest proud.My regal, defiant queen.
And she grips my hand in silent agreement to leave it all behind and step into our destiny.
She nods, blowing out the candle at the door, and casting the room into darkness.
“Let’s start an uprising,” she says, and I open the door to fate.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
ELYSSARA
Amarisse’sprivate room is already full. Gellesk leans against the table like he owns the damn place, Correk smiles tightly, and Tess tries to look at ease in a brothel being used as a rebel safe house, though her clenched fists and darting eyes betray her nerves. And our group? They’re sprawled across couches, full and well-rested, as if we’re not about to discuss plans that fundamentally change the realms.
But it’s Therion’s forearm I notice most.
“You’re healed!” I say, rushing toward him and grabbing his arm to inspect.
“I know I’m a drunk, El, but I’m also a fucking incredible healer,” Rubi scoffs indignantly from beside him, while pouring a finger of amber liquor into a glass. “Of course he’s healed.”
“No one doubts your skills, Rubes,” Therion says gruffly. “They just doubt your ability to exercise those skills when you’re a dozen drinks deep and the sun hasn’t even reached its peak.”
I expect her to snap, but she counters smoothly, “You act as if my skills are dependent on my sobriety, Teddy, and you’d be wrong to think such a limiting thing.”
I can’t stifle the laugh that bursts from my mouth. “I didn’t doubtyoufor a heartbeat, Rubes. I doubted thathe’dlet youtouch him. Inflated warrior ego and all that,” I say, winking at Therion, all cheek.
Therion exhales, though I can see him fighting a smile. “I need that fucking drink,” he complains, pinching the bridge of his nose.
But before the moment can continue, Amarisse interjects. “I need you out of my establishment. Discuss your wars. Talk numbers. And get out,” she snaps, fresh crimson robes cascading down her body and dipping low between her breasts.
She sweeps past us, robes trailing in her wake, and she brushes through the curtains in an intolerant huff. Apparently, she will support the rebels only so far—until their politics affect her business.
“Appreciate the hospitality you’ve extended, Am,” Gellesk’s deep voice rumbles over his shoulder after her. It’s strange to see him like this; serious, powerful, focused. But I’ve revisited our interactions again and again—how he never traded in people, how he never did dirty tasks himself, how he refused to profit from his wares, how he knew every last merchant in The Barrier District, how he always knew trade routes and secret dealings. All this time, Gellesk was leading a rebellion against the kings of Aevryn. “Let’s get down to business.”
And Kael doesn’t hesitate.
