“That wasn’t me. I thought it was you.”
Eiri looked over at Syrus, but Syrus just gave him a little smile.
“I think we all know or figured out that you’re a mage, Eiri.”
“I would have told you eventually, probably,” he said sheepishly. “My magic is different from mainland mages. I can manipulate water, but I also draw my power from it. I never had to worry about it on Canjir, but I haven’t been able to restore myself as easily here. Drawing the liquid poison from your body took everything I had left. There’s no way I could have moved us all like that even if I knew how, which I don’t. It had to be you, Xan.”
“You know I’m always the first to call myself the most powerful mage in Vaetreas, and it’s probably even true, but there’s no way I could have done that. My plan was to blast a hole in the wall and draw up as much ocean water as I could. I’d hoped it would be enough for you to be able tojump into the fight.”
Syrus’ eyes drifted closed as they talked, exhaustion dragging at him despite his best attempts to stay alert. The last few days had been a nightmare, even before he’d been poisoned and nearly killed. All he wanted now was a soft bed and Eiri in his arms.
“Perhaps it was one of Brandow’s mages. Neither of them seemed pleased to be attacking us,” Xan was saying when Syrus forced himself to pay attention again. “Or even just a strange byproduct of all that magic clashing.”
“Speaking of Brandow…” If he didn’t stop Xan now, they’d spend the rest of the day stuck on this topic.
“He’s going to be furious,” Ellis agreed. Like Syrus, he’d stayed quiet while the mages talked. “First that we escaped him in the observatory, then when he finds out that the queen has all but pardoned Eiri and is letting you leave.”
That was another conversation he needed to have with Eiri, but he could save that for when they finally got some privacy.
“There’s not much he can do about it, at least. He may be Crown Prince, but he’s not in charge yet and he can’t countermand one of the queen’s orders.”
“Not that he’d attempt it. He wouldn’t dare cross the queen and earn her disapproval. I dread the day he ascends the throne,” Xan said, shuddering.
“As do we all.” Syrus tried to stretch his aching body, but it was impossible without dislodging Eiri. “Can the rest of this wait until we’ve slept? I can’t keep my eyes open anymore.”
“Of course,” Ellis said quickly. “Xan, can they stay here for the night? Your wards will keep them safe.”
“You’re all staying here tonight,” Xan said in a tone that brooked no arguments. Ellis still opened his mouth like he was going to try, but a sharp look from Xan quelled whatever words he’d planned.
Honestly, at this point, Syrus didn’t even know if it was nearnightfall or the middle of the afternoon, nor did he care. All he wanted was to sleep until his body didn’t ache with every breath.
“Eiri, Syrus, you two can take my bed. You need it more than me,” Xan continued, and Syrus didn’t argue. “Ellis, the guest room is yours.”
“What about you?” Ellis asked. At least he was smart enough not to phrase it as a protest. Syrus didn’t have the energy to listen to them bicker.
“I’m going to be up for awhile. I’m too wound up to sleep, and it’s still early for me. The three of you look ready to drop, though.”
Getting back up took some effort and a hand from his brother, but eventually Syrus was back on his feet with his arm around Eiri’s shoulder for support. Before everyone split up, though, he paused by Ellis. He hadn’t realized it until Xan said something, but Ellis was clearly exhausted. He’d always had the fairest skin of all their siblings, but now he’d taken on a grey pallor. Careful to avoid where their mother had bruised him, Syrus rested his hand on the side of his brother’s neck.
“Thank you, Ellis. I know I haven’t always been there for you like I should have been, but you still risked your own safety to save me.”
“You would have done the same thing for me,” Ellis mumbled, looking distinctly uncomfortable with the praise and attention, slight though it may be. He deserved better than to be saddled with their family.
“And I always will.” Syrus locked eyes with him as he spoke. “I don’t know what’s going to happen after this, but you have my support, no matter what.”
“Thank you. That means more than you know.” A faint sheen of tears glimmered in Ellis’ eyes before he blinked themaway. “Now, you two need to sleep before you drop. Rest as long as you need. Xan and I will make sure you’re safe and unbothered.”
Syrus pulled him into a quick hug, the first he could ever recall giving Ellis. He still leaned on Eiri, which made the embrace slightly awkward, but Ellis didn’t seem to care. He clung to Syrus with a surprising strength, burying his face in his shoulder.
“I love you,” he whispered in Ellis’ ear. A shudder wracked his lanky frame and, for a moment, Syrus was sure his brother was crying. When Ellis pulled away a moment later, though, his eyes were dry.
“I love you, too. Now go. Both of you need sleep.”
With Eiri’s help, they made it to Xan’s bedroom. He’d expected something colorful and extravagant from his cousin, but Xan’s room surprised him with its understated elegance. He was far too tired to appreciate the rich colors and carefully appointed furniture right now, though. All he cared about was the massive bed against the far wall.
“Sit,” Eiri ordered quietly. “Let me help you get your clothes off, then we can sleep. We’re both filthy.”
Syrus did as he was told, sitting on the edge of Xan’s bed and letting Eiri undress him. “Should we talk?”
