“So literal, Evander. I’d think you’d been spending time with terrestrials,” I bit back.
The insult landed, sending the male a step in my direction. Arran swung his battle axe, the growl that had been just for me spilling out. Evander, wisely, stepped back.
My emotions churned too fast for me to smile genuinely, but I flashed my wicked smile just the same. “We’ll call it an honorary knighthood, then.”
“I accept,” Mya said readily, her smile softer and infinitely more genuine.
The growl in Arran’s throat turned inward.
So we believe in prophecies now, do we?he growled.
When your life hangs on one, you’re entitled to whatever opinion you like, changeable as it might be,I snapped back.
Mya glanced between us, sapphire eyes sparkling. The prophecy said she must touch in order to access thoughts and intentions, but there was a knowing in her eyes that told me she’d at least guessed at me and Arran’s private conversation.
“Evander, you did not tell me how entertaining your queen is,” she said around a smile.
“Youare my queen,” her husband said through gritted teeth.
“General Ache has agreed to lead the Aquarian forces. She will work with you, Your Majesty,” she nodded to Arran. “But not under you.”
Arran did not quibble; I did not expect him to. His goal had always been to assemble an army big enough to defeat the succubus without having to fulfil the void and ethereal prophecy.
“And what of us?” Agravayn interrupted.
Apparently the reprieve from dealing with traitors was over.
“Your brother betrayed his sacred sworn duty and facilitated the deaths of hundreds of elemental courtiers—including my own friends. Unless you can prove your loyalty, you shall meet the same end as he did.” I did not mention that Arran’s beast had ripped off Gawayn’s head with his jaws. If they did not know, letting them imagine was even better. “Where is your baby brother?” I’d seen no sign of Gareth.
Gaheris dropped his gaze. Agravayn held it.
“Dead, Your Majesty,” the latter answered.
I did not need ethereal magic to detect the pain that limned his words.
“Queen Mya can vouch for our good intentions. She has put her hands on us more than once to assure we mean the Aquarians no harm.” Gaheris paused, but I did not fill the space. “Our only desire is to protect Annwyn. We will fight thesuccubus until the prophecy is fulfilled and they are banished forever.”
They knew about the prophecy—and what would be required of me and Mya in order to fulfill it. They’d bow to me as their queen, knowing I would not be alive for long. If it meant the succubus were gone, it would be worth it.
“You will subordinate your forces to Arran, as Elora will be expected to when she rejoins us.” I hoped that was not just lip service. “We are not the elemental and terrestrial armies any longer. We are one.” I lifted my finger to tap the swirling black tattoo on my cheek. “And we will fight as one.”
I held each of their eyes. Gaheris, Agravayn. Then Evander, Mya, and General Ache. I did not possess Mya’s ethereal gift. I could not see their intentions or guarantee their loyalty. I’d been betrayed by those close to me again and again. But choices were deserting me one by one. If creating an alliance would save my kingdom, I’d do it.
And then my pocket started to glow.
58
ARRAN
Veyka had chosen a unique blend of elemental and terrestrial styles for our rendezvous with the Aquarians. It was still winter, so she could not discard her leather entirely. She wore embroidered leather and wool sleeves that covered most of her arms and tight-fitted leggings that disappeared into her boots. But the gown she wore was made of layers and layers of iridescent gray fabric the glinted in the sparse winter sunlight we’d been granted. An improvement over the driving rain of the day before, at least.
But it was that transparent gown that gave her away. There were pockets concealed in all that drapery, but once the communication crystal started to glow, there was no hiding it.
“You still have them,” Mya breathed in awe as Veyka pulled the palm-length white crystal out of her pocket.
“Ours was broken,” Mya said, leaning in to examine the crystal. “Thousands of years ago, the rulers of each kingdom possessed one. They used them to communicate across continents and even—”
“Across realms,” Veyka finished. “Remarkable.”
