My eyes widened, my tongue sliding over my lip. “I think I might know.”
“What?” Ash and Warwick replied in unison.
“It’s a long shot...” I trailed off, my mind still rolling around the idea.
“Out with it.” Ash gestured for me to keep talking.
“While getting me to Halálház, I was taken through the tunnels from the palace area to the old citadel before being escorted into the prison.”
Warwick’s head tipped back, understanding seeping in quickly. He knew the area, what I was saying.
“What?” Ash’s regard bounced between us.
“There is a door by the old prison, which leads down into the tunnels. At one time, it was highly guarded because of the prison?—”
“But the prison is no longer in use,” Ash filled in, getting my meaning. “The area has been basically abandoned.”
“Killian would still have a patrol, but...” Warwick scratched his beard.
“Nothing like what used to be there. I know he has a lot of his focus on rebuilding and watching the new prison,” I finished.
A naughty grin tugged at the side of Warwick’s cheek, his aqua eyes burning into mine.
“Good plan, princess.”
“Thank you.”I tipped my head to him, neither of us actually opening our mouths.
“You know it will be like stealing treasure from a dragon’s lair.” Ash rubbed his brow. “Very dangerous. We might not make it out.”
A devious sneer hinted on Warwick’s mouth. “Sounds exactly up our alley.”
“Now tell me again how you know where it is?” Mykel paced behind his desk, a deep, furrowed line carving into his brow. “It just so happens fifteen years after its disappearance, you suddenly know where it is?”
“Possiblyknow where it is,” I added. Technically I hadn’t seen it, but I felt the book showed me the place for a reason. It would make sense to bury it in the forbidden tunnels, right under the most powerful fae in Hungary, to protect it. As Ash said, bury it under a dragon’s lair, and your treasure will probably stay hidden.
“How we know isn’t important. We just do.” Warwick folded his arms, raising his height over my uncle, his deadly glare on him.
“Excuse me if I don’t take your word for it. I didn’t become leaderby trusting everyone I encountered, no matter what you and my niece are doing.” Mykel glowered at Warwick, tension flinging between them like mud. Chagrin crawled up my neck, knowing Mykel had probably heard and felt us. He wasn’t my father, and I barely knew him, but it still felt like I had been caught by my parent like some young teenager.
Warwick stepped closer to the desk, the vibration off him punching the room with violence. “AndIhaven’t gotten where I am by trusting every arrogant leader I encountered.” He snarled at Mykel, both their chests growing with aggression.
“O-kay.” My hand pushed at Warwick’s chest, moving him back from the desk. “Let’s calm down.”
“Warwick.”My link spoke into his ear, my hand wrapping around his arm while both of my real hands stayed on his chest.“Please.”
His nose huffed, but he let me step him back, his angry glare still locked on my uncle.
Twisting back to face Mykel, I took a deep breath. “I understand you barely know me.” I moved closer to the desk, looking in the same eyes as my dad. “You are my uncle. Father would want us to know each other. Be part of each other’s life. Trust each other. Can you give me the benefit?”
Mykel’s head dipped.
“We are heading back to Budapest tonight.”
Mykel shifted on his feet.
“My team will go with you,” Mykel stated.
“What?” Ash and Warwick pelted out.
