“She is,” I answer, giving Silas a break.
“What if she doesn’t want this? What ifIdon’t want this?” he asks, and I can’t help but notice the pain in his voice.
I shake my head. “I’m not sure, Warrick, but it doesn’t always mean what you think. Fen can be a tether without having any romantic feelings. It doesn’t have to be like ours.”
Warrick stares at me. “And you know this for a fact?”
I don’t respond.
He shifts his gaze back to Silas. “Could you do what you do for Briar and not feel anything more?”
Silas winces. "No…" He pauses before adding, “I don’t think so.”
His hand tightens around mine.
“That’s what I thought.” Warrick shakes his head. “I’m going to do what you’ve asked of me, Silas. I’ll return by mid-morning.”
“Warrick.” Silas tries to stop him. “We can figure out another plan if you need a moment.”
“You are my king now. I will obey your orders, Your Majesty. It’s my job.”
“This isn’t about work right now, Warrick,” Silas says.
Warrick shrugs.
“Come on,” I say, also attempting to stop him. “Just take some time, please.”
His gaze finds mine, and such sadness sits behind his dark eyes—as if the devastation is trying to break free.
“Just take a second,” I repeat.
“I will,” Warrick says. “Alone.”
Warrick shifts, a trail of light following him as he heads toward the castle to attend to Yara. The thought of her pains me, and I fear I’ll never get over the events that transpired tonight. The image of her slitting her own throat plays over and over in my mind, and I wish I could erase it from my memories. I feel broken and defeated, but I know the others need me right now. I can’t crumble just yet, even though I feel seconds from bubbling over.
Her family will know of her bravery, and they will make sure she is laid to rest. It’s only fair they get to say their goodbyes. My stomach drops, thinking of Warrick having to tell them. A mother getting a house call like that makes me want to spill my guts on the ground.
Silas squeezes my hand, realizing I’m lost in the shadows of my mind, and plants a kiss on the top of my head.
“She won’t be forgotten,” Silas whispers. “And he will be okay. Warrick’s the strongest man I’ve ever met.”
I nod. “I know.”
He gazes toward the house, and I know the shadows of his own mind start to haunt him.
“Will you speak to Fen with me?” Silas asks.
I glance up at him. “Don’t you think it would be better to talk to her privately? I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“I want you there. She respects you. Also, she will have questions, and you can help me answer them. I want her to have as much information as she can handle."
“Then, let’s go.”
Silas smiles softly, and we walk toward the house.
When we enter the small upstairs area, the house is silent. I can only imagine what time the others went to sleep, and I’m grateful they are getting rest. Exhaustion hangs over my body, and I, too, am desperate for sleep. We all need it right now, but that can wait—it always does.
The stairs creak under our weight as we descend into the darkness below, into the heart of the house. The sound of crackling fire hits my ears, followed by its warmth, and I almost groan from the safety this house always seems to offer. The living area opens up, and I scan the room looking for signs of Fenmore. A muffled cry sounds from the sitting area, and I look up at Silas, who spots her first.
