“You underestimated your husband,” I tell the Queen. “Even without those memories, he spent every day searching for you.”
“You fool,” she whispers but somehow it sounds like “I love you.”
“Here you’ve been all this time,” George whispers.
“Here I’ve been. Sira’s using my magic to power her portals to other worlds. She loves to visit me and gloat about her plans,” Anya spits.
“Anya.” I place my hand on the barrier. She places hers up against mine. “The weaker you get, the sicker Castletree becomes. It’s killing George.”
For the first time, her expression falters. Her voice is barely a whisper. “I can’t leave.”
“I know,” I say.
She closes her eyes and leans her head up against the wall. “Tell me of her. Tell me of my girl before you go.”
George’s voice hitches. Tears pour down his face, but I see he’s trying so hard to stay strong. “She looks just like you, Annie. Got your eyes.”
“And your bravery,” I add. “We princes failed you. Failed our realms. But if anyone can make it right, it’s Rosalina.”
“I thought so.” Anya quickly brushes her tears away. Then she straightens her shoulders and stares at me with eyes that have seen a thousand wonders. “You were not worthy of my daughter, Keldarion. But maybe that’s starting to change.”
CHAPTER 89
Dayton
“We’ve taken control of the Sun Colosseum,” Tilla says.
I stand beside the Spring warrior. She managed to raid the armory and has a long silver spear strapped to her back. Though it’s nothing compared to the weapons of the Spring Realm, watching her today, I know she’s just as deadly with it.
We’re on the uppermost ring of the Sun Colosseum. Below, the legionnaires that rebelled against the Green Rule organize troops, treat the wounded, and find places in the Serenus Dusk Chambers for the civilians to sleep. There are enough supplies and food to last us for a while. My gaze turns outward to Hadria. The dusky afternoon light casts thick red waves over the stone buildings.
As much as I wanted to be alone with Rosalina right away, we both knew there was work to be done to secure the colosseum. Now, my mate has retired to the Dusk Chambers while I do a final check-in with Tilla.
“We don’t have enough soldiers to take on the rest of the city,” Tilla says. “Kairyn’s forces have secured the outer walls and streets surrounding the arena.”
“Not to mention their airships,” I grit out. “I’m sure they’re waiting for their master to return. No doubt that’s where the Nightingale’s slunk off to.”
Was that Kairyn and Wrenley’s—the Nightingale’s—plan all along? To trick me into giving up my Blessing, so the two of them could rule Spring and Summer? To think I came so close to giving in, so close to falling for it, ignoring my own instincts.I never felt a connection to her, but I made myself believe it because of some stupid glowing light.
“We’ll give them a fight. The people are inspired by you and your mate,” Tilla says.
“She’s incredible,” I agree. Even if we didn’t get the bow, Rosalina’s presence and magic will be invaluable in the coming battle. We’ll figure out a way to retrieve the bow later.
“Do you think Kairyn can find Ezryn in the desert?” Tilla asks.
“I don’t know,” I say. “But Ezryn will do anything to protect Delphia and Eleanor. He won’t stop until they reach their goal.”
“I hope beyond hope that he succeeds in bringing aid,” Tilla says, tilting her face to the sun. “To see the Huntresses, now that would be a sight to behold.”
Tension twists in my gut. Delphia really is our only hope. We may have won the battle today, but the war for Summer is just beginning. We’ll need an army to take back this city. Kairyn only imprisoned half our legionnaires in the colosseum. The others are being held in Soltide Keep. There’s no way to get to them.
Well, there may be one more hope. One I haven’t even told Tilla about. If Farron and Kel succeed. If they rescue the Queen, would she come to the aid of Summer?
“Nothing more we can do tonight,” Tilla says. “I’ll keep an eye on things out here.”
“What are you saying, Til?”
“I’m saying, Daytonales,” she raises a knowing brow, “go get your girl.”
