I don’t know if I would say Kairyn has mastered it either; I felt the rage in his storm, the wildness with which his magic rioted the winds. How long has he been standing here?
At least he doesn’t know I’ve arrived yet.
Across the canyon, on the other side of the bridge, is Kairyn’s camp. Tents are set up and members of his army are stationed in neat rows. Five airships are docked at the back of the camp.
I intake a breath. All of this, to find me. If nothing else, I hope removing my brother and these troops from Hadria has given Rosie and Dayton an opening to win the games.
“Let me face him with you,” Delphia says, stealing my focus from Kairyn. “You can’t win by yourself.”
Nori takes a glug of water. “His hammer is bigger than you are. If you look at the odds … They’re not good.”
I kneel down before the girls and take one of each of their hands. “This is my place. I could have walked a thousand paths, but they would all end here. I’m so glad I got to walk this path with both of you.”
Delphia’s bottom lip quivers. “We can help you—”
I smile. “You have.”
All my life there’s been a storm raging in my chest: the grief, the anger, the sadness, the shame. It’s plagued every decision I’ve made my entire life. I thought I kept it at bay with blood, but instead, I fed it. Rosie tried to show me, but I was too afraid to listen.
Traveling with Delphia and Nori has showed me how much that storm devours those I care about. They’ve shown me that in its quiet eye, there is peace.
I take a deep breath to quell the gale in my mind.
There are a thousand reasons to run out on that bridge and attempt to kill my brother. A thousand reasons to flee into the desert.
But there are two good reasons to stand my ground.
I will give my life to protect the Princesses of Summer and Autumn. To give them time to escape. I am long past thoughts of redemption or justice; all I know is I don’t want to be the slayer anymore. I will protect them, and in doing so, protect Rosalina the way I vowed I would.
I bring Delphie and Nori’s hands to my lips and kiss their knuckles: a knight pledging allegiance to a princess. Then I stand and walk over to the next pillar, where Mozi hovers nervously. He keeps peering out at Kairyn and the rest of the army.
“Mozi.” I put my hand on his shoulder. “I have been given more than my share of second chances. So, this one I extend to you. I will keep Kairyn occupied for as long as I possibly can. It will disrupt the magic he’s using to create the sandstorm. You must take the princesses as far north as possible. Do not stop for anything.”
“North?” Mozi gasps. “Back into the Ribs?”
I look up at the sky. “The Huntresses of Aura are always watching us. When you are clear of this place, call out for them. They will find you. Do not ask, but demand, that if they will not aid Hadria, then they must save a child of their blood. Tell them to fly the girls over the Briar to Coppershire. They will be safe there.”
Mozi nods, face twisted with emotion. Then he falls to one knee and places a hand over his breast. “I’ll do anything you ask, Your Eminence. In my heart, you are the true High Prince of Spring.”
A wave of sadness crests over me. Banished, I am no longer a Prince of Spring, but nor will I be the Prince of Blood. Not anymore. “You must make contact with the Huntresses before the storm begins again. And if it does … I have fallen.”
“No, Ezryn!”
I turn around to see the girls. They rush forward and wrap their arms around my waist. I stagger, arms hovering awkwardly, before I embrace them back.
“You two are so strong and smart and brave. I’ve learned a great deal from traveling with you,” I say softly.
“I don’t want you to go,” Delphia says.
“You will see your brothers again, I promise, and one day, you’ll sit upon your thrones in the great halls of your keeps and remember how you braved the Ribs.”
“But we failed,” Nori says.
“Youlived,” I tell them. “As long as you live, the realms will have hope.”
A sob chokes out of Delphia. “Don’t die, okay, Ezryn?”
I look up at the sky. “I’m going to do my best.” Then I nod to Mozi. He nudges the girls, and they pull away from me.
