Delphia crosses her arms. “Werescued the Golden Rose. The royal family still has allies. One of my sailors has a friend who was commissioned as a shipwright to work on Kairyn’s prison barge. Through him, we were able to get it all: prisoner list, schematics of the underwater cells, and even a security detail.”
I raise my brow, impressed. “You risked your lives and the lives of your crew for a woman you barely know. Why?”
Delphia’s gaze is fiery. “The Golden Rose gave Autumn the miracle they needed. Maybe she can be the miracle Summer needs, too.” Then, as if embarrassed, she waves her hand. “Of course, my dumb brother shows up at the last minute and takes all the credit.”
“Where are they?” I ask.
“They went back to Castletree,” Delphia says.
“Using the golden briars,” Eleanor adds, and I see the look of reverence on both their faces and why not? To see Rosalina’s magic for the first time is a sight never to be forgotten.
Delphia turns and starts to walk out of the alley. “We’re meeting them back at my ship in three days’ time. You can meet us there if you want. I’ll tell you where it’s docked.”
I stalk behind her. “I’m not letting you wander around this town unchaperoned.”
Delphia gives me a glare that could wither even Rosalina’s roses. “I’m the steward of Summer. I don’t need anyone to look after me.”
“I’m acting on behalf of your brother. That trumps even stewards.”
“Great,” Eleanor growls, grabbing Delphia’s elbow. “Now we’ve got ababysitter.”
High Prince to babysitter. “It’s only three days. Then you’ll be rid of me, and I’ll be pleased to be rid of you.”
Three days. I’ve survived goblins, monstrous plants, and my brother. Two teenage girls can’t be that much harder.
CHAPTER 19
Keldarion
The Summer Wing is gone. There are not even any ruins to inspect. The hall that once led to it is nothing but a pile of roots, rocks, sand, and mucky saltwater. The enchanted hot springs, Dayton’s quarters, and the training grounds are no more.
Dayton, Farron, Caspian, and I stand among the ruins. Astrid took Rosalina to her room, while Eldor and Marigold are taking care of the displaced Summer staff and finding a room for Dayton’s new mate, Wrenley.
“I don’t suppose if I break my curse, the Summer Wing will just grow back?” Dayton asks, leaning an arm on one of the boulders. His nose is still red from where I hit him. Well deserved.
Farron picks up a piece of limp seaweed. “I don’t think so, Day. The castle, like the realms, was created by the Queen.”
“Oh, you mean Rosie’s mother?” Dayton shakes his head. “Damn, I feel like I should be surprised, but I’m not.”
“It’s not Rosalina’s fault the Summer Wing collapsed,” I say. “She was imprisoned for three months, and this is the first time she’s returned to Castletree since she discovered the truth of herself.”
Sadness flickers on Farron’s face. “The influx of magic she must have felt, then Dayton’s news, combined with the weakened state of the Summer Wing …”
Dayton steps forward, throwing his arms out to the sides. “What I’m hearing is this is all my fault!”
A growl rises in my throat. “How did you expect her to react? Youmade herfall in lovewith you.”
“Shut up, Kel,” Dayton snarls back, anger flashing in his eyes. “Neither Rosie nor I ever said anything aboutlove. You love her, Kel, and I fucked her and Farron does both. Seems like the little princess has got it pretty good.”
“Stop it, Dayton,” Farron says, gaze cutting. “I know you’re hurting, but that’s just cruel.”
A strange laugh bubbles up from the Prince of Summer. “Hurting? Me? No, I’m the luckiest motherfucker in all the realms. The answer to the curse has waltzed right into my life. I can break my curse whenever I want and stop being this mangy mutt.”
“Then why don’t you?” Caspian’s voice is sharp as a knife’s edge. He’s been so quiet, I could almost have forgotten he was here, if not for the shadowy presence always at my back.
Dayton growls. “Oh yeah, and what’s this about shadow boy’s thorns actually helping?”
“All this time, you haven’t been sucking the magic from Castletree?” Farron narrows his eyes.
