Even outnumbered, they should have escaped. Especially Elpis. As an oni, she couldn’t be held unless she wanted to.
“What of Ronan?”
“He returned after they were taken. Once I told him what happened, he went after them so he could gather intel for you. He’s in the trees around your palace, watching and waiting to give you a report.”
“And Meara?” he asked.
“She has her army gathered at the elfin portal to wait for you to come through it.”
Well at least Meara hadn’t learned of their new plan. Small comfort that, but it was a comfort, nonetheless. And he’d gladly take it.
Dash glanced around at their troops and considered the best way to handle this. It was hard to attack when he didn’t know where his friends had been taken.
No, where his family had been taken. The Outlaws were the closest thing to a family he’d ever known. He couldn’t put them in danger, even though he knew they could take care of themselves. The last thing he wanted was to give an order that cost one of them their lives. Especially not after losing Renata.
“Ryper?” he called for his brother who immediately flew to his side then tucked his wings in.
“You want me to secure the Outlaws?” Ryper asked.
That was why his brother was so valuable to him. He knew his thoughts without Dash having to voice them. “Take some of Naomi’s army with you. No need in doing something that dangerous without backup.”
Ryper inclined his head to him before he manifested his staff and walked toward their mother to ask about taking those soldiers.
Dash considered his options. It would be a fortyminute march for the elves to reach the portal. His mother’s soldiers could get there in seconds. Long before one of Meara’s spies could reach her.
Divide and conquer.
“Commanders?” He summoned the elves to him as Tanis slid from his back and he transformed to his human body.
Dash met Baldur’s curious stare as Hinrik, Tova, the twins and their other leaders joined him. But his first comment wasn’t to Baldur. “Tanis, I want you, Keegan and the elves to march to my palace and secure it.”
She arched one vibrant red brow. “Where are you going?”
“I need to lead the others through a portal to route Meara.”
Tanis opened her mouth to protest.
Dash laid a tender finger against her beautiful lips. “I need you to secure my palace. Last I heard, your brother’s killer is there. You have an oath to fulfill, and I have a queen to kill.”
The concern in her dark eyes warmed him. “I would rather guard your back.”
“And I have no one else I can trust to secure my throne and hold it.”
Tanis froze as she heard Dash’s words in her head. But surely, she wasn’t the only one he trusted. “What of Dove?”
“He’ll go with you to protect you and show you the back road to the palace.”
“Who’ll protectyou?” she insisted.
He glanced over to his mother. “Naomi isn’t going to risk a centaur being crowned High Queen or King. She hates them more than I do.”
Nice way of publicly hedging while speaking an absolute truth. He was a politician. And a damn good one.
She narrowed her gaze. “Fine. I better see you at the palace.”
“You will. Promise.”
She pulled him against her and took a moment to savor their embrace, while praying it wasn’t the last one they’d share. “Don’t break my heart, beast,” she whispered in his ear.
