He assumed his unicorn form, complete with an ornate saddle and reins that were designed for her comfort.
Ryper lifted her up and set her in the saddle.
She didn’t miss the sight of a blood smear on his hand. Nor the look of satisfaction in his eyes.
“We’ll be back as soon as we can,” Dash said.
Ryper inclined his head to him. “I’ll hold down your rebellions until your return.”
Dash sighed. “Thanks.”
The group stepped back so that Dash could take flight and head for her former home.
Once they were alone, Tanis leaned over his neck. “Should I ask about Keryna?”
“Probably not. Suffice it to say, she won’t be manipulating anyone else for the rest of eternity.”
“Fair enough.” She couldn’t blame him at all. Had Fort been responsible for Davin’s death, he would have probably met the same fate.
No... he would have met a worse one.
And neither of them spoke again until they reached the foothills of the Pyrigian Lands that weren’t too far from Licordia. Keegan was waiting for them there when Dash landed beside her.
“I thought the two of you were right behind me?”
Tanis dismounted. “Sorry. Something came up.” She moved away from Dash before she resumed her dragon body.
Dash stepped back and eyed her. “Someone kept a secret.”
“Not really. Naomi and Marthen gave this to me while I was waiting on you and Ryper.”
“Ah.”
She took her brother’s skull from Keegan, then let out a war cry.
Within a few minutes, Marla’s father’s soldiers had them surrounded.
“What are you doing here?” the commander of the group asked as they walked a threatening circle around them.
“I am Princess Tanis Dragomir?—”
Dash cleared his throat, reminding her that she was no longer a princess.
“And High Queen Tanis Coeur de Noir of Licordia. I have brought a gift for the Regent Queen of Indara.”
It was only then that Marla pushed her way through the men, and she realized her sister-in-law had flown in with the group. “Tanis? Is that really you?”
She nodded as soon as she saw her, then she held out her front paws so that Marla could see Davin’s skull. “I promised I’d return him to you and your children.” Then, Tanis turned toward Keegan who held her father’s skull. “As well as my father’s head that was brutally taken.”
Gasping, Marla drew up short. “So, it’s true. They really did kill the king.”
Tanis nodded. “Reva was the one who killed Davin. Ragna killed our father.”
Marla’s gaze went to Dash then back to her. “And are you here to challenge me for my crown?”
Tanis shook her head. “I have my own to look after, and I intend to return there immediately. I only came to fulfill my promise to you.”
Marla took Davin’s skull and cradled it to her chest. The gratitude in her eyes was searing. “You are always welcome here, Tanis. My kingdom is your home should you ever need it.”
