Quinn’s attention shifted to me. “Still in the caverns.”
Another rush of relief hit me. They hadn’t moved them, which meant we could save them since we still knew how to reach them.
I sagged against the wall as gratitude filled me. I’d been so careful when I’d considered what to alter with fate. I’d had six weeks to plan for it, and I’d realized that if I commanded the semelees to free the half-breeds too, that could have meant the semelees would have had to venture backfull seasonsin time to alter fate since the king had captured some of his half-breeds many summers ago.
And altering time and fate over that long of a period would only ensure more ripple effects through the space and time continuum, something Master Fistideeous had warned me about.
Because of that, I hadn’t felt it wise to risk it, especially knowing that we could still rescue the half-breeds in the caverns under the Wood ourselves.
Straightening, I addressed Quinn again. “And the children, particularly the one gifted with psychic power that was able to tell the king about the raid in Possyrose Forest, where is she and the rest of the children that were born in captivity?”
“The same. All of the children are still in the caverns.”
I released another breath. “Thank the stars.”
Jax glanced down at me again. His brow knitted together in a heavy frown, and his jaw tightened even more. Potent concern from him strummed toward me on our bond. “We’ll have to free them soon, even tomorrow. If the king’s truly dead, the guards taking care of the half-breeds are likely to scatter without anyone commanding them. Or, they may murder all of the half-breeds to hide their crimes.”
My thoughts rushed back to what I’d experienced as a child. “Or, they could hurt them or take them. The child psychic especially would be considered extremely valuable, and if she has an anklet on, and one of the guards or Paevin’s cohorts has a device to control her...” I shuddered. “She’s very much at risk of being enslaved as I was.”
Jax pulled me close to him again, his pine and spice scent flooding me. “Wewon’tlet that happen.”
Brow furrowing, Quinn added, “The fortunate aspect of the king’s death is that his plan to build his army and attack the kingdoms has stopped, but you’re right about the half-breeds. They’re still at risk.”
“Indeed. We still have a lot of work to do.” Jax kept one arm slung around me, but with the other, he raked a hand through his hair. “Let’s meet tonight to figure this out. I’ll let the others know. Tomorrow, we’ll?—”
The prince cut himself off when the faint sound of approaching footsteps carried to us.
Quinn glanced over his shoulder. “Someone’s coming. I’ll go, but I’m glad I found you. This news was too big not to share right away.”
“Agreed. Thank you.” Jax dipped his chin. “We’ll meet at ten tonight, our usual spot.”
Quinn nodded, and then in a swirl of shadows, disappeared.
The air settled around us, and a servant appeared from around the corner, carrying a pile of linens. She bowed toward the prince when she passed us, but she didn’t scurry away. And she didn’t look concerned. It was so different from last time.
My pounding heart slowed even more. I’d truly twisted fate, which meant everything was actually okay.
Jax and I resumed our walk, and my mate scratched his chin. “It’s quite fortuitous that King Paevin’s dead. What are the chances of the king breaking his neck just when we needed him stopped?” He glanced down at me again, as though waiting for me to confirm what he likely already suspected.
I squeezed his hand but pressed my lips together because the dining hall appeared ahead. Although, I did mutter, “You’re right. It’s quite fortuitous.” A small smile slid across my face.
A look of absolute wonder crossed his features, but he didn’t have time to comment further.
We swept through the doors, and I had such a strong sense of déjà vu that I nearly stumbled. And when I saw what lay before me, I nearly did.
Because the entire hall wasfullof noble fae, even though Jax had asked the king and queen to meet us privately before the supper meal.
I quickly scanned the room for kingsfae, but there were none. Conversation and the sound of clinking glasses drifted through the air. Dozens of fae were scattered throughout the room, chatting and laughing as the servants bustled about, readying for the impending meal.
The king and queen stood near the head of the table while noble families, including House Dallinger, hovered nearby.
I scanned that House’s attendants, but Lady Aerobelle was nowhere to be found. Yet Bowan’s father, as well as Trivan, Lander, Alec, and Bowan, were all present. All three of them stood with their respective Houses. In addition to them, there were dozens more that I’d never met before.
“I thought we were meeting your parents privately,” I said.
Jax hissed a breath through his teeth. “So did I.”
“My prince!” a noble called that I’d never seen before. “Welcome back from the Match Finals!”
