“I understand. We’ll find another way.”
* * *
“So what’s the plan?” Aerona crosses her arms as she leans against the wall of earth in the main room.
She and Taran’s other allies gathered over the past few bells, and everyone is finally here. I’m standing by the window, next to Reid and Emlyn, behind most of the others. Taran wanted to bring as little attention to us humans as possible.
Which gives me the opportunity to watch everyone for anything suspicious. So far, they’ve all noticed the spots of blood on the floor, but their reactions have been mostly what you’d expect—curiosity, avoidance, and disgust.
Taran stands in front of the fireplace, all eyes on him. “The plan is to kill the queen. That’s the only way I get my throne. Exiling her again would be foolish.”
“That’s a tall order,” Merfyn says, glancing around. His nerves don’t seem to have improved since Ashbourne. “I’m certain you’re the only one who could do it.”
Taran shakes his head. “Anyone could if she didn’t sense them coming.”
“She’s the queen. Her land-sense is too strong,” says one of the others—a large man dressed in wool clothes simpler than the rest. He must be Cadoc, the shepherd.
“The Land is still bound to me,” Taran replies. “Her awareness isn’t much better than any of yours right now. But the longer we wait, the stronger she’ll become. The wedding is our best chance.”
“About that.” Emlyn stops peeking out the window, glancing at Taran. “She’s expecting you to show up—she’s doubled the guard. You won’t be able to sneak in. Not without bending or killing someone.”
“I want to avoid as many casualties as possible,” Taran says. “She would sacrifice everyone there to save herself. I won’t let that happen.”
“So, bending, then.”
If Reid weren’t between us, I would’ve smacked Emlyn’s shoulder. He’s supposed to be Taran’s friend. He shouldn’t be giving him such a hard time about this.
Taran shoots him a hard look. “Ican’t sneak in at all. While her land-sense is weaker, shecansense me. By the time we reach the castle, she’ll know exactly where I am.”
“You’re making this whole endeavor sound rather hopeless,” Merfyn says, tugging his shirt straight.
“It’s not. Her attention will be focused entirely on me, and that will provide an opening for the rest of you to steal something of great importance to her. When she realizes what’s happened, she’ll split her focus. That’s when we strike.”
“What are we taking?” a red-haired fae asks, whose name I can’t possibly guess.
Taran’s eyes meet mine.
“Prince Caeo.”
The weight of his gaze makes my stomach tighten.Why is he staring at me?
Aerona pushes off the wall. “You want us to kidnap the groom from his own wedding?”
“It won’t be a kidnapping. He’ll come willingly if they do it.” He tilts his head toward Reid and me.
Reid tenses, glancing at Emlyn, then nods.
My fingers clench, still seeking the comfort of my lost button. Everyone’s looking at me, but I don’t know why. “What am I doing?”
Taran’s eyes soften. “What I brought you here for, Ellie.”
Oh. The curse.
I nod. I don’t know what I’m agreeing to, but if this is how I’m supposed to help, I’ll do it. For Taran, and to save my people—my father—from war.
A weight sinks down my throat. Even if this all goes well, I may never see my parents again. At least they’ll be safe.
But only if we figure out who the traitor is.
