“I should be with you,” she finally said aloud.
I shook my head. “I want you there so badly, but I have Kade. We have to do this together.”
Kade’s strong hand rested on my shoulder and he met Violet’s gaze. “I will put Arianna’s life before my own. Always.”
His assurance sent trills of fear through me, but I saw that Violet relaxed somewhat. Her clenched fists eased. There was still a heaviness across her brow and around her eyes; my trip was bringing back memories for her. But it was clear she was grateful Kade was along to help.
She hugged me tightly. I was lucky, two of these hugs in as many days. I breathed in her scent, committing it to memory and praying this wasn’t the last time I would see my best friend. Rowan and Violet took a few minutes to swirl enough energy to create the portal. As the warm floral-scented winds of the fae lands filtered through, Kade’s body shifted in that direction, his entire demeanor softening. He was born of the Summer Court and I knew going there would give him strength. I, however, seemed to fare better in the Winter Court, which was possibly our eventual destination.
“See you soon,” I told the two magic born as they held the portal open.
They both looked stressed, unsure but supportive.
“See you soon,” Violet echoed.
“Kade!”
A deep voice had us all spinning around, Kade naturally falling into a protective stance in front of me. He relaxed when Kian’s face popped into view, Shelley’s beautiful features appearing from behind him as they both walked through the doorway.
“Brother!” Kade exclaimed, crossing to clasp hands before they embraced. “Are the children okay?”
Kian and Shelley were supposed to have been back a few days ago, but had decided to stay a little longer, reluctant to leave Nathaniel, which I completely understood. If I wasn’t the queen, I would have been tied to Winnie’s side.
“They’re all very safe,” Shelley said, her soft voice ringing across the room. “It’s certainly a battle keeping that many little ones entertained, breaking up the fights and feeding their hungry bellies. But the people you sent are more than handling it.”
“How’s Winnie?” I asked, desperate for news about my baby sister.
Kian and Shelley both grinned broadly. “She’s amazing. Rules the other kids — or should I say pirate clans — with an iron fist.”
I wasn’t surprised about that at all.
“She’s telling anyone who will listen that her family is going to end this war, so they don’t have to worry. She has a lot of faith in you two,” Kian added.
My throat got really tight then. I had to swallow a few times to clear it. “Gods, I miss her so much.”
Kade had his arms around me in a heartbeat, or as far around as he could get with my heavy pack. “We’ll all be together again soon,” he breathed into my hair, his voice rougher than usual. “Winnie will be back in our arms.”
I couldn’t break down now. There was no time to lose it, so, using my training, I pulled myself together.
“Why is there a portal to the Otherworld open in this room?” Kian’s voice was deeper now, suspicion clouding it. He had clearly seen the portal still spinning behind us, and the two magic born on either side of it.
Kade and I exchanged a glance, and I gave him a nod. I trusted his brother, Shelley too. “We’re going to the Otherworld to assassinate the winter queen and Dark Fae Lord,” Kade said, his voice very low.
The two brothers’ gazes remained locked, until Kian said, without hesitation, “I’m going with you—”
“We’regoing with you!” Shelley interrupted.
I was already shaking my head. “No, this is a stealth mission. We need to get in and out without any detection. We aren’t even taking our familiars.”
Shelley stepped closer, her red hair trailing across her shoulders as she moved. “There is no one better equipped than me to help you get in and out of the courts undetected. My knowledge and gift will be very useful to you.”
I paused, giving myself a few moments to consider. I had forgotten that Shelley was a winter fae. A winter fae who used to work for the queen … kind of. The queen forced her to use her gift of confusing people in repayment for her father’s debt. She probably had a ton of useful information.
“If she goes, I am going,” Kian added. I would not expect anything less from a bonded mate.
What do you think?I asked Kade through our bond.
Swirling copper eyes caressed my skin.I will back whatever you decide. This is your mission. I’m just the muscle.
