“She would have to ask the right questions.” Lorcan shrugged.
Thane sighed, staring down the dark corridor where his guards now followed Reyna. “You do not know her as I do. She and Reyna have had a public tiff, and she has made it clear that she does not approve of our betrothal. She will know that many will jump to the wrong conclusion, including Reyna herself.”
“I will not speak of it, Thane,” Lorcan replied. “You have my promise.”
Promises were not given lightly in Tairngire. They could not be. And Lorcan had never given him anything but loyalty. With a heavy sigh, he nodded and clutched Lorcan’s shoulder, squeezing it tight. “I appreciate your service to me, Lorcan. I will never forget it.”
Lorcan gave him a tight smile.
“What should I do now?” Thane asked.
“Truth be told, I would not speak with anyone about this incident, save your mother.” Lorcan shook his head. “The celebration feast is set to occur within the fortnight, to toast to the alliance. If anyone hears that there has been a threat against Reyna’s life, I fear the response.”
Thane gave a slow nod. “Anyone else who wishes to make a move against Reyna would feel emboldened. Anyone who wishes her well might be too afraid to provide their public support.”
“Gaining the support of the courtiers is necessary if this alliance is to stand.”
“It is settled then.” Thane gave a nod. “I will go directly to my mother.”
Lorcan held up a hand. “Wait. Before you do, I would suggest you make one visit first.”
“What would that be?” he asked.
“Eislyn Darragh has been gravely wounded. I would visit the ward first. Make certain she does not die, Thane.”
Thane understood Lorcan’s words clearly enough. If Eislyn Darragh died, the war would begin anew. High King Cos of the Ice Court would bring the entire strength of his army against the Air Court once and for all. And the dream of peace would be brutally shattered.
* * *
He knocked on the door of Eislyn’s healing room. He had spoken to the alchemists first, upon his arrival. They had already patched her up and had given her a soothing, pain-sapping ointment made from rowan berries, knit-bone, and willow bark after making her down a lukewarm mug of nettle tea. The wound had been deep, but it had not pierced any organs. Eislyn might be weak for a good while—the healing of the fae was not what it had once been—but she had survived.
The alchemists held several rooms in East Tower for healing the ill and injured. These rooms hadn’t existed a hundred years ago, back before the Fall, when fae could still heal themselves. There were about a dozen in total, each with a window overlooking the bay. Eislyn’s room held a lush, four-poster bed covered in golden, silky sheets, a fur rug that stretched across the timber floor, flickering candles, and pots of herbs that spilled across shelves.
Eislyn peered toward the door, sleepily. Head propped on soft, feather pillows, a heavy patchwork quilt in blues and oranges had been pulled up to her chin. Even in her state, she was a breathtaking sight, her silver hair cascading around her petite face. “Prince Thane. I did not anticipate your visit or I would have donned a much more impressive outfit. This is not my best gown.”
She had made a joke. Thane let out a relieved sigh.
“You look very fetching.” He smiled as he eased into the room. “Perhaps you should discuss this new style with the court. It could prove to be very popular.”
Eislyn surprised him by letting out a light laugh. “And what shall we call it? It would need a name.”
“Perhaps it should be your own namesake,” he replied. “Every time someone walks through the corridors of the Air Court wearing a blanket as a gown, everyone will think of you.”
Her cheeks flushed, and Thane suddenly checked himself. Perhaps he was being far too friendly with the girl. She was his betrothed’s younger sister. He had merely come here to check on her health. If she mistook his attention for something it was not, it could cause even more disastrous complications in an already far too complicated situation.
He sat on the wooden chair beside her bed. “I came to ask if you’re well, but I suppose that is a ridiculous question.”
Fear flickered across her face. “The alchemists say my sister is fine, but I need to hear it from you. Did that bastard harm her?”
“He caused her no harm, but I fear she may cause harm to herself.”
Eislyn pushed herself a little higher on her bed of pillows. “In what way?”
Thane paused, unsure if he should say. “She has made accusations.”
“Oh, I see.” Eislyn sighed. “I love my sister more than anything, but she is very hard work. She always has been. I suppose you haven’t experienced the joyous pains of life with a sibling.”
Thane winced, and Eislyn immediately gasped. Heat flooded her cheeks as she placed a trembling hand over her mouth.
