“That we do,” I said softly.
Despite everything that had happened and all she’d been through–faking one’s death and reemerging from the flames was a trick that would have impressed even Dria Vegheara–I still saw Evie as a little sister, full of wonder.
The Capital had changed her. She walked taller, finally aware that she’d become queen of the fiercest Clan in Malhaven. But her ordeals hadn’t managed to suck the joy out of her.
I wasn’t sure I had come out as whole after everything I’d witnessed. I probably hadn’t been like that to begin with.
But now I felt more at peace, no longer a captive of my own debilitating thoughts. And whenever they sprung up again, Ryker was there to share the burden of them.
“You were saying something about Clans,” Zandyr said, draping an arm across Evie’s shoulders. She leaned into him the same way I did with Ryker.
“OurClans. Our fates are intertwined.” I stood up straighter. The Dragon wasn’t the only one who’d been raised to rule and look effortlessly noble–but I didn’t go around calling myself princess, now did I? “I want to reclaim the Protectorate throne.”
Evie gasped in delight and clasped her hands. “Finally!”
Good reactions were great, but promises were final.
“Can I count on your support?” I forced the words out. Asking for help was still a skill I had to develop, but I was definitely getting better at it.
I knew I could count on Ryker and his warriors, but an entire army tipped the balance in our favour–if all of us survived long enough to see this plan through.
Evie furrowed her brows and exchanged a glance with her husband.
“Honestly?” she asked, making my breath hitch. “I’m a bit miffed you even had to ask.”
The breath whooshed out of me. I wasn’t exactly expecting a refusal–the Blood Brotherhood hadn’t given any inkling they were the ones who wanted us dead–but such a fast show of support eased that knotted tangle of emotions inside of me.
“I promised Evie her cousins would be protected,” Zandyr said. “And Malhaven is safest with you on the Protectorate throne. When you march on Aquila, the Blood Brotherhood army will stand beside you. You have my word.”
“Hate to be the one to say it, but your word isn’t exactly trustworthy.” Dax looked between him and Evie with a scowl.
Evie sighed. “Dax–”
“You’re free to have your feelings about him,” he said and placed a hand on his heart. “But so do I.”
“No worries,” Zandyr said, unbothered, and narrowed his gaze on Dax. “I don’t trust him, either.”
“If we have any chance of winning, trust is mandatory,” I said. “We’re stronger together.”
“We are.” Zandyr raised his open palm. “Allies, in blood and word.”
“Only shake on it if you’re absolutely sure,” I said. “Protectorate powers don’t take kindly to broken promises.”
“I am.”
I took his hand and shook it as hard and controlled as Grandpa Constantine had taught me. “Allies. Officially.”
My blue tendrils snaked out and circled our hands for the briefest moment. I felt the surprised jerk in Zandyr’s fingers, but he didn’t back away until the blue light vanished and I let go of his hand.
Ryker pressed his palm on the small of my back, coming to stand beside me.
This had been my deal to make.
“Now we have your word–and a Protectorate seal,” I said.
“Perfect.” Evie smiled. “Now we can celebrate!”
“What are the chances you’ll delay your departure by a few more hours than planned?” I asked.
