“Fenrir is going to throw a tantrum.” Reid grins wickedly. “Kind of mad I’m going to miss it.”
“Are you sure?” Baris presses. “After our conversation, I thought you’d?—”
“I’d what?” I challenge. “Listen to half-truths and without reason? You can’t expect me to do nothing while he is trapped in this curse.” I leave the rest unspoken.
A curse my family started. That apparently only I can break.
Turning, Reid and I saddle the horses and throw what little itemswe have into our bags. My hand drifts over the book, the energy now apparent. It recognizes me. Calls to me to touch it more.
My father stands, rooted as I swing into the seat.
“Aren’t you coming?”
He shakes his head. “It’s best if I remain here.” His eyes scan my face, memorizing every fine detail. “Remember what I said, little one. Don’t trust anything she says. Only you can break the curse.”
“And if anyone asks about you?” Reid raises an eyebrow. “You’re not exactly unforgettable.”
“Act as if you don’t know who I am.” He pats the stallion, saying goodbye. “It’s safer if she doesn’t know your connection to me.”
“Bad history, it seems.” Reid’s eyes narrow. “Anything we should know?”
“Not yet.”
“Does it endanger my family?” Reid asks, voice like steel. “If so, speak true. I’ll not risk either my king or queen to your matters, High Priest.”
I smirk, enjoying Baris’ glare. If Kaden were here, he’d say the same.
“You think I would risk my only daughter after just getting her back?” My father scoffs. “You will know everything when the time is right. And it isn’t yet, muse.” Turning toward me, he whispers, “Keep quiet when the queen asks about me and you will be safe within her walls. If you need me, you’ll know where I’ll be.”
Brows furrowed, I watch Baris enter the woods without another look as my guards surround us. Samkien calls out, “We march!”
The horses lurch forward, moving at a steady rate as we leave behind my father and Woodland Fae. Luckily, we’re far enough away that we can easily sneak off.
“Do the guards know the way?”
Reid nods. “Fortunately. There is only one path between the Shadowlands and Woodland. Our main concern will be how to approach the castle.”
The horses pick up speed, and my hood falls back. My throat is sore, ringed red but the gem—my crown—sits proud on my chest.Everything hurts, but I ignore it with the promise of what’s to come.This is all for Kaden.
“What happens when we get to the palace grounds?”
“Hopefully, nothing.” Reid and I duck under a low branch. “But given the destruction of the Black Palace and limited communication, my fear is that Queen Aoife will not believe we are on her side. Without her sons, it’ll be even harder.”
Lifting my hand, I let my magic stain my fingers. I don’t have time to worry. I’ll end the world if it gives me Kaden back. “She’ll see things our way.”
Reid shakes his head, laughing. “You’re terrifying when you do that.”
I’ll become worse than terrifying if it saves my husband.
