“You still care,” she mutters, turning toward the entrance. “About this world, about this life. Your heart still cares too much for a world that would abandon you if it needed.”
“I believe that makes me mortal,” I reply slowly. “Caring about the world, about the people we love, is the only reason this world has not succumbed to the darkness that threatens to take it.”
Aoife nods. “Perhaps. But you are young.” She scans me, frowning. “You will learn. The world is an awful place, especially for women, especially for those who love, and caring about anyone or anything doesn’t change the world.” She glances to the sky. “It will still take everything from you and leave you to rot.”
“I don’t believe that. I think we can change it. With enough compassion. Enough understanding. Maybe even love.”
Caring for Kaden is the only reason I’m willing to try—to fight Griffin, to break the curse over the world. To try everything to get my mate back. My compassion is the only reason this is working.
The queen sighs, as if arguing with a child. “It will changenothing. Eventually, you’ll see that.”
She stops short of the castle. “You will travel to the mountain. If you can access the roses, we can continue.” She clasps her hands. “I doubt you will.”
How can she be so cold—isn’t Kaden someone important to her?
“I don’t need to remind you of the time constraints.” Aoife points to the sun, and squints. “You don’t have much time.” She almost sounds giddy.
Does she want me to fail?
“I’m aware,” I snap, pushing past her.
She’s not worth my time—I have a mate to save.
Shoving items into my bag,Reid holds more weapons as my chamber door opens with a loud creak. Mal, dressed in brown riding leathers, waves a saddle in his hands.
“You’re coming?”
He scoffs. “Who else would help you?”
He’s not wrong. Since my talk with Aoife, servants have ignored me and guards have given me the death glare. If not for Reid, I wouldn’t have eaten; he was able to charm a few kitchen servants for bread and cheese.
Gesturing to the paper on his hip, I ask, “What’s that?”
“Information.” He throws the saddle on to the bag and helps Reid shove more blades into the bag. They begin to fight over straps, closing the bulging bag. “Our spies are still reporting on Griffin at Kaden’s insistence. He’s not been quiet. He knows what happened at the Black Palace.” Those grassy eyes turn heated. “He’s turning his attention to Fee. He thinks she’s an easy target, sitting on a throne not hers, with a limited force.”
Reid snort. “We should really let him test that theory. Fee will have his head on a stick come morning.”
Taking the paper, I scan the notes briefly and my stomach drops. He thinks Fee, alone and a female, is easy to subdue. The king has never been quiet in how he views women. He hopes to reach her before Kaden can return.
Fee can handle him. But I don’t feel comfortable leaving her to fight a battle I’m meant to end.
The time to enact this—to save Kaden grows smaller. And with it, my nerves grow taunt.
“She needs us,” I whisper.
Reid shakes his head. “Kaden needs us. Fee will manage until we get back. We have to keep focused.” He bumps his fist on my shoulder. “Save Kaden. Then the world.”
Holding up his own bag, Mal shakes it slightly. “And as your guide, I’ll make sure we get there in one peace. Accessing the roses? Another issue entirely.”
Clasping the cloak at my throat, I fix the gem and nod toward the door. “Perhaps. But I know someone who is well-versed in the mountain and how to access it. If we need to break the barrier, Baris should know how to do it.”
“Baris?”
“Where is he, anyway?” Mal asks, glancing around. “As your father, I assumed he’d be here.”
“He has his own secrets,” I mumble, leaving the bedroom. “And those secrets are going to help us save my mate.”
