Page 133 of Of Masks and Fury

“Exactly. And that means keeping most of our discoveries quiet for now. We’ll tell our friends everything. They’ve earned our trust. But my advisors only get what they need to know to help us prepare for war.”

“What about Kira?” The question came out soft, but it held a hint of irritation. “She could be a traitor.”

The worry I’d been suppressing clawed at my throat. Kira was deadly and capable. She’d also been positioned perfectly to gather intelligence on Isi. “We’ll ask delicate questions about her when we arrive. See what we can discover.”

Isi studied my face, reading the tension there. “You’re worried we’re walking into danger.”

“I’m worried I’m bringing you into danger.” I cupped her cheek, brushing my fingertips across her skin. “You just escaped one cage. I won’t let my court become another.”

“It won’t.” She leaned into my touch. “Because you’re not my father, Trew. You don’t rule through fear or control. You lead with loyalty and trust, even when that trust has been broken.”

The certainty in her voice eased the pain in my chest. “You have too much faith in me.”

“I have exactly enough faith in you.” She pressed her hand over mine on her cheek. “We’ll figure out who’s betraying us. We’ll free those prisoners. We’ll stop my father’s war. I trust in our ability to do this.”

There she was, the fierce woman who’d cut herself free from a wedding dress and threatened guards with a sword. The warrior who’d survived the betrayal of a parent and assassination attempts. She still chose to fight rather than run.

“You’re exactly who you were always meant to be,” I said softly.

She considered that. “Yes. I think that’s right.”

Despite the angle, I curled forward and kissed her. When we broke apart, we were both breathing hard. The knot in my chest hadn’t vanished, but her strength anchored me for now, enough to push the doubt aside and focus on what lay ahead. The risk lingered, but I could trust her to stand firm, and that would have to hold until we uncovered the truth.

“That’s better,” she said with a smile. “I prefer you confident over brooding.”

“I’ll try to remember that.”

She settled back against my chest, and I tucked her closer, one hand splayed across her abdomen. “So what should we tell them? I don’t believe we should keep my true identity a secret any longer.”

“Agreed. As for the rest…” I explained my thoughts and rationale.

“Yup,” she said when I’d finished. “It’s enough to tease but not enough of a reveal to give a spy the information they’re seeking.”

We flew for a while, the only sounds were the beat of our dragons’ wings and the wind rushing past.

Pherin and Gavelle had scouted ahead earlier, their small forms darting through the darkness. Now they returned, Pherin landing on Isi’s shoulder while Gavelle circled overhead.

Home close,Gavelle said through our bond.

We’d been flying for hours, and exhaustion pulled at all of us. But sleep would have to wait. There was still a lot to do before we could rest. The moment we landed, I’d have to be their king again and face my advisors with suspicion that felt like betrayal.

“There.” Isi pointed ahead where distant lights had begun to appear on the horizon. “Syllavar.”

My kingdom. My home. My court.

The lights grew brighter as we approached, and I could make out the castle’s silhouette against the night sky. Torches lined the walls and courtyard, more than usual. They were expecting us, then. Gavelle would’ve informed the Beast Council, and they would’ve notified my advisors’ companions who, in turn, would’ve shared the news.

“Ready to face whatever comes next?” I asked Isi quietly.

“No.” She laughed softly. “But let’s do it anyway.”

That was my Minx. Brave even when concerned.

The dragons began their descent, angling toward the main courtyard where I could already see figures gathering. A welcoming party, assembled to greet their returning king.

And the woman they didn’t know I intended to make their queen.

The ground rose up to meet us, torchlight shining on faces turned upward. I recognized Grayson, his white owl perched on his shoulder. Coralee stood beside him, her ermine a pale streak across the shoulders of her dark gown. Malcolm waited near the edge of the crowd, his face expressionless.