Page 17 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

“King Erdan is right.” Dad closed his eyes momentarily. “We all need rest, or the dragons will beat us. They won’t hurt Eiric. Not yet. They know she’s the only leverage they have against thefae, and the dragons are aware that you lived with us on Earth. They’ll know Eiric means something to you.”

Jaw dropping, Mom gasped. “Brenin, you can’t be serious. That’s one of our babies. We need to retrieve her.” She grasped the hilt of Tavish’s sword—which was still sheathed at her side—while holding hers in her right hand. “Time is of the essence.”

“If I thought she was in trouble, I wouldn’t say this. You know me better than that, Hestia.” Dad’s head jerked back, and he clenched his teeth. “If we try anything now, the dragons will demand Lira, and Eldrin needs to believe that we aren’t desperate for his answers. We must be wise, or we could losebothgirls.”

Mom’s chest heaved, but she eventually nodded.

The two of them never had a disagreement, but this was their daughter’s life on the line. Still, I’d never expected to see them on opposing sides.

But Father and Dad were right. All of us were tired, stressed, and heartbroken from the significant losses and injuries we’d endured over the past several hours. We needed rest as much as we needed answers.

What do you want to do, sprite?Tavish asked.Your opinion matters more than anyone else’s. If you want to go after Eiric, we will. No questions asked.

That’s what Iwantto do, but we need the Unseelie more settled, and Father is right. I say we get some rest and let me rejuvenate so I can heal Finnian and Lorne while you get answers from Eldrin.At the thought of rest, exhaustion hit me, and the deep ache in my wings got worse. I sagged into Tavish’s side, almost unable to stand.

He scanned my face.I do agree. Eldrin always told me that I lost to him in chess because I’m not patient. He’ll expect me to barge in and demand answers. I believe it’s best if we wait a day or two so I don’t make the move he anticipates.Hisattention went back to my father. “Lira and I agree. We’ll rest and strategize. Worst-case scenario, if we can locate a map of the new island, then a small team could attempt to infiltrate and retrieve Eiric. Or we could send some guards to keep watch and alert us if anything drastic changes.”

“Very well. Brenin, send four Seelie now to keep watch and report back in the morning. We may be able to discover where they’re keeping Eiric since she arrived so recently,” Father said and patted Dad’s shoulder comfortingly.

“In the meantime, I’d appreciate my sword back.” Tavish’s eyes landed on Mom.

“We were just attacked, and Eiric is gone.” Mom lifted her chin. “I think I should hold on to it for a little longer, especially since you already have a sword.”

“With your people not obeying your commands, it might be best if we keep it until we’re sure your cousin stays detained and can’t get access to the royal weapon.” Father nodded, his mouth pressing into a line.

I could feel the rage snaking from Tavish, but I understood pushing Father too hard now would only cause more resentment.Let me handle this. I can get it back for you. It’ll be better coming from me.

Tavish scoffed inwardly.This proves how much I love you.

The double doors opened as the guards carried in the confiscated weapons. When Struan entered, Tavish said, “Struan, get someone to show King Erdan and Queen Sylphia to a bedchamber. Lira’s wings are bleeding, and she needs to rest immediately.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll make sure someone attends to their needs.” Struan flew out the door.

“Anything you need, let one of the guards know, and they’ll take care of it.” Tavish bent down and lifted me into his arms.

“Just take care of our daugh—” Mom’s words cut off. “Our princess.”

Tavish took off toward our bedchamber. He didn’t fly, but his pace was brisk. I leaned my head against his chest, hearing the rhythm of his heart and noting that it was in sync with mine. Somehow, that felt right…. Like it made sense.

Soon, he stalked into his bedroom. The moon shone, and the stars twinkled brightly through the glass-top ceiling over the huge king bed. He carried me to it and placed me down gently.

Dirty,I connected, but even then, my eyes were closing.

We’ll have our sheets changed tomorrow, sprite. Just get some rest.He kissed my forehead and slid in beside me.

Before I realized what was happening, I fell fast asleep.

Light and warmth blanketed me, and I woke up to the sun shining through the glass ceiling. For a moment, I feared I was back in Seelie. I sat upright, taking note of the dark room around me.

I was still in Unseelie.

Tavish wasn’t in the room with me, but Nightbane lay at my feet. The beast was still out cold after being locked in prison and tortured.

My chest clenched. Had something happened and Tavish hadn’t woken me? But then I heard the sound of water.

He must be taking a bath.

I stretched my wings, finding they felt marginally better. They still ached, but it didn’t feel as if they might split in two, and I could feel a faint eddy of my magic returning. The improvement was better than nothing, and joining him in the round, clear tub sounded like the perfect plan.

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