Page 70 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

Now that is something that I won’t disagree with you on.He pulled away, his silver eyes shining bright.Be safe and enjoy your last night in your childhood room. When this is over, you’ll be mine in every way and living permanently in Dunscaith with me. We’ll never be separated like this again.

That sounded more than perfect.Agreed.

“If we don’t want people to see you leave, you should go now.” Caelan gestured to the hallway. “Maybe cloak yourself, Finola, Struan, Finnian, Nightbane, and Lira until you’re away from Aetherglen so no one says anything to the Unseelie.”

“Good idea.” Tavish’s magic churned through our bond, stronger than ever before.

The chill of the darkness covered my skin, the sensation now as comforting as my own magic. Tavish took my hand and flew upward while Struan grunted, picking up Nightbane, and Finola flew behind us.

My parents followed closely, and we headed toward Gleann Solas.

We flew over the forest that divided our land, the trees changing from evergreens to Silathair trees that resembled cherry blossoms. Soon, silvery bark and leaves twinkled below, reminding me of starlight. The silver contrasted with the Ironbark trees, whose trunks and leaves were rusty like metal.

As we passed the waterfall, the towering Seelie castle appeared.

Father and Mother flew ahead while Dad said, “Take Lira to her room, and we’ll wait for you where the dragons approached us when we returned.”

Hiding from other people was more than okay with me.

We flew around the side of the castle, passing the place where we’d escaped through the hidden passage in the walls and came to the large, open window of my childhood room. Tavish landed beside me right at the opening of the wall-sized window underneath a Silathair, and Struan placed Nightbane on the ground next to me.

I can’t stay long. A Seelie could sense my magic.Tavish frowned but quickly kissed me one last time.If you need anything—

I’ll let you know.I cupped his cheeks, needing to reassure him once again.You’re the one heading to the dragon land. Be careful. Don’t let them know you’re there.

We won’t.He released me and frowned.I just want the next two days to be over so we can finally spend time alone without a constant threat.

Me too. And I’ll be able to relax once I know that Eiric is safe and home. I love you, thorn.

I love you, sprite.His face strained as he turned his back to me.

I glanced at Finola and Struan before Tavish withdrew his magic from me. “Keep him and yourselves safe.” I cared deeply for all three of them.

Struan smiled. “We will. I promise.”

“Please, I’ll have to be the one who keeps all four of us safe.” Finnian winked, trying to make me laugh. “Don’t you worry, Princess.” He bowed and headed off.

I stood there, unable to see the four of them fly away, yet knowing that they were as the chill of the darkness faded from me. Knowing I needed to be in the room in case someone flew by, I stepped inside with Nightbane by my side.

Something shifted in my closet, causing Nightbane to snarl.

My mouth dried. “Who’s there?”

And then there was a loud crash.

24

LIRA

My heart hammered in my chest. Who would be in my room, especially since no one expected me to be back at the castle?

We moved past the tree that grew through the open window, causing a few of the pink flowers of the Silathair to fall to the floor. Normally, I enjoyed the scent and view, but right now, it kept me from being able to see clearly inside.

Nightbane barreled deeper into my room in the direction of the closet. A whimper sounded, and I flapped my wings, trying to reach the person at the same time as he did.

When we entered the closet, I found wide aquamarine eyes staring at the beast. Gaelle, the high fae assigned to work as a luxury castle maiden, dropped the gowns she’d gathered in her arms and lifted her hands as Nightbane hunkered down.

I gritted my teeth. I wasn’t going to allow her to use her wind magic on Nightbane. “Put your hands down, Gaelle.” I landed between her and the cù-sìth, not wanting the situation to escalate.

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