Page 72 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

Guiding Nightbane back into the bedroom, we entered the main room again, just as the door to the hallway shut, indicating we were once again alone.

I shook my head, trying to come to terms with what had just happened. I shouldn’t have been shocked; Gaelle took advantage of any situation that would gain her favor.

Exhaustion from the past few days settled hard within my bones, and my bed looked inviting. The emerald sheets reminded me of Eiric’s eyes, and the fluffy pillows called to me.

I locked the door and hurried to my bed, then lay down and patted the side next to me where Tavish would normally be. Nightbane didn’t hesitate, lunging onto the mattress, and I turned onto my back, our sides touching. I drifted off to sleep, welcoming the much-needed rest.

Hunger pains shooting through my stomach woke me. Groggily, I opened my eyes and saw that the sun was getting close to setting. I’d slept longer than I intended, which meant that Tavish had to be close to Tìr na Dràgon.

The warmth in my chest comforted me, though the bond contracted.

Did you arrive all right?I asked, needing to check in.

Yes, sprite. We’re fine. We’re watching from far away, waiting for darkness to settle. I’ve been slowly covering the sun so it doesn’t seem completely out of the ordinary. Right now, there isn’t much activity other than their guards watching the boundaries of the kingdom.

They were there, and he hadn’t let rage take over. I feared that if I were there, he wouldn’t be as levelheaded—anotherreason I hadn’t pushed to go with them tonight.Any sign of Eiric?

He paused before replying.No. But none of us expected to see her. She’ll be locked in a prison cell.

My heart ached, my hunger forgotten. Once again, the dragons were affecting me in ways that I would never want to admit.Do dragons hate the Seelie like the Unseelie hated me?The night Tavish had taken me from Earth back to the ruined dragon land, an Unseelie guard, Malikor, had attempted to scar my face like my people had done his. Before he could, Tavish had intervened, thanks to our fated-mate bond coming into play.

Eiric didn’t have that luxury.

There was no one there to protect her.

No, they don’t hate the Seelie the same way,he reassured me.They may not favor them because they tend to stick to their own kind, but the dragons that were involved with the relocation of Unseelie from Cuil Dorcha to their former land—their hatred was focused on us.

Though that wasn’t the best answer, it did give me a little peace of mind concerning Eiric. And better, he wouldn’t have been able to say it if it weren’t true.I need her back home, thorn.A sob built in my chest, and I held it down, not wanting to alarm Nightbane.

Still, the beast lifted his huge head and whimpered, curling tighter into my side. I turned, wrapping my arm around him, enjoying the warmth he provided. I couldn’t imagine how I’d be doing if he wasn’t here, especially with Tavish’s absence.

Affection spread from Tavish’s side of the bond.We’re going to get her back. We’ll make sure of that tomorrow.

His words released some of the apprehension in my stomach. I feared that he would still try to talk me out of the plan tomorrow, but I could feel his intention behind the words. He wouldn’t stop me.

I love you.I’d spoken those words right before he left, but I needed him to know the magnitude of my feelings and how much I appreciated him.

That may be true, but I love you more. The sun is setting, so I need to concentrate. Make sure you get something to eat. Don’t think I didn’t notice you not eating this morning. If you’re going to hand yourself over to Pyralis, you need to be at full strength because there will be war. Eat and rest, and I’ll inform you when we’re returning.

I almost repliedYes, Dad,but I doubted he’d understand the joke. Sarcasm didn’t land as well in Ardanos as it had back on Earth. The only person besides Dad, Mom, and Eiric who even somewhat understood it was Finnian.

My stomach grumbled just as I heard a knock on my door.

“Princess Lira, your parents have requested your presence at dinner,” Sorcha called.

Of course it’d be her, especially since Mom and Dad had left with Tavish. “I’ll be there in a minute.” I glanced down at Tavish’s mother’s gown, which I still wore, knowing I wanted to change into something that fit better.

“I’ll wait for you out here,” she replied, sounding bored.

I rolled my eyes. She always had to be difficult. “I can go to the dining room alone.”

“I think it’s better if I escort you.”

Not wanting to argue, I quickly changed into a light-pink gown that hugged my curves without being uncomfortable. I glamoured my face to make it appear like I wore natural makeup and ensured I left my fated-mate markings on full display. Petting Nightbane, I asked him to stay then headed to the door.

When Sorcha saw me, her attention immediately went to my markings, and her face twisted with disgust. She disliked my bond with Tavish.

“You know, you should glamour those.” She pointed to them before turning down the hallway that led to the dining hall.

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