Page 73 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

I had no intention of hiding anything, especially the sacred connection Tavish and I shared. “Noted.”

She shrugged. “Fine. You can’t say I didn’t try.”

We flew the rest of the way in silence, though every fae I passed either avoided my gaze or glared at me with hatred. Two reactions I had gotten to know quite well during my time as Tavish’s prisoner. Blast, even some of the Unseelie still tried to keep their distance from me, but most had come around to accepting that my presence was permanent.

After making the turns, I found the opening to the dining room and slowed, not wanting to appear hurried.

As I breezed over the threshold, I found Father sitting at one end of the table, seeming too big for the chair made of roots and the leaf he was perched on. Mother sat on his left, wearing a sparkling blue gown, her legs crossed.

Servants stood in one corner of the room. Seeing them looking down at me had my knees growing weak. Not wanting to risk tripping, I flew to the spot across from Mother where a third place had been set. From this position, I could look across the massive balcony to an absolutely gorgeous view of the village below.

The three of us took the chance to get reacquainted with each other. They asked about my time on Earth, and I asked about what had happened the past twelve years in Gleann Solas. We enjoyed each other’s company, something we all needed to feel like family once again. Though it would take more effort than just now, it was a beginning.

By the time we finished, the moon had risen high in the sky, indicating that it was time for me to return to my room to rest. We had a war to fight tomorrow.

I gave my parents big hugs and grabbed some food for Nightbane. Sorcha escorted me back to my room, and I noticed how quiet the entire castle was.

When we reached my bedroom door once more, Sorcha opened it, preparing to go inside.

“Nightbane is in there. He won’t have let anyone enter.” The cù-sìth would protect me with his life.

“Princess—” she started, but I lifted my hand.

“It’s fine.” Even though I believed those words, there was more to my story. “If you go in there, he’ll feel threatened, and I won’t be able to protect you. It’s best if I enter alone.”

She scowled but nodded, moving out of the way.

Wanting to get away from the moody guard, I slipped into the room and shut the door behind me. I locked it for good measure, at least ensuring a warning if someone tried to get inside.

That was when I heard Nightbane snoring.

I laughed. With all the chaos, he must have been more tired than any of us realized. I set the food on one of the pink rose petal cushions by the wall. He could eat later.

Yawning, I strolled back into the closet and changed into an orange petal nightgown. I was exhausted.

As I stepped back into the room, a shadow fell across me, coming from the direction of my bathroom.

A scream lodged in my throat, and I spun and kicked the man in the stomach. His sword missed me, and familiar red eyes widened as he crouched, protecting his stomach. Taking the opportunity, I slammed my elbow on the back of his head. His sword clanked to the floor, and he crumpled after it.

I kicked him in the head, making sure that he’d completely passed out. As I bent to retrieve the sword, a key slid into the lock of the door.

Shit.

25

LIRA

Iclutched the hilt of the sword and flew over the downed man, who groaned and lifted his head. His thin lips pressed together as he wrinkled his nose.

Sprite, what’s going on?Tavish asked, but I didn’t have time to answer.

The knob turned, and the door began opening. There was no telling how many were coming for me. All I knew was that I had to fight.

Someone’s in my room.Landing next to Nightbane, I shook his body. I’d never seen him sleep this hard, but he’d have to catch up on his rest later. We needed to leave to survive—but even shaking him didn’t make him stir.

A lump formed in my throat.And something’s wrong with Nightbane.

I lifted my head as Sorcha darted into the room, her sword raised.

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