Page 69 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

“Don’t forget about what I walked in on that night when you had Lira on the bed,” Tavish hissed. “That removes any misgivings you’ve misdirected my way.”

This bickering ended now. None of us had time for that. “Father?”

“Please proceed.” He stroked his beard, nodding.

“I agree with Caelan.” I wanted to give him credit because I might need his support to get Tavish on board with my idea. “Tavish and a group of people leave now to watch the area and learn as much as they can about the kingdom. Then, they return and relay the information. Then they’ll rest so we can prepare for tomorrow evening when I’ll hand myself over to the dragons. Once Eiric is released, we attack. I won’t be taken far within the island, and I won’t need to stay overnight.” I believed this was the most likely common ground we could find.

“Tomorrow?” Father dropped his hand. “We have two days before anything has to be done.”

Mom paused her pacing at the other end of the table. “If Lira hands herself over early, they’ll believe she’s truly desperate to save Eiric. They won’t suspect that we’ll attack then because she cameearly. If she hands herself over on the exact deadline, they’ll expect a plan.”

My pulse thudded. “Exactly.” If Mom had followed my train of thought, then it had to be a solid idea.

“I’m fine with everything up to Lira giving herself up.” Tavish exhaled sharply. “But unfortunately, I understand the merit of the plan. If she hands herself over, and I cloak the army, the dragons will be none the wiser.”

Agony ripped through our bond, proving how hard it had been for him to say those words. “That’s the point. To save Eiric and eliminate the dragon threat by having as much of an advantage as possible. We won’t be on our land, so it won’t be destroyed, but our magic will be weaker. If we can fight hard and fast, then maybe we’ll still have the advantage.”

“Won’t the dragons sense Tavish using his magic?” Finnian pursed his lips. “Remember how the Seelie guards were able to track us while you were hiding us after we escaped from the holding cell?”

Father grimaced but then smoothed out his expression. “The fae are more attuned to fae magic, but theoretically, the dragons could sense it if they were actively searching for it.”

“If we fly high over the land so we aren’t cloaked nearby, then we should be able to eliminate that risk.” Tavish rubbed the back of his neck. “We might not know details, but we can see enough to get an idea of how things are laid out, and Eiric can likely give us details about the prison area. She should’ve gleaned something from her time there. Also, Lira won’t get far enough away for getting her back to be a problem.”

“Then I believe it’s time for Tavish to select his group and leave.” Dad chewed on his bottom lip. “And see what information can be noted. We can meet in the morning to see what has been learned and decide the best way to proceed.”

Right. We could sit here and talk generalities all day. However, the more information we could learn without risking exposure, the more we could fine-tune everything.

“I’d like for a few Seelie to be part of the group.” Father stretched his wings. “And since you’re unsure who can be trustedin Cuil Dorcha, Lira should return with us to Caisteal Solais tonight since the number of trusted guards at hand will be further reduced and Tavish won’t be by her side.”

My breath caught. I hadn’t considered leaving. “I have Nightbane. I can’t leave him here alone. Not again.” He was already upset with how little attention I’d given him. This would be an excellent opportunity for us to bond.

“The cù-sìth?” Mother’s nose wrinkled.

“She and the beast have a unique connection.” Caelan shrugged. “I don’t think any of us understand it.”

“Then bring him back with us.” Mother shrugged. “Having extra protection is never a bad thing, especially since I know Hestia and Brenin will want to be part of the group to examine the dragon land.”

“We would like to, but if—” Mom started.

Father waved a hand. “Of course you two will be part of it.”

Her shoulders relaxed.

“Well, if we’re going to do this, it’s best we leave now to have more time to watch from afar.” Tavish placed an arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him as he continued, “Caelan, you can stay here and keep an eye on things. Finnian, Finola, and Struan can join me and leave Lorne here to rest after his night of watching the prison cells. He’s trustworthy if anything happens.”

“Sounds good to me.” Caelan nodded. “I can keep the other guards busy cleaning up the village, so no one should notice you’re gone. I’ll even stow the sword so no one notices it here.”

Finnian flew out of his seat. “I’ll grab the others and Nightbane.”

Even though I hadn’t expected to return to my childhood room, a part of me was excited. I could wear my own clothes instead of the former queen’s gowns.

Within minutes, everyone gathered in the foyer. Nightbane stood at my side, glaring at my parents. My heart ached,realizing that Tavish and I would be separated, if only for a few hours. But I didn’t want to push going with them tonight. Tomorrow was going to be hard enough on him. Not only that, but it would be best if I returned to Gleann Solas to recharge my magic for the inevitable fight.

Tavish kissed me, his tongue slipping into my mouth.

I’m going to miss you, sprite.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, eagerly responding.Don’t be gone too long. I’d like to have some time alone with you before the fight.

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