Page 84 of The Kingdom of Flames and Ash

“Finnian, what have I told you about always flirting?” Tavish rolled his eyes as he sat next to me. “We don’t have time for distractions.”

“Says the man who was grumpy the entire time we were away, all because of a certain somebody.” Finnian’s gaze landed on me. “Though I’m not naming names.”

“Do you think we might not know who you’re referring to?” Struan rolled his eyes as he took his spot behind me while Finola stood behind Tavish. Mom and Dad positioned themselves behind my parents.

Mother sat across from me and patted the seat next to her. “Finnian, why don’t you sit here, and Struan, Finola, Hestia, and Brenin, do join us. I know it’s unorthodox, but you all were out the entire night and need to eat before the battle tonight.”

The four guards froze.

“You heard the queen.” Father leaned back in his seat and leveled his gaze at each of them. “Join us. She’s right. You are all exhausted.”

Finola sat next to Tavish with Struan on her other side as Dad took the seat between Mom and Finnian, whom he scowled at.

Did something happen between Finnian and Dad?I’d never known Dad to dislike anyone who didn’t deserve it. He was gentle, stern, and even-keeled unless someone mistreated Mom, Eiric, or me.

He kept winking at Hestia.Tavish shook his head and yawned.I hope Brenin will stab him so he’ll learn because anytime I harm him, it seems to encourage him.Scooting closer to me, Tavish turned his attention to my parents. “I appreciate the speech you gave out there, but I thought we agreed that we weren’t going to inform anyone what we’d learned about the dragons. We have no idea if anyone else is compromised on either side.”

The server who’d cleaned up the blood hurried back across the room as five more servers entered, carrying two plates each, and set one in front of each of us, including Nightbane.

Father picked up a yellow sunberry. “We did, but after Lira was attacked last night, Sylphia and I discussed matters. Gaelle had informed more people of Lira’s return to the castle, and we feared one of them would try to retaliate since word of the Unseelie return had spread. We hadn’t realized that our people would hurt our daughter, but after she aided in your escape, they equated her with the Unseelie. It was a tactical decision and thebest one we could determine to allow Lira to move back and forth between the two kingdoms as she wishes.”

“Before the speech, we deployed half our guards to survey Aetherglen. They’ll keep watch overnight while the more seasoned warriors sleep to prepare for tonight.” Mother placed both hands on the table. “That was the other reason we had to make the announcement this morning. There won’t be many guards patrolling the border between our two kingdoms because we’ll be stretched thin.”

My head swam. There were so many moving parts that this plan felt like it was ever-changing.

Tavish took a large gulp of water, frazzled as much as I was. When he set the clear glass back on the table, his expression settled into indifference. “I understand and appreciate you including Cuil Dorcha in the watch.”

“Even if we manage to surprise the dragons, they could retaliate by attacking us while we’re preoccupied.” Father ran a hand over his beard. “There are so many possible scenarios, and every time we run through the plans, I think of something new.”

“Ah… expect the unexpected.” Finnian stuffed his mouth with bread. “That’s been my personal mantra ever since Lira arrived.”

“That doesn’t help matters.” Dad rubbed his temples like he had a headache.

I tried to hide my smile. Finnian had that effect on people.

“Did you learn anything valuable?” Father asked.

The six of them took turns updating us on what they’d discovered, and we discussed the strategies we could employ.

“Our best strategy is the one Lira has suggested all along.” Struan winced like it pained him to say the words.

Tavish’s hold on me tightened. He hadn’t moved his arm from my shoulders. His emotions were swinging between fear,anger, and frustration, and I hated what all of this was doing to him.

“The island is set up so we can watch her hand herself over without risking losing her. The castle is visible from the sky as long as Tavish has time to recharge and cloak us,” Finola said. “We’ll need the warriors split into three groups to cover the villages once they can fly inward and engage in battle. Struan and I will decide who we believe we can trust on the Unseelie side to join the war.”

“Noted, and yes, we need those we are certain are trustworthy.” Father finished his last bite and pushed his plate away. “The six of you should go rest and recharge. Tonight will be long for all of us.”

I quickly stood, eager to spend time alone with Tavish. The two of us needed each other.

“We’ll meet two hours before darkness at our kingdom’s border on the side closest to the dragon land.” Tavish got to his feet, sliding his hand around my waist and pulling me close to him. “That should give us enough time to get into position before—” He closed his eyes, unable to finish that sentence.

He didn’t have to. Everyone knew what he meant.

“We shall see you then.” Father nodded and smiled at me. “Until tonight.”

Finnian, Finola, Struan, Tavish, and I turned to face the balcony. It was time to return to Cuil Dorcha. I bent to carry Nightbane, but Tavish pulled me away.

“Finnian, bring the beast,” he commanded.

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