Trill smiled at them, these two Mage Warriors who’d welcomed him with open arms and were now giving him an out even when he knew how much their prince needed him.
His eyes drifted to the prince in question, who was looking at him kindly.
“They’re right,” the Prince assured him. “You’re in no way obligated to assist further. Either of you,” he added, widening his attention to Yannoma. “You’ve both been invaluable, and I swear that I will be advocating for your rights from this point forward regardless of what you decide to do next. Please ensure your safety.”
Trill inhaled slowly and then exhaled. He was pretty sure Yannoma would say he should think about this more—or rather than he should reject it out of hand.
But he’d always known that while he and Yannoma had many similarities, this wasn’t one of them. He didn’t know if the Prince would succeed, but Trill liked the world he envisioned.
He swallowed and then said, “Prince Kinan, I would be happy to keep trying to help. If you can get the Queen to agree, I’ll go with you and help in any way I can. I think we’ll need all the energy we can get.”
Perian might be stronger than he was, but that didn’t mean that it wouldn’t be helpful to have more, not if the Prince and Perian had both been as depleted as they were last night.
Prince Kinan smiled at him. “Thank you. I’ll be certain to word my letter such that it includes you but doesn’t expose you. No names until my mother agrees. I don’t want to put you in unnecessary danger.”
“Thank you,” Molun said, before Trill could, and Arvus squeezed Trill’s shoulder in a comforting gesture.
They all wanted to make sure that he was safe, and that was a novel feeling. Trill liked it very much.
This just left Yannoma, who was looking at them all like they were complete idiots.
But then she surprised him.
“Prince, if you truly can secure guaranteed safe passage for everyone here, if youtrulymean to fight for us, then I will go as a representative of my people.”
Trill knew he was gaping at her, but he couldn’t help himself. She smirked at his expression.
“We may not have a lot of fellow feelings, but I am not insensible to the fact that this is a larger attempt to collaborate and protect us than has happened in centuries. If most humans have been taught that we are senseless demons who do nothing but kill people, then one of the best ways to show that is not true is with a real, live example.”
“It could be dangerous,” Perian blurted out.
Yannoma eyed him with amusement. “I daresay it will be. Will it not be for you?”
Perian blew out a breath. “It’s way easier to risk my life than the lives of people I care about.”
Brannal leaned over to kiss Perian’s temple. “Welcome to my life.” He gazed at Yannoma. “As the Prince pointed out, the castle has the benefit of numbers, so I cannot positively guarantee any outcome, but Icanpromise that I will do my utmost to protect you should you choose to help us.”
“I will as well,” Cormal agreed solemnly. “My shield might not be as impressive as Brannal’s, but it can still keep people out for quite a while.”
“Mine, too,” Molun and Arvus said almost as one.
The Prince was smiling. “Then that’s settled. I’ll write to my mother. I don’t think she’ll delay overlong to respond, but she may need some time to consider.”
It was likely to be at least four days before they got a response if they posted the letter today, but Trill agreed that it was better than showing up and surprising her. He really hoped that the Prince could write a compelling letter.
Prince Kinan looked at Perian. “Could I trouble you for writing supplies?”
“Of course,” Perian said, rising from the table.
“I’d be happy to be your scribe,” Cormal said, and the Prince smiled at him.
They went off with Perian, and Trill found himself blowing out a breath and leaning up against Arvus beside him—which resulted in Molun on his other side cuddling up to him as well.
“Have I mentioned how much I hate waiting?” Molun asked.
Arvus and Trill laughed.
“Mage,” Yannoma said, “the letter has not even been written yet.”
