His gaze narrowed. “I haven’t agreed to that.”
“But you will, my king. It’s the practical recourse and you know it. Bring Azazel and Ajax home to help with our portal problem while you handle the former Hell Fae Bride.”
“I also haven’t agreed to remove her from the trials.”
“I think we both know that’s a guarantee because you’re going to either keep her here for observation or kill her, both of which will disqualify her from your bridal games.” I ran my thumb along his pulse as I added, “And I know you won’t kill her because it’ll hurt me, something you vowed never to do.”
Pain flickered across his expression, his mind processing what I’d just said. I’d saved that playing card for last, knowing it would hit home.
Because I was right. Her soul was tied to mine. If he ended her, I would feel it. More than that, I’d have to carry it around as a burden for the rest of my very long existence.
He wouldn’t want to do that unless it proved necessary. Which I hoped it wouldn’t, but it was the risk I’d taken on when I’d decided to bestow my initial vow upon her.
“I need to get to the Underwater Kingdom,” he said, his forehead touching mine again. “We’ll continue this conversation when I return.”
That was better than his initial response to kill her; it meant he was going to think about what I’d said and come to his own terms for how to proceed. There would likely be a negotiation in our future. There always was when it came to us.
“I’ll come with you.” I trailed my fingers down his arm to his palm. “Our Nightmare Fae need a united front right now. Remaining here would make it appear as though you’re trying to protect me. But I’ll never be afraid with you by my side, and they need to see that.”
He squeezed my hand, gratitude showing brightly in his gaze. He’d needed to hear that I still had faith in him, as I suspected he was losing faith in himself. Two portal breaches in a month was more than we’d ever had in our entire history, and he was clearly concerned about it.
“I’ll be your extra eyes and ears while you focus on fixing the portal. Perhaps there’s a clue we’re missing. And we’ll go from there.” I pressed my lips to his chin. “We’re going to figure this out, Ty. Then vengeance will be yours.”
His grip tightened with my words, his excitement palpable as he considered what kind of retribution he would deliver to those who’d wronged him. He’d probably create another Nightmare Fae species, like he’d done with the Sirens, just to revel in the torment and punishment of the offenders. I couldn’t wait to see what he did.
“Thank you,” he murmured, his mouth brushing mine. “I would be lost without you, little prince.”
“You wouldn’t,” I promised him. “But you would probably be quite bored.”
He grunted at that. “Very,” he agreed. “Let’s go.”
CHAPTER10
AJAX
Several Minutes Earlier
I hadn’t realizedhow far I’d ventured away from the Council building until we began our trek back. Normally, I would have shadowed. But Az’s Phoenix forced me to walk.
Or hobble, anyway.
He’d really done a number on me with those blades.Dick.
I’d never seen Az like this. He was usually in control of his animal—even if barely—but never the other way around.
Apparently, Camillia was a sensitive topic. Considering how broken up I felt about her and everything that had happened between us, I wasn’t surprised.
At least I’d found a way to keep Az’s beast from killing me. His glee had been palpable when I’d proposed that he let Camillia punish me.
Just as his excitement radiated around him now as he dragged me along beside him. I’d convinced him to put on a pair of black jeans and a dark shirt, telling him that Camillia would probably be a little unnerved by my bloody appearance and his naked one.
His bird had narrowed his gaze in suspicion, but then he’d held out his hand and had accepted the clothing I’d conjured.
The moment he’d finished dressing, he’d grabbed me by the nape again and restarted our journey, completely heedless of my injuries.
Camillia was probably going to kill me. Which would suck. But I’d always been familiar with death. Hell, there’d been a time when I’d courted it not so long ago. It was why I’d befriended Az. He was dangerous. Lethal. Maybe one of the few beings throughout the realms who could end me.
Only, he’d befriended me instead.
