I laugh, but it comes out halfhearted. In a way …
“I guess it’s already come true then. I am queen here.” I shrug.
Luna’s eyes shimmer. “There’s going to be more. They’re never that short.” Her shoulders stiffen, and I can tell she’s gearing up for a fight.
But I have none left in me.
“Alright. Well, if you think it’s important, continue to look into it, please.”
I’ve ripped the wind from her sails, and her shoulders drop immediately.
“What?”
I shake my head, turning around. “If you think it’s important, then I trust you. It can’t hurt, right? But I’ve got to get the magic fixed before I can worry about hypotheticals.”
I pass a healer as she’s leaving Mathilda’s room. Her face is lined with worry and anguish. I speed up the pace.
My knuckles rap lightly against the carved leaves on the oak door, and I lean closer to listen for a response. Mathilda’s soft voice calls me in, and I ease open the door to her darkened room. The curtains are drawn, the burgundy fabric blotting out the sunlight. Candles flicker from the sconces hung on the stone walls, making the room seem cozy and inviting. But the sight before me stops me in my tracks.
Tane lies sprawled across Mathilda’s bed, his body so massive it takes up most of it. His eyes are closed, and there’s a steady rhythm to his breathing. Good, he seems to sleep peacefully at the very least. Resting against the iron headboard, Mathilda softly strokes his remaining hand. My gaze roves over her, noticing the leathers that are stillcovered in his blood, the tear-streaked lines of her face. She’s ripped her hair out of the tight braids, the honey colored hair falling in loose waves down to her lap. My chest tightens, but I force myself to take a step closer.
“Can I get you anything?” I whisper, not wanting to wake Tane.
“No,” she replies. “They gave him a sleeping tonic. He just needs rest.”
I pad quietly to her side and begin stroking her hair. “It will be okay.” My words seem empty and meaningless, but it’s all I can offer right now.
She nods, another tear slips down her cheek, but her gaze remains fixed on Tane.
“He’s brave and resilient. But—I fear this will be a significant challenge for him.”
My fingers still at the worry in her voice. “Yes, but he’ll have you by his side.”
A small smile tugs the corner of her lips up as she tilts her head towards me. “He will.”
I pad lightly to her bathing room and track down a small towel before wetting it and returning to her side. I tilt her face up and, with slow, soft strokes, I wipe his blood from her face.
She sighs, closing her eyes and letting me clean it all away. “What’s the plan?”
I scan her face, making sure she’s ready to hear it, and when I see her steady composure, I begin.
“Mina has gone to Olundy to track down crystals there. Lachlan and I are going to head to Scota and then Ishtar. Ramses has squadrons rotating in and out to watch the bridge. And I’m leaving Luna in charge of the districts until I return.”
Mathilda stiffens with my last words, and I tilt my head, reading what she’s not saying.
“I’m leaving Luna in charge so that you can focus on Tane. Iwant you to send me updates as frequently as possible. And do not let him train until we come back home.”
Her shoulders relax, and she stifles a chuckle. “You think anyone will be able to keep him off the training ground once his wound is completely healed?”
I purse my lips and set the towel down on her bedside table, thinking about how difficult he’s likely to become once he’s strong enough. “I’m counting on you to be creative. Use whatever means necessary.”
Her attention slides back to him, a sad smile stretching across her face.
“I think now is the time for us to have a talk.”
I pat her shoulder. We were so close to losing him today.
“I think you should.”
