I let out a long breath. “I-I don’t want to do this, Gal.”
“I know.”
“But I want a war less,” I mutter.
Her fingers thread through mine. “I know. Me too.” She lifts my hand to her lips, pressing a gentle kiss to my knuckles. “You had to make a really difficult decision. I’m proud that you made this one.”
I fight back tears as I pull her into a fierce hug. “I’m going to miss you. Who’s going to beat the stress out of me in Marikadar?”
Galiva snorts as she returns the embrace. “I’m sure Arlon or Alix will both be happy to.” She pulls back, cupping my cheek. “Keep an eye on Arlon for me?”
I press a kiss to her forehead, shoving my own anger with Arlon aside. For her, I can at least do that. “I will.”
She loosens her grip as she says, “I’ll see you soon.”
“I will accept literally no other outcome.”
She gives my hand one last squeeze before she turns to head back into the Crux. I draw in a steadying breath before I go to join the rest of the delegation.
“Good morning, Olbric,” Arlon says as I approach. He’s dressed in his deep purple robes, the full weight of his spells hanging around his neck. My anger bubbles up again, but I can still admit that the full splendor of the Grandmaster of the Crux is a good look on him.
“Is it, though? A good morning?”
Arlon continues like he didn’t hear me. He pulls a spell from his ample necklace and says, “You will be teleporting the King’s advisers as well as Allisande. She’s even angrier about going on this trip than you are, so please keep her close. I will be teleporting the King, his attendants, and his guard. Alix will be handling the remaining luggage along with Ambassador Feisal.”
I can’t help but snort a laugh at the thought of Feisal being just another piece of spare luggage to drag along. I’m relieved thatAlix is joining us for this trip, but Allisande’s presence surprises me. Ever since she killed Diran Barclay at the Eastern Tower, she’s been confined to the Crux. I’ve barely seen her or Margeurite since.
“As the only person to know Marikadar personally, you will be responsible for guiding us to the correct location,” Arlon says. “Our aim is the main courtyard of the palace. I’ve already gotten a sending ahead to the Strae ambassador in Marikadar to notify the Shykhdar of our arrival.”
“Yes, sir,” I mutter, resigned. I go to take the spell, but Arlon pulls it back.
“It took some convincing to assure Thora you could be trusted to do this,” he says quietly. “Please don’t make me a liar.”
I straighten my back as a thought strikes me. “Give me another sending spell, and I promise I won’t.”
Arlon’s frown grows more pronounced as he searches my face. I’m sure he’s going to refuse such a petty request, but then he surprises me yet again as he tugs a focus from his necklace before folding it and the teleportation into my hand. His big palms close around mine, and I try not to let show how the familiar touch makes me ache.
“Thank you, Olbric.”
I nod wordlessly, still not meeting his eye. He gives my hand one last squeeze before he sweeps around me to talk to Thora. I vaguely hear their murmured conversation about final preparations as I spot Allisande.
She’s with Margeurite near the main doors of the Crux. Tears shine in Margeurite’s eyes as she cups Allis’ face, kissing her deeply. Allis is pale and drawn, her expression stony, though it’s not hard enough to hide the anger that roils just under the surface.
Reluctantly, she lets go of Margeurite’s hand before she descends into the courtyard. She moves to stand next to me, and I can almostfeel the heat of anger emanating from her. My presence at these talks is only an added bonus for my father, but Allis... as the killer of an Immen heir, she’s likely to be a major bargaining chip.
“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry,” I murmur.
Allis swallows, her blue eyes rimmed with red. “I’m afraid it’s worth very little.”
I let out a long breath before Alix comes to join us. He seems to sense the mood and stays quiet, though he gives my shoulder a reassuring nudge. I offer him a wavering smile, glad to have at least one other familiar face to talk to. Allisande and I have never been particularly close, and after I drag her to whatever fate awaits her in Marikadar, I doubt that’s likely to change.
“I believe we’re ready to depart, Grandmaster,” Thora calls out, her voice carrying easily over the chatter.
Arlon nods, and Alix goes to sit on the trunks we’re transporting. Arlon takes his hand before holding the other out to me. As I take it, I feel the focus held in his grip. My free hand wraps around Allis’ clammy fingers, holding tight.
“If everyone would gather round, please,” Arlon calls. “Your Majesty, if you, your guard, and attendants would keep a hand on me, Master Olbric will be transporting your advisers. Ambassador Feisal, you will be accompanying Master Alix. It is imperative that everyone keep a tight hold. We don’t want to lose anyone.”
There are a few nervous chuckles, and I realize Arlon’s separated everyone like he has to help distribute the weight between the three of us. Teleportations can only carry so much so far, but no doubt Arlon has done the calculations to be sure we can make the jump.
