Page 136 of Tale of the Heart Queen

I blow out a breath. That seems like good news, at least.

“Do you know why the arks affect her?” I ask.

“The priestesses know of dark magic, and the kings of The Aurora are not the first to meddle with its power, nor will they be the last,” Anemone says.

“Zerra is the vessel that connects Imperial magic to the Artefacts and thus to the High Fae. I’ve always suspected the reason these items affect her so strongly is because the arks act in opposition to that, trying to sever that link, which, in turn, would kill her.”

I nod. I’m not sure if that makes sense, but it doesn’t really matter. All that matters is destroying them.

“Do you have any idea why Lor is immune to the effects of arcturite?” Nadir asks, and yet again, I sense everyone’s shock.

Anemone’s gaze traces over me as she nods. “It’s not that the magic of arcturite can’t be overcome, it’s that it requires a great amount of power to do so. I’ve never heard of it happening before, but I suppose these are unprecedented times.”

I return her nod, feeling like another brick has been stacked onto my shoulders.

“Thank you for all of this. We are so grateful,” I say to Anemone after we’re all silent for a moment.

Nadir dips his head. “We appreciate this very much. Will your kingdom destroy the ark?”

My gaze falls on Cyan. “If it will rid the world of Zerra and free Anemone from her shadow, then I do not hesitate,” he answers. “I remain unbonded and do not have a Primary to call upon, so I will do the best I can. From what Coral shared with me in the past, it was used only a little by Alluvion’s former rulers and thus isn’t likely to be as strong as some of the other arks.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, tears filling my eyes.

“And I assume that means we’re all going to The Aurora,” Cyan says, his tone wry.

“We will need the Torch and the Crown to complete the bonding,” Anemone agrees.

A hard knot loosens in my chest. We’re a long way from the end, but at least this is one step in the right direction.

My gaze slides to Bronte, who’s watching everything with a deep furrow between her brows. She considers me with a sweep of her eyes.

“You’re alliance with my father? Does this create problems for you?” Nadir asks, and Bronte’s mouth presses together.

“I’m allied with your father in the way a mouse might befriend a lion, hoping to avoid its jaws.”

“You’re no mouse,” I answer, and she laughs, her grey eyes sparkling.

“Perhaps, but our realms border one another, and it’s always been prudent not to ruffle Rion’s feathers.” She pauses. “But I have no true loyalty to him.”

“So will you help us?” Nadir asks before Bronte turns her attention to me.

“Little queen, I’m not sure what to make of any of this or of you, for that matter, but I will destroy the ark. I want no part of anything created by the Lord of the Underworld. Beyond that, I promise you nothing, but if you’re all heading north—well, I just happen to be going that way too.”

CHAPTER 48

NADIR

After our discussion with the rulers, Cedar, Bronte, and Cyan agree to destroy their arks in the morning once they’ve had some rest and have the full force of their power. We’ll do it inside the ruined walls of Heart, hoping to contain any catastrophic blowback. I’m not sure what we’ll do about D’Arcy yet. This endeavor is an all-or-nothing proposition. Maybe we can convince her yet.

Amya and Mael will also head out once we’re done, returning to the Keep to discover anything useful, including where Father is keeping the ark.

The kings and queens who have agreed to join us will travel north in our company. I’m not surprised that D’Arcy declined to help us—she’s never been one to get in the middle of anyone’s affairs, even to her own detriment, but I’m grateful for the help we have.

I don’t know how anyone could hear Lor’s story or see the plea in her eyes and turn away.

It’s late by the time we’re finished talking, and Lor and I retreat to our room overlooking the Heart Castle. When I exit the bathroom, she’s staring out the window, and I can practically see a million thoughts swirling around her head in the tense set of her shoulders.

I walk over and circle my arms around her waist, pressing my chin into the curve of her throat. Her hands slide over mine as she leans back and looks up at me.