Page 149 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

We get lost in conversation about Okenen and the Veil. He seems surprised that Morana had appeared on the beach. I leave out the part about Morana being Raea’s twin. He either knows or doesn’t, but I’m not about to give them another reason to attempt to dismiss her because it won’t end well.

When I have a chance to look back, I find that Trysten and Kamden are both engaged in conversation with a group of males near the door. Kellan is trying and failing to fit in, but it’s clear he’s uncomfortable as he speaks with an older male on the council.

“Ry, where are you?” Soraea asks.

Smiling and nodding as the king rambles on about some outpost on one of their moons, I take a second to learn what I can.

She feels restless. “What’s wrong, love?”

“Anders, I would love for you to stay here at the palace for a few days. We are organizing a hunt and would like you and your friends to join. Your female friends can head back to the sanctuary with Brynna. She’ll look after them. I’ll even send Riven.”

I try not to bristle at the fact that he called Soraea my friend.

“I can’t find Aolyn or Ciara. They went to get some more wine, and now they’re gone. I can’t find anyone we know. Tate is gone and⁠—”

“Calm down, love. Do you see Riven?” I realize the king and the general are still awaiting my response. “Thank you for the offer, but I really think I should focus on training.”

The general applauds my answer, mumbling about me joining his ranks. The king, however, doesn’t look so convinced. He calls Carys over, and she hesitantly walks over, her face a mask of peace, but I can tell otherwise.

With a hand on her back, the king turns to the general. “What do you think it would say to the Fae people if there was a union between these two?”

I nearly choke on my wine as I hear Soraea. “A group of males said they saw our friends head to something called the Veyl’shara room. They are showing me the way.”

My jaw ticks as I try to keep track of her and focus on the king and his ridiculous idea. “With all respect.” I dip my chin. “A union with your lovely daughter is not possible. My mate would have to agree.” I cross my arms over my chest, waiting for a response.

“Yes, Anders and Princess Raea are working to complete their Aethermark Bond,” Carys adds.

The king sighs, his smile not reaching his cold eyes. “You misunderstand me, Prince Anders. I simply wish for stability. A Bond that isn’t...final...is a liability in a time of war. My daughter offers a legacy of sky and storm. It would be a pity to see such a powerful bloodline diluted by a Bond that hasn’t even left its mark yet.

The general hums looking in my direction. “A pity indeed. A union between you two would be perfect.”

“Well, their Bond hasn’t been consecrated. And no runes yet, so there’s still a chance,” the king mutters.

“Soraea?” I ask, grinding my molars to keep my mouth sealed. No need to insult the king or his general.

Carys grabs the king's attention, bringing the conversation back to the hunt.

It’s hard to keep track of what Carys is saying while I’m worried about Raea.

“Ry,” she whimpers. “Ry, I need you. Something is wrong. I can’t find our friends and this room…the air here...it’s sweet, like rotting fruit. I can’t find my feet. They are touching me, Ry. The lights are shifting, and I can't find the door—everything is skin and smoke and moans. I’m going to hurt them. I am going to burn this whole place down if I can’t get out.”

“Excuse me,” I say, interrupting Carys. “I just need to step out for a moment.”

“Before you go,” the general says. “What are your plans for the war? What role will you be playing? If this girl, who you claim is your mate, is truly the one the prophecy is about, then surely you have a plan.”

I can feel Raea’s rising panic. “Talk to me, Soraea. What’s going on?”

“Right now, we are focused on training and learning about our powers. Both Princess Raea and I grew up preparing for war, but we were unaware that magic would be involved.”

He scrubs a hand over his jaw.

“Ryker. I can’t fight them off,” she cries. “I can’t use my magic. I don’t have control, and I could kill everyone. Where are you?”

“I’m so sorry. I’ll be right back.” I don’t wait for a response, ignoring the scoff of the general as I grab Trysten and Kellan. Kamden follows.

“I’m coming to get you.”

“Raea is somewhere in the palace. Somewhere called Veyl’shara.”