Page 73 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

My transport has been packed, and my personal guard will accompany me along with my courtiers and Trysten.

I say my goodbyes at dinner, knowing I will see them in a week for the Ceremony and wedding. Clara begs to come with me. I love that she’s taken to Raea. It would be hard not to be. I remind her she has to wait for her dress to be done. She will wear a cascading ice-blue and white gown for the wedding. It is such a similar shade to Raea’s hair. I presume it was by design.

The next morning, my transport leaves at first light. I remember what my mother and I talked about and it's what propels me forward. Once we leave the planet, there’s only one thing left to focus on—getting back to Raea before the shadows do.

Chapter 27

Raea

Ryker’s transport arrives today, but all I can think about are the refugees in our colonies and villages. After Draerr was consumed, more planets were evacuated, pushing them deeper into the system.

Yesterday, my mother and father agreed that I could go into one of the smaller villages and help by offering food and blankets. Ezra and the new Regils assigned to me stay close, keeping an eye on the lines of refugees walking through the plaza we had turned into a makeshift receiving area.

I arrived back at the palace late last night, but promised the others I would be back in the morning. I can’t ease the ache of losing their homes, but I can offer a kind smile and steady hands.

I wrap my cloak around my gown and meet Kellan on the launch pad. I still can’t look him in the eyes. I haven’t brought up what Linnea said.

We’ve been cordial since I’ve been back, but things are definitely still awkward between us. At least the bruise on his eye is healed. I barely saw him before I left for Malaya. Ryker’s punch had definitely left a dark bruise. I’d like to add another, but I promised myself to let it go. Kellan doesn’t owe me an explanation.

Kellan sighs. “I know you said you’ve forgiven me, but I’m sorry.”

I nod, keeping my gaze trained on my feet.

“Raea, c’mon.” His hand tightens around my arm.

When I look down at it, he lets go. “Kellan, if you aren’t coming, then this will have to wait.”

“I can’t come. My father is pulling me in for a meeting.”

“Then there’s nothing left to say right now. I have to go.” I walk up the steps of the pod and take a seat. A small part of me feels bad—but he shouldn’t have forced himself on me. I wasn’t the one who lied for months or shared information about my life with my enemy. I want to forgive him. I just…can’t yet. I’m not ready to allow him access to my heart again.

Sam smiles down at me from the pilot's seat. “Hey, Princess.”

I reply with a quick good morning and nod that I’m ready.

I miss Ryker, but I really feel like I’m needed here. Sitting in the palace all day is suffocating. I can’t sit around anymore looking at wedding colors and designs and having tea on the terrace. I need to be using my hands. I need to be with my people. Not just the ones of Treon’s planets, but the ones who live in this system. No matter the kingdom they come from, now, more than ever, we need to stand united as one.

When we reach the village, another transport is landing with more refugees from Kadora. They all look so tired, but then again, I would be too. I meet up with Tori, the Lady in charge of handling the intake of refugees. She hands me a box of blankets and Ezra a box of bagged food. It contains apples, bread, and water. It isn’t much, but it's a start.

The Kadorian people shuffle past us. They thank us as they accept the food and blankets before making their way to the tent where they’ll be assigned living quarters or a tent.

A mother shushes her crying baby with tears in her own eyes. “Thank you, m’lady.”

I hand her the blanket and then decide her arms are already full. “Kyla,” I say over my shoulder to one of the members of my guard. “Can you escort her to the tent and help her get settled?”

Kyla steps over and the woman’s tears rush down her face. She lunges forward, wrapping an arm around me in a sudden hug—Ezra and the guards rush in, pulling her back.

“Stop,” I demand. “I’m so sorry,” I say to the woman.

“Princess?” she asks as my hood falls.

The people in line mutter among themselves.

So much for keeping a low profile.

“Please, go with Kyla. She will help you get settled.”

She curtsies and leaves.