Page 59 of A Legacy of the Light

Tavish rises quickly from the table. “How?”

“The mountains, My Prince. They evaded our scouts in the forest,” Eòghann tells him.

“Is he with them?” Tavish asks, and Eòghann’s shoulders tighten.

Who are they talking about?

“He’s not been spotted yet, Your Highness.”

“Good. Mobilize the men. I want every available guard that’s not already on duty armed, mounted, and ready to go within the next ten minutes. I want the people in their homes. The streets need to be empty. Three units will remain in the palace grounds in case there’s a breach. Lock down the dungeons, too.” Tavish’s commands are quick, efficient, and fearless.

I’m frozen in place, my fork suspended comically halfway to my mouth, although there’s nothing funny about what’s happening.

Raghnall rises from his seat, too. “Send two units along the loch, in case this is a distraction and they’re trying to slip through that way.”

Eòghann nods in confirmation and rushes out of the room.

“Elsie, I’m sorry our evening has been cut short. You should return to the rooms you are occupying. That is the safest place for you,” the king tells me, any lingering softness from the wine having disappeared. He remains silent as he leaves the room in a blur.

Tavish appears beside me so quickly that I jump when he gently takes the fork from my clenched hand, my grip so tight that my knuckles are white.

Tavish places his fingers under my chin and pulls my face so I’m looking up at him.

“Elsie.”

My name on his lips pulls my attention away from where I was staring at the door his father rushed through.

“You need to go to your rooms. You’ll be safe there. I promise,” he tells me.

I swallow, fear heavy in my stomach.

“I’ll send Reyne, so you’re protected and have some company.” He lets go of my chin and takes my hand in his, pulling me to my feet. I allow him, since I’m not confident my legs will work to push me off the chair.

“What about you?” My voice is only a whisper—all I can manage.

Tavish’s answering smile is soft. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’ll come to you when it’s safe.”

He brings my hand to his lips and presses a kiss to the back of it. I watch his movements, not even registering the feel of his lips against my skin, too stunned at the turn this evening has taken.

He commands the guard at the door to escort me back to my rooms, then to report to the courtyard with the units that will remain inside the palace walls. Tavish gives me a last smile before he leaves as quickly as the Seelie before him.

I stand frozen in the middle of the dining room, watching the door. The Seelie guard slowly approaches me, as if I’m a startled animal that might run away.

“Come with me, my lady,” he prompts softly.

“Elsie. My name is Elsie,” I tell him.

I’m not a lady and don’t want to be addressed that way. He smiles at me, gesturing toward the door the servers came through.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Alaister. Follow—”

A loud crash and panicked voices interrupt him from beyond the door the staff had brought our dinner through.

My feet glue to the floor and a knot of panic settles at the back of my throat.

Alaister takes my elbow gently. “This way,” he murmurs and leads me back toward the door that exits into the ballroom.

“Elsie, I need you to hold onto me and don’t let go unless I tell you to, okay? We need to move quickly,” he says as we near the doorway.