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“Sleeria? What about the soldiers?”

“There was only one squadron. Bayo was able to challenge the alpha and take over, leaving the rest of the way clear.”

Thicket’s mind raced. It made no sense. Why would Lavender drive them out of Bilya only to make it easy for them to set up camp in Sleeria?

“Where’s Caspian?”

“With the Council. They wanted to call another meeting to reevaluate the plan. Caspian said they have to wait until you wake up, but they are growing impatient.”

“I can meet them now.” She swung her feet to meet the floor. Her head immediately went light and she teetered on the edge of the bed.

Elian steadied her. “Take it easy. You still need to rest.”

“I’ve already had two days of rest. I can’t keep everyone waiting any longer.”

“But—”

“I will be fine.” She stood. Her body protested, muscles cramping as she navigated her way outside. Bright light assaulted her eyes. When she finally cleared away the spots, her mouth fell open in awe.

Sleeria was absolutely stunning. Water surrounded the narrow street, lapping against the raised stone as rouge wind rocked abandoned canoes. The wood was rotting beneath its chipping paint, yet the murky color didn’t take away from the vibrance that was the town. And past the numerous river canals winding through the brightly painted buildings Thicket caught a glimpse of the sea.

She had barely recovered from her awe when a sharp pain flared across her forehead. Her hands flew to her face. “Ow. What the—”

Marcellus glared down at her. “You should be resting.” He redirected his scowl at Elian. “Why isn’t she resting?”

Elian held his hands up in surrender. “I said the exact same thing.”

Thicket limped past Marcellus onto the perfectly cobbled streets. “I need to meet the Council.”

Marcellus caught her wrist, halting her in her tracks. “Go lay back down. The Council can wait.”

Thicket couldn’t comprehend the look on his face or the words coming from his mouth. He had always been the one to push her to stop running from her duties and put her people first as their queen. But he had wanted her to run earlier, and now he wanted her to rest?

“They need me,” she said.

Marcellus’ fingers tightened around her wrist. She glanced down, forgetting he was still holding it. He dropped it immediately, scowling. “You almost died.”

“But I didn’t.”

Marcellus’ jaw tightened. “If you keep running into danger and something happens, you won’t be able to save anyone. It is my job to protect you from both outside dangers.” He looked her up and down. “And yourself.”

“And it is my job—no, my wish, to be able to protect all those I care about.” She turned away from Marcellus and faced Elian. “Can you take me to meet the Council?”

Elian opened his mouth, head shifting back and forth between them, but Marcellus beat him to it. “No. If you want to meet them, fine. But they are coming to you.” His eyes snapped to Elian. “Delmore, take her back inside and make sure she stays.”

With that, he stalked off, pausing only long enough to bark orders at a pair of guards stationed at a small bridge leading across a canal to another street.

“I now understand what you meant by his delightful self.” Thicket crossed her arms, frowning after his disappearing frame. “If he thinks he can just order me to stay put, he’ s got another thing coming.” She limped after him.

Elian rested a gentle hand on her elbow. The touch ricocheted through her body. “Despite his… indelicate way of putting it, Marcel does have a point. You really shouldn’t push your body.”

“Not you, too,” she groaned. “I’ll be fine.” She extended her arm, giving him a shy smile. “Will you help me?”

Elian hesitated, glancing back at the house. But then his eyes softened and he nodded. “Of course.”

She looped her arm through his and allowed him to escort her down the path.

As they neared the bridge, the two guards Marcellus had spoken to stepped into her path, blocking off the only exit. She recognized one of them from the group of guards who had guarded the wall back in Bilya. “Your Highness. Captain Fadley has requested we ensure you remain here until he returns.”