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I’d spent enough time with Rythos and the others to accept that the fae weren’t necessarily our enemies…at least, not individually. But it was difficult to imagine them being our allies.
“And you’re hoping they could be our allies again?”
“Your people deserve a home.”
I ignored theyour peoplepart. I had a cousin. One I’d seen at the gates to the city when I’d first entered. I knew he had time magic, because he hadn’t frozen like everyone else.
That meant he could rule.
My aunt sighed. “Nelayra.”
I hunched my shoulders, at both the name and the fresh nausea sweeping through me.
“What makes you think I’d be a good queen?”
“Even before you knew they wereyourpeople, you were fighting for them. You got three hundred of them out of the king’s dungeon.”
But there were more. So many more. And now, the king knew I was alive. Alive and with the fae.
“Regner will wage a war like no one has ever seen,” Telean said softly. “I know you hate Lorian for lying to you. But by the time you get to the fae lands, you must no longer see him as the man you—”
“Careful,” I snarled, and she nudged me again with her elbow, unconcerned.
“You must see him and his brother as potential allies. As hope for your people.”
“I don’t know how to be a queen.” And it was the last thing I wanted. What Iwantedwas to help the hybrids survive and then find a quiet village somewhere no one knew me and live out my life. A normal life.
“Aren’t we lucky that the Bloodthirsty Prince allowed me on to this ship?” Telean’s hand found mine on the railing. “It just so happens I was by your mother’s side for years as your grandmother ruled. And I saw how your mother led her people in Crawyth. I’ll teach you everything I know. But by the time we get to the fae lands, it will be up to you.”
CHAPTERTWO
Dear L,
Six days and no word. I’m assuming you’re…unhappy that I chose not to reveal your lover was the hybrid heir.
And she is your lover, isn’t she? Or at least, she was. I can imagine a village girl raised to loathe our kind wouldn’t respond well to your deception.
I’m also assuming she’s clamped to your side for the time being. After all, you were so insistent that she would be leaving with you.
And while I’m sure you’ve anticipated my needs in this matter, let me be clear: I need to speak to the hybrid heir. Bring her to our kingdom.
Your appreciative brother,
C
* * *
Dear C,
I’m sure this letter finds you well.
It finds me on a merchant ship in Eprothan waters—nice charade, by the way. It should definitely pass inspection should Regner’s fleet look our way.
As you anticipated, I have Prisca with me. The hybrid heir. Although I’m unsure why exactly you made sure I was one of the last people to learn this information.
Regner will hunt her until he’s dead. So yes, I’ll bring her to our kingdom. At this very moment, she has absolutely nowhere else to go.
—L
