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Luz elbowed him out of the way. “If any of those bastards in the Seelie fuck with you,” they said as they clapped my arm, “remember you’re a fucking lionness.”
I grinned at them and regretted how little time we’d had together. “I’ll see you soon, Luz.”
“You’d better.” They smirked.
Once I parted from them, Elisa gave me a tight hug while Neia offered her hand for a more restrained shake, but she squeezed my fingers and gave me a steadying look. Last, Shaan stood before me, his eyes pointedly ignoring Lennox who remained a few feet behind. “I hope you can forgive me, bhaabee, for my behavior this morning.”
“I can… I do.” I shrugged. “Maybe I understand a little.”
“Perhaps.” His gaze dropped to the lush green grass at our feet. “I’m not usually so volatile, and I’m glad you and my brother found each other. I can see how much he cares for you.” His expression warmed like he shared Sai’s happiness. That washed away any lingering bad feelings, and I smiled.
“I think we’ll be friends in the future, Shaan.”
“I hope for that.” He bowed and walked away, never once looking in Lennox’s direction.
The Maharani walked up to Lennox and secured the bag holding the map to the kelpie.
I turned to face Sai, who looked like I left to face my death rather than traveling for a few months. “Sai—”
“Come with me.” He grabbed my hand and weaved us through his family and team and beyond the courtyard, around a corner, and under an archway where he pushed me against the palace wall and kissed me so fiercely it hurt. I parted my lips, grazed my tongue over his, and tangled my hands into his shirt.
His mouth became the entire world, the heat of it against my flesh like the sun that kept the world alive. I clutched my hands into his shoulders. The bravery I’d felt when coming up with this plan wisped away on a breeze, leaving me trembling.
“I love you, Lira,” Sai whispered against my collarbone before placing a kiss there.
“I will come back.”
Sai lifted his face. “I’m taking that pledge as seriously as a vow.”
“Good. Trust that I mean it.”
I gave him another kiss, felt his heartbeat beneath my palm, and pushed off the wall. We had to leave. I stepped across the tile floor, but Sai grabbed my hand. “Wait.”
I shifted towards him. Something haunted had taken over his expression and my breath caught.
“Arnav,” he whispered.
“What?”
“My true name.” He swallowed and his eyes darted up to mine. “It’s Arnav.”
My lips snapped apart. “I thought you didn’t share it with anyone.”
He tangled his fingers into my hair then traced them down the side of my neck. “I don’t. But you’re not just anyone to me, Lira.”
I pressed onto my tiptoes and covered his mouth with mine. His hands found my waist, and he drew us together. As we peeled apart, I replied, “I love you.”
He grimaced and straightened my dress which had a thoroughly tussled look, before grasping my hand and walking us back around to where everyone waited. At our appearance, Lennox swung onto the kelpie. Sai didn’t speak again as he helped me in front of Lennox, though he shot Lennox a look that was filled with subtle threats.
Part of me was annoyed, but another part understood. If I sent him off into enemy hands, I’d be glaring at everyone involved as well. My heart ached as Sai stepped away and Lennox urged the kelpie forward.
As the creature’s trotting filled my ears, I turned back.
Sai stood next to his family and team with his arms crossed. Neia had placed a hand on his back. His gaze didn’t leave me until we trundled out of sight.
I released a breath when he disappeared behind the gates. Sai had told me that with another’s true name a being could speak to them in their mind.Arnav.Thinking the name tingled down my spine and glittered along my arms. It felt like calling on my ice. Something snapped in place, like a message received and it bolstered me, to have some access to him.I love you. I will come back to you.
I clutched my hand into the bag holding the map and closed my eyes as Lennox led us out of the Prasanna world and away from its warmth.
