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“Actually, since arriving here, I’ve come to the opposite conclusion as you,” she said. “The king and Triumvirate responded badly to the threat from Grey. There’s no denying they should have caught what was happening in Eldrida, for one. And now this business with Delphine…” I could almost see her shaking her head. “The king and Triumvirate have been in their positions for too long. They’ve stagnated. And it’s clear that you were right about the impact that has on the rest of the kingdom. We need change, and I think it’s time I started working for that change here—at the heart of everything.”
“Do you really mean it?” Hayes sounded dazed. “You won’t come to feel resentful and constrained?”
“I can’t be sure of the future,” she said. “But I don’t believe so.”
“You’re telling me I can stay in Tarona and have you too?” He laughed, an almost giddy sound. “That sounds too good to be true.”
The sound of another kiss made me shove my hands over my ears, but it stopped much more quickly this time.
“You’d better come out, Delphine,” Amara said loudly.
I startled so badly in response that Ember whined.
“Delphine?” Hayes sounded shocked, and I couldn’t blame him.
Reluctantly I pushed open the wardrobe door and blinked in the bright light of the room. I could feel my cheeks growing hotter and hotter as I carefully stepped out of the closet. I couldn’t bring myself to look at either of them until Amara chuckled.
“Don’t look so mortified, Delphine. I’m sure you had some idea of Hayes and my history. Luna will have told you if no one else.”
I gasped as I belatedly remembered my friend. “You have no idea how delighted she’s going to be about this,” I said, making both of them laugh.
“While I’m delighted to see you walking around freely,” Hayes said, “I’m a little confused. What were you doing in Amara’s wardrobe?”
I could see the concern slowly leeching away the joy from his face as he realized his new betrothed might be involved in something that bordered on treasonous.
“We’re taking her to see the king,” Amara said calmly. “But that delegation arrived at the worst possible moment so we ducked in here to wait.”
“We?” Hayes asked.
“Airlie, Drake, and me. Gia and Renley by now as well, I’m sure. Airlie was going to speak to them.”
He relaxed slightly at the other names, clearly relieved Amara had such powerful allies. “But why was she in the closet? You knew it was me at the door.” Slowly understanding spread across his face, his expression falling. “You didn’t know if you could trust me.”
“Of course we trust you!” I cried quickly, but Amara was less quick to answer.
“I always knew you were on Delphine’s side,” she said. “You already risked your position and reputation arguing for her release. I never would have expected less. But defying the system is another thing altogether. While I knew you would agree with our intent, I was less sure you would agree with our methods. But then you said you were ready to walk away altogether. Then I knew you were safe to include in this.”
Hayes sighed heavily. “I want to be offended that you didn’t trust me from the beginning—that you didn’t know I would always be on your side. But how can I be offended? I already chose the throne and Guild over you once, so I can’t blame you for wondering if I would do it again.”
“I’m not wondering anymore,” she whispered, and he leaned toward her.
I cleared my throat loudly, and he moved away again, chuckling.
“So what exactly is this plan?” he asked. “Do you need my help?”
“If you’re really certain you want to get involved,” I said, “then I could definitely use your help.”
ChapterTwenty-Five
“They’ve finally left!” Airlie paused mid-step as she took in Hayes’s presence. She threw a concerned look at Amara, but I answered for her.
“Don’t worry. Hayes is safe. He’s on our side.”
Airlie looked relieved, but her mouth still turned downward. “I don’t like this business of sides. Hopefully this plan will put an end to the matter.”
“That’s what we’re all hoping for,” Amara said.
“It’s a risky attempt, though,” Hayes murmured, making Airlie narrow her eyes.
