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The sun was beginning its ascent, casting a golden haze over the camp.
Roza approached Raenisa, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Be safe.”
Raenisa nodded her head, giving us a small smile. “Well. I guess I’ll see you soon.” She left, squaring her shoulders as she walked away.
Theron squeezed my hand, his voice a whisper. “She’s strong. She’ll get through to Caelia.”
I wished I could share his confidence, but all I felt was an overbearing dread, the sort that lingers in your gut, sour and unyielding. But I kept my face neutral, offering Raenisa an encouraging nod as she mounted her vanira.
Roza turned to us, her voice soft and thoughtful. “Do you think Xadrian will change Caelia’s mind?”
Theron shook his head. “If he hasn’t been able to already, it’s not happening.” He paused for a moment, assessing the camp before continuing. “The Sarros were an old family, and proud of their heritage. Just like their allies. If we could break Caelia’s engagement,” he said, glancing at me. “They’d shift their attention to Kael and try to marry her to Xavier.” His eyes darkened, just the thought causing a growl to grow in his chest.
“Not an option,” I assured him.
He nodded. “Regardless, they won’t concede. It would only become a larger civil war.”
Roza frowned. “Then what’s the point of sending her?”
Theron ran a hand through his hair. “Honestly? I’m hoping Caelia will get her head out of her ass and realize that she’s going to lose Rae if she doesn’t stop. Offering her those titles might be enough to mollify her pride and bring her to our side. Taking down House Amyntas would be a lot easier.” He took a breath. “And Rae will be able to get a good look at their forces.”
“‘The Eye that Looks Ahead’” I murmured Theron’s House words, and he nodded.
“Exactly.”
Roza shook her head and let out a heavy sigh. “I don’t like this plan.”
Theron shrugged, his grip on my waist tightening. “It’s the best one we have.”
She nodded, but I could tell she still wasn’t happy with it.“I think I’m going to go get some rest.”
I smirked. “With Zerek?”
Roza rolled her eyes and shot me a rude hand gesture as she walked away.
Theron chuckled. “You noticed that too?”
“Of course.” I made a face. “Though I think they’re as liable to kill each other as they are to get together.”
“The same could have been said about us.” He grinned and I pulled him down for a kiss.
“It’s still an option.”
“Yeah, yeah.” He squeezed my backside, pulling me closer. “Let’s go to bed and we’ll see if you’re still making threats.”
I winked. “You’re on.”
Chapter 17
Kael
Stalksofwheatthatused to ripple under the breeze had been trampled by rows upon rows of Elven soldiers, their metallic armor reflecting the glint of the early morning sun. Green banners, adorned with the imposing bears of House Sarro, clashed with the blue, hawk-festooned banners of House Amyntas.
My fingers tightened around the hilt of my sword, though I knew diplomacy would be our first weapon here. Theron stood beside me, his broad shoulders tense. Across the field, framed by the might of her army, stood Caelia. Her short, raven-black hair moved with the wind, her stance proud, defiant. To her left was Xadrian, his normally relaxed posture tense, and to her right, Xavier, who looked almost a twin to his brother Zerek, sharing the same vivid red hair and sharp features. Zerek’s jaw clenched at the sight of his brother, his lips drawing down into a grimace.
Stepping from behind the trio, Raenisa began her lone walk towards us between each army. Each step was measured, her face carefully blank and her back straight. Caelia’s gaze followed her, a look of profound loss marring her face before she schooled it to a stoic expression. Fuck. That didn’t bode well for us.
Raenisa halted a mere few feet from our assembled group, her once warm eyes now as cold and hard as flint. “Caelia wishes to speak with you.”
