Page 152 of Born of Blood and Ash

“That’s a relief,” she said, the corners of her mouthtightening. “I heard you met with Kolis.”

“News travels fast,” I drawled.

“Well, I overheard Embris speakingof it,” she said, and as Reaver hopped over to the settee, I saw the shadows inher gaze. The same haunted look I saw in Aios’s eyeswhen she spoke about Kolis. “I do not imagine that was easy to do.”

“It isn’t something I care to repeat,” I said. “Did Embris tell you the details of my meeting with Kolis?”

“Only that he was confident Kolis could quell any notion ofan uprising.”

I arched a brow at that. “He offered me a deal,” I told her,then shared what I’d offered in exchange. It felt right. Kolis had also held Penellaphe. She was another who likely wanted vengeance.“Negotiating with Kolis is the last thing I want to do, but if there’s a smallchance we can prevent a war…”

“Then it is a chance that needs to be taken,” Penellaphe finished. “An attempt for peace must always betried.”

Relieved, I nodded. “By the way, did you know this waspossible? My Ascension?”

“I’d hoped Nyktos would find a wayto ensure you lived while also keeping Kolis from achieving what he wanted. Butdid I know? No. There has never been a Primal who was born mortal,” sheanswered. “I still hoped, even after learning that Nyktoshad his kardia removed, that youtwo were destined. Fated.”

“Heartmates,” I said as Reaver settled onto his belly.

“Yes. It is the only way any of this is possible.” Shesmoothed a strand of hair back and tucked it behind her ear. “And if Hollandknew, it’s not something he shared with me. He wouldn’t have been able to, evenif he wanted to.”

I wasn’t so sure about that. “I know what the Fates are.They’re Ancients,” I said, scratching Reaver under the chin as I watched both Penellaphe and Ward closely. Neither showed even a flickerof surprise upon hearing that. “They made the rules.”

“That doesn’t mean they can break them, Your Majesty,” Penellaphe countered quietly.

“And who would punish them for doing so? Who could stop themfrom changing the rules?” I countered. “And please, call me Sera.”

Ward cracked a grin as he leaned back. “If you only knew howmany times I have asked these same questions.”

“Likely as many as I did when I first got to know Holland,” Penellaphe said. “It took many years for me to understandwhat truly occurred when they created the Primals toestablish the balance of power. In doing so, certain rules were established.Ones forged in the very essence that fills the realms. Rules that became theair that is breathed, the water that is drunk, and the fruits of the soil thatis harvested. When those rules are broken, the realms know. I had tosee that for myself to understand.”

I thought of what Aydun had said about the realms restoringbalance, and a sense of knowing filled me. “When Kolis stole the embers…”

She nodded. “It wasn’t the Arae who acted to restorebalance. The very essence itself did.”

The thought of the air around us consciously acting on itsown sent a chill skating down my spine as I heard footsteps approaching thedoors, ones carrying an uneven gait. A moment later, a soft knock followed.

“Come in,” I called.

One side of the door inched open as Pax entered with a trayheld tightly between his hands.

“Paxton.” I rose, a smile spreading across my lips.

“Your Majesty,” he said quietly, his voice carrying notes ofthe most northeastern kingdoms in the mortal realm. He halted to give me aquick bow. “I have refreshments.”

I started to move toward him and take the tray, but Reavernudged my hip. When I glanced down at him, he shook his scaled head.

Paxton approached. “Arik put some sugar and creamer in thelittle jars,” he told us as he carefully placed the tray on the table,referencing one of the cooks who came to the palace during the day. “And addedsome soft biscuits he thought you all might like.”

“Thank you.” I sat.

He nodded. “Do you need anything else?”

“I think we’re fine.”

There was another quick jerk of his head, then Paxtonstraightened. He halted, lifting his chin just enough that I caught a glimpseof his brown eyes. “I didn’t get a chance to speak to you this morning, butit’s good to see…” Pink crept across his lower jaw, and his head dipped oncemore. “That you are well.”

“It’s good to see you again,” I said, hoping he knew I meantit as I lowered my voice. “I can’t wait to see if I can heat water with just atouch of my fingers now. I’ll be sure to let you know.”

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