Page 70 of Born of Blood and Ash

“Essaly?” I questioned.

“It’s a city in the northernmost portion of Vathi. Where Attes resides. You were there briefly,” he reminded me.

At once, my mind conjured up the memory of rolling hillscovered with lush pines, snowcapped mountains, and an ivory-hued Rise. I hadbeen there when I’d brought Thad, the young drakenKolis had forced me to kill, back to life.

“He’s likely at his residence.” Nektassmoothed a hand over Jadis’s back. “But we can have Ehthawncheck first.”

“I want him to wait until nightfall,” Ash said. “In case anyof Kyn’s draken are in the sky. If Attes is home, I’ll leave in the morning.”

I felt my stomach drop a little. I knew that Kyn wouldn’tsense Ash unless he was in his lands, but I still worried for Ash and Lailah.“What if Kyn learns of your arrival?”

“I will not engage.” His fingers drummed on the arm of thechair.

“That’s not what I’m worried about.” I forced my voice tolevel. “What if Kyn wants to engage?”

“I’ll back Ash and Lailah up,” Nektasdecided. “With me and the draken loyal to Attes, he won’t be idiotic enough to come near Essaly.”

Hearing that was a relief, but I wasn’t sure about Kyn notbeing idiotic enough.

“There’s one more thing I didn’t get to,” Rhain added. “Whatyou said about wanting those who have come to Lethe to have shelter?” Heglanced between Ash and me, and then his chest rose with a deep breath. “Ithink it’s important that they hear that from you—both of you.”

“You mean like doing a public address?” I asked, my heartkicking against my ribs.

Rhain nodded.

My stomach twisted sharply at the mere thought of goingbefore so many people. Walking the aisle during my coronation had been hardenough, knowing that everyone saw me.

“I can handle that,” Ash said, drawing my gaze.

“You can, of course.” Rhain paused. “But those who have comehere have done so to see her. And they have done so at great risk.”

“And we are honored that they took that risk.” Ash’s tonehad cooled. “I can convey that—”

“No,” I interrupted. My chest tightened even as my heartfilled with warmth. I knew what Ash was doing. He’d likely picked up on myrising anxiety. He was protecting me. Seeking to ensure I didn’t getoverwhelmed. While I was not the kind of person who gave speeches, and justthinking about it made me break into a too-hot sweat, I needed to get overmyself. “We can convey that.”

“It’s not necessary for you to do this,” Ash insisted.

“But it is,” I said. “The people risked their lives to comehere for us—”

“For you,” Nektas interjected,shifting Jadis higher on his chest. “No offense,” he said, directed at Ash.

“None taken,” Ash replied dryly.

“But sooner or later, they’ll start showing up here to seeher,” Nektas continued.

Ash didn’t look thrilled with the prospect.

“Going before them and letting them know is the very least Ican do, and I need to do this,” I added quickly, seeing his jawharden. “Look, speaking and being all queenly in front of an entire city makesme want to barf.”

“Ew,” Bele muttered.

I ignored her. “But they need to see and hear me. If I can’tdo that?” My face began to warm. “How will I be able to convince the Primals to support us or handle the ones that don’t?”

A muscle started ticking along Ash’s jaw as he held my gaze.

“She has a point,” Rhahar said.

Another moment passed with Ash’s gaze holding mine. “Are yousure?”

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