Page 91 of A Petal in the Crown

"Lea will be suspicious if he’s not with me," Emma reached for Thomas’s hand, suddenly desperate to have him beside her. She didn’t want to be alone as she took the potion, couldn’t bear to not have him with her as she allowed herself to be brought to the brink of death. "He’s stayed by my side through everything. That wouldn’t change just because I’m coming now. We’ll tell her I’m the backup plan. I’ll take the potion so that if she—" she took a deep breath. "If she fails to kill him before—" The words caught in her throat, and she had to swallow hard to force them out. "If she fails, she can still kill him, so long as shedies with a weapon in her hand. We’ll tell her I had to come, and that Thomas wouldn’t let me go without him."

The weight of those words pressed down on Emma’s shoulders, her chest tightening painfully. The possibility that Lea might fail was too real, too terrifying, but they had to be prepared for it. Emma couldn’t let herself falter. Not now.

Evangeline studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Very well."

"When should the army follow?" Emma asked, trying to focus on the logistics of the battle instead of the growing knot of fear in her stomach.

Evangeline sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. "I don’t know. I’ve seen our soldiers with us, but not when they arrive. They need to be ready, though. Knowing Eudora, I don’t believe for a second she won’t have extra forces waiting."

Thomas squeezed her hand. "I can let the army know when to come. Once we see more than Alaric and Eudora."

Evangeline tilted her head. "How?"

"I’ve placed a warning system on certain weapons—Gray’s, Janelle’s, the generals’. I’ve been working on it for weeks now, as a backup. A way to communicate when we’re apart. When we need them, I can send a signal. Their weapons will hum, vibrate, until I make them stop."

Evangeline gave him a small nod of approval. "That was wise. And I think it will work. The army will stay back unless we call for them. Tell the generals they are not to come until they get your signal."

Thomas wasted no time, darting to the generals lined up behind him as Evangeline grabbed Emma’s hands again. "Lea is waiting... we can’t delay any longer. I won’t let her face Alaric without me."

Emma swallowed, the movement painful. Her throat felt tight, like it was closing in on itself, and her skin itched with anxiety. "Evangeline. Doyou think… Tell me you’ve seen it. Tell me it’s going to be okay," Emma said, tears pricking the backs of her eyes.

Evangeline looked away, her attention shifting back to the portal, her expression unreadable. "I’ve seen many, many things. Now, we must act, and see where the last petal falls."

"I... I’m afraid," Emma admitted, her voice barely a whisper. The fear had been clawing at her for days, but now, standing on the precipice of what might be their final stand, it threatened to overwhelm her.

"Do you have the moonflowers?" Evangeline asked.

"Yes," Emma replied. "Thomas made sure everyone has one. He has an extra for you, too."

"Good," Evangeline said softly, reaching up to cup her cheek. "As long as you have the petal, you’ll be fine. I’ve seen you alive after the battle."

But Emma’s fear ran deeper than just for herself. She wasn’t afraid of dying—at least, not for her own sake. It was for her friends, for her mother, and the kingdom that hung in the balance. For the souls of those fighting on both sides. Even those under Alaric’s control. Death’s promise pressed down on her like a boulder, the certainty of it pushing on her shoulders until her body threatened to buckle beneath it. She could feel it creeping closer, dark and inescapable.

"Emma?"

Emma turned as Elise squeezed through a group of soldiers and rushed to her side. She grabbed Emma’s arms and pulled her into a hug.

"Mom!" Emma cried, her tears spilling over at seeing her mother. She’d tried to find her in the kitchens, but had to give up her search once the soldiers had begun gathering in the courtyard.

"It’s true then?" Elise said into her ear as she squeezed her impossibly tighter. "You’re leaving to fight Alaric?"

"I’m not fighting. I’ll be okay," Emma said, but her voice broke.

Elise finally pulled back, her eyes full of tears. "Will asking you not to go change anything?" she asked, searching Emma’s eyes. Emma knew what she was looking for: any hint of doubt or uncertainty. Any reason to try to convince her to stay.

Emma shook her head. "I’m sorry, Mom—"

"No. You have nothing to be sorry for. I am so proud of you. Of the woman you’ve become." She reached out and cupped Emma’s cheek. "If I thought I could change your mind, I’d take you far away from here in an instant. But I will never be angry with you for doing what you think is right. I couldneverbe disappointed in you for following your destiny."

Emma couldn’t speak, her words stuck behind a sob she was struggling to hold in.

"I love you, Emma. I have faith you’ll be okay." She paused. "Where’s Thomas?" Evangeline said, looking around to find him.

"I’m here." Thomas appeared just behind them, and Emma’s heart slowed as he slipped his hand into hers. His touch was warm. Steady. And she savored it, allowing it to ground her.

Elise kissed Emma’s forehead, then hugged Thomas tightly. "You take care of my girl," she whispered in his ear.

"With all I have," Thomas promised, squeezing Emma’s hand.

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