Page 93 of Across an Endless Sea

“We can shoo out the visitors,” Bree suggests. “Swear the remaining healers to secrecy.”

“Rumours would still fly,” Drystan retorts. “The running theory after what happened in Siabetha is that she has lightning and strength. Healing on top of that? The smart ones will figure it out.”

“I don’t understand,” I mumble. “When I… during the ball.”

“When you exploded that fae,” Lore fills in helpfully.

“That,” I agree. “Didn’t everyone see Maeve then? And what about when I summoned all three of them in Siabetha? Surely the secret is already out.”

Jaro shakes his head. “I was there both times,” he promises. “There was no sign of them. The only one I’ve ever seen is Nicnevin Titania. First, when you healed Caed in his cell, and then just now.”

Drystan nods. “They’re powerful spirits. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were able to choose when to become visible to fae without the sight, and they’re wise enough to keep your secrets from everyone except your Guard.”

“People are going to find out,” I say. “You can’t keep me a secret forever.”

“Not you,” Jaro murmurs. “Just your powers, and it won’t be forever. Only until you can use them to protect yourself.”

“I’ll get better with practice,” I remind him. “I can help them. Please, Jaro.”

I meet his warm chestnut eyes as I speak, and he lets out a groan. “Fine. For one hour, and we’ll stay with you. After that, you’re going to rest. I don’t care if we have to tie you to the bed.”

“Oooh, kinky,” Lore pipes up.

The other three glower at him, but I can’t help the small smile which slips past my burning cheeks.

It’s good to be home.

Twenty-Nine

Rhoswyn

I’ve managed to stall them for two days. On the first day, I healed the soldiers and civilians wounded in the evacuation of the Outer Ring, then claimed exhaustion and spent the rest of my time curled up in bed with Wraith, only seeing Kitarni briefly to take her potion. The second day, I woke up with my hair completely regrown and quickly sought out Florian, using my presence to stop him trying to rush straight back into being knight commander without recovering.

My tactics only worked because he spent the entire time interrogating me for details about Bram. He didn’t believe me at first, but I managed to convince him by describing the markings on Bram’s fox’s coat. Since then, he’s pressed me for every detail. The fact that our brother is coming home has lightened something in him, but he’s still obviously nervous about their reunification. It takes all my self-restraint not to pry, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s related to what Bram said about leaving in a bad way…

Thoughts of my brothers are an excellent distraction from what I’m really meant to be thinking about.

My coronation—and more worryingly—my mating ceremony.

We’ve barely had time for me to learn what such a ceremony entails, beyond a blood exchange. My lack of knowledge just makes the whole decision harder.

My Guard must know I’m playing for time, but they’ve let me get away with it so far.

I heard enough of their conversation to know what they’re going to ask of me. Mate Caed to take the crown. Take the crown to demand the allegiance of the minor royals. Then let Florian lead the five armies to victory over the Fomorians.

A good queen would go along with it, wouldn’t she? Put the needs of her people first? Is that what I’m supposed to do?

When I asked Danu about Caed during my most recent visit to her—visit sounds a lot better than death—she gently dismissed my concerns. I got the sense she was tired, so I didn’t push for answers when she said she’d handled things already.

Despite her confidence, I’m not ready for a bond with Caed, and I don’t want the rest of my Guard to take my reluctance as a slight against them.

Then there’s all the other issues thatnotmating them will leave us with. Powers out of control, gossip…

“Nicnevin?” Kitarni draws me back to myself with a jolt, and I blush as I look up at her.

We’ve been studying the Spring Court and their queen, Aiyana, in preparation for my visit. The high priestess hasn’t mentioned the coronation or the mating ceremony, but we’re preparing as if it’s all a done deal, which is only adding fuel to the nerves sparking in my abdomen.

“Sorry,” I apologise, untangling my hand from Wraith’s fur. The barghest is curled around my seat, half-asleep, and I’ve been reaching down to pet him in between sentences. “I was lost in thought…”

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