Page 14 of Songs of Retribution

A gust of wind blew snow off a branch outside so it shuddered. Sai's voice filled with rancor.As long as destroying the Seelie palace to get you free isn't included in your idea of 'anything rash.'

Sai.I turned away from the window and dropped onto the bed. My energy flagged with my magic subdued.This isn't just about us. We have to decide for the entire fae world. I need you to trust me.

The state of Sai's mind at the moment was like diving into an icy pond in the summer. Everything was intensely hot or fiercely cold.I'm tired of agreeing to leave you in dangerous situations.

You are the prince of a fairy court that is about to go to war. My father has his mind set on it. You need to think of your people and let me focus on this situation.

Fuck the rest of the world.

Sai.My word came with an edge to it. I could feel the fierceness of his love behind his words, but he wasn't thinking clearly. His zevar was a Prasanna heart stone piece needed to change Neia into a human, but she wasn’t healed yet. Running off and abandoning her or leaving his zevar behind to come here without access to his magic was reckless. He needed to wait, damn it, and trust me.

He didn't reply, but he also hadn't pulled away. I could feel the differing emotions swirling through him like fog.

I guess this is our first fight,I said with a touch of levity. It didn't overcome the hopelessness and heartbreak crashing over me.

Sai's voice, when he finally spoke again, came dry.This is definitely not our first fight.

Something about the shift in his tone sent warmth through me, a comfort like a cloak I could tug tight during a storm.Since becoming a couple.

That depends on when you define our relationship as starting.His voice had turned teasing, which was a good sign and a relief. I'd forgotten just how desperately I'd missed him in the last few days of hiding from him.

I laid back on the bed and studied the canopy’s maroon web. Sai's presence in my mind was a balm, but it also made me realize how alone I was in this situation. I needed to figure out a plan. My father had always stayed one step ahead of everyone else. My stomach churned, and it wasn't just because of the magic-laced cuffs.

Promise me one thing,Sai said, his voice growing deep.

What is it?

If you find yourself in a dire situation, you'll tell me. We are Atallas for a reason.

I traced a wrinkle over the blanket.I promise.The tension between us loosened like an exhale.

Would you stay with me, though?I couldn't help the whimper that entered my words. I'd missed him desperately and now that he was home, I had a great deal to catch him up on. Also, I wanted a better update on Neia, to know if he'd heard from Margo and Eldrick, and to get news about my brother. I wished I had Lennox's true name so I could talk with him, but hopefully I'd see him soon.

Of course.

Also, I'd like you to do something for me you won't approve of.A buzz of demurral fizzed between us.Tell Lennox he knows my true name, that he gave it to me. I want to speak with him.

Sai didn't respond but his wariness inundated my mind so that it gripped through me.

Will you do that for me?I asked.

Have I ever denied you any request, Princess?

I chuckled at the tease and settled into the warmth and reassurance of his presence. If I was with him, I'd tuck into his arms, trace my fingers along his collarbone, and feel the vibration of his laughter. Even just hearing his voice was like being wrapped in a blanket of familiar shadows that could hide me from the world’s terrors. Having him at my side made me feel like I could do the impossible.

We talked for a while longer, sharing news and exchanging teasing remarks. He was surprised but reassured that the King had marked me. As we spoke, I kept humming and pushing into my powers, trying to break the cuffs. But the magic-infused metal was too powerful, and the effort left me exhausted, my eyes drifting closed.

The door clicking caused me to snap them back open. A woman in a serf’s demure gray gown carried a tray in. She looked at me before saying, "I think dinner at the fire would be lovely this evening."

There was something strange about her mannerisms. The serfs who had cared for me and the room so far had been polite, but distant, doing their duty and leaving. I didn't feel like getting out of bed, but I struggled to my feet and sat in an armchair before the fire. She placed the tray in my lap and smiled at me before slipping me a note.

I unfurled it and skimmed my eyes over the slanted words.

Burn this as soon as you finish reading it. We can't speak in your room on account of the wards and who MIGHT be listening, but we want you to know that many of us who work in the palace are loyal to the Prince and you. We know we aren't getting the truth of everything. You have the eyes and ears of the palace, Your Highness, and we'll let you know anything we find. Aila, the Prince's private nurse, is trying to get assigned to you as well. We hope you'll stay strong.

I swallowed thickly as I stared down at the letter between my fingers and the hope it held. I met the woman's gaze, and she smiled as she poured me a cup of tea and nodded towards the fireplace. My fingers gripped the letter, afraid to release it, fearful that if I didn't hold it in my possession it wouldn't be real.

Regretfully, I let it flutter towards the flames and watched as the paper curled into itself; the edges swallowed by flames until it was nothing but ash.

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