Page 22 of Songs of Retribution

"And a well-guarded journey," I said to Eldrick. The man's jaw jumped, but he gave me a nod. I didn't like him but could respect his loyalty to his court. We wouldn't send Lennox to a potential slaughter. For one thing, my wife would never forgive me—political implications aside.

"Who will you take with you, Prince?" Luz asked.

Lennox took a breath and turned towards Shaan. "Would you come with me?"

"Oh." He looked at me then back to Lennox again. "I don't know. Would it be wise to show you've aligned with the Prasanna in such an intimate manner?"

Lennox raised Shaan's hand and kissed it. "I don't intend to live a lie any longer. I will do everything I can to politically maneuver in this situation, but we cannot make lifelong allies by starting with a lie."

Shaan licked his lips. "All right. I'll join you."

"That will strengthen our group's protection," Lennox said. "We’ll have mine and Shaan’s powers to cover us.”

Shaan cringed, but everyone had turned to me again. “Very well. We’ll work out the details after dinner.” The group broke apart, Eldrick bowing as he stepped away, and a guard followed him. "Lennox, may I speak with you alone?"

Shaan took a step forward like he'd stand between Lennox and me, but the Prince squeezed his hand and released it. "Of course."

We walked to a corner as the group dispersed. Shaan lingered by the door for a moment before retreating, leaving Lennox and I standing alone aside from guards on the other side of the massive room.

"How is Lira?" Lennox asked.

I brushed my fingers over my zevar and the magic pulsed. "That's what I wanted to speak with you about actually. She wants you to have her true name. She says you'll know what it is because you gave it to her."

"I gave it to her?" His brow furrowed then his mouth formed a circle. "Oh. Yes. I understand. Thank you."

"Of course." I hadn't done it for his sake but to keep my word to Lira. Even knowing that, my magic hummed through me, eager to unwind time and steal the knowledge away. But it was what she wanted.

I moved to leave, but Lennox spoke again. "May I ask you something?"

Turning back, I swiped my boot over a smudge on the tiles. So many people were tracking through that makeshift war room. "Yes?"

"Do you think you could say something encouraging to Shaan about his powers?"

"His powers?"

"The magic Kali gave him."

It was magic that haunted Shaan and rightfully so. I hoped he never had to exercise those powers. Any actions with them would haunt him forever. His soul was too empathetic and thoughtful.

"What would you have me say?"

Lennox fiddled with a ring on his finger, twisting it around. "Perhaps you could let him know his powers are a gift and could be useful in this war."

"You want Shaan to kill the Seelie?" He claimed to love Lennox, but he’d betrayed him, broken his heart, and would now force Shaan to use magic that would crush him even worse.

Lennox cringed. "I don't wish for any Seelie deaths, but we are facing a war and that is the reality. He's hesitant to use his powers."

"As he should be. Taking life is no small matter."

Lennox's nose flared, his pale blue eyes flashing. Goddess, he looked like Lira sometimes and it stirred up the concern eating away at me.

"I'm not saying it is, but it may be necessary."

"So, you'd have my brother live with slaughtering your people on his conscience? Does that not bother you? Moreover, do you truly think it would foster a good relationship?"

Lennox clenched his hands into fists and hissed his words. "I'm not asking him to slaughter anyone, but he feels ashamed of his magic when he shouldn't. It was a gift fromyourgoddess. I hoped you might reassure him; he looks up to you."

"If you expect me to encourage my brother to commit atrocities he will spend his life regretting, you do not know me or our relationship at all."

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