Page 26 of Songs of Retribution

The guard opened the door. "Your Highness."

I struggled to part from Aila. I'd likely never meet her again, and I knew she meant something important to Lennox. I wanted to ask her—beg her—to come with me, but I suspected she'd turn me down. Before I could speak, she pulled a thick cloak out and wrapped it around my shoulders, then tied the front gently like a tender mother. I clutched her hand and squeezed it before pulling away and following the guard.

We clattered down the rough stone stairs and I stumbled. The guard clutched my elbow to steady me. "Guards loyal to the Prince are guarding your path between here and the river. Once you cross into human territory you'll be on your own, I'm afraid. We can't leave the bounds without alerting the King, but you can as you possess his blood."

"Okay," I huffed, struggling to keep up with her.

We reached another door which she unlocked and pressed open in a swift motion. Another guard stood on the other side, his uniform rippling in the storm. "Your Highness."

"Quick," the woman who'd led me so far said. "The wards are breaking. Run."

The guard grabbed my arm and pulled me out into the whipping snowstorm, hustling me across the grounds, my boots sinking into the banks. "Apologies, Your Highness," he said.

I didn't have enough breath in my lungs to reply. I joined him in flying across the dark, pushing against the icy rain, running with little more than the euphoria of escape boosting me on.

Sai Arnav,I gasped as soon as I made it to the river and clenched my teeth against the cold of it. On the other side, rain fell again. It was monsoon season in the human realm, and I'd travel cold and weak in the dark and pounding rain. But I would travel. I'd made it free thanks to so many Seelie. The urge to cry hit me again, but I didn't have time.I'm free, Sai.

A rush of cool relief, like wind blowing snow off a mountain, ran over me from Sai.Good,he said, his voice thick with emotion.I'm nearly to Landre. I'll meet you.

Nearly to Landre meant he was still an entire day away from me.

I only had to make it a day.

I clutched the cloak tighter around my shoulders, pushed into the rain, and started walking.

CHAPTERELEVEN

LENNOX

The weightof Elisa resting against me was a comfort as we rode across a stone bridge in the fir-studded mountains. Fog crept and curled around everything, and a misty rain peppered our group as we traveled towards the Froh palace.

Ahead, Shaan sat straight-backed on his horse, his gold and crimson cloak spreading across the creature's flank. He spoke with Ishir who rode at his side, but I couldn't take my eyes off Shaan—the curves of his shoulders, the dark gleam of his hair. He loved me, wanted me. My feelings for him were deeper than the plunge beneath the bridge we clomped over. Mist and fog swallowed the bottom, but the tops of trees pierced through— only minuscule dark splotches from my view.

The guards in front of Shaan and Ishir gestured for them to stop at the bridge’s end as they assessed the path. The guards acted cautiously, searching each bend along the journey despite us having sent a thrush to the Froh King and another group of guards ahead. Shaan readjusted, looking back to catch my eye for a moment with a gleam of desire lighting his irises before he turned back to Ishir.

Sai's words lingered in my mind.Are you thinking of him at all? Have you ever?

I clenched the bridle, the leather gloves sliding over my palms. Sai was an asshole. He was so caught up in his ideals he couldn't see reality. If he thought we'd all get out of this clash without having death on our hands, he was more naive than I'd believed. The fact that he didn't think I cared about Shaan made fire crawl up my neck.

At least I had Lira's true name now and didn't have to rely on Sai for updates about my sister. Thinking of Lira made my stomach drop. She was in danger and I was a world away from her, unable to help. Relying on Sai of all beings to help her. At least I knew he'd do anything—well anything short of killing someone and ruining his principles—to protect her.

"What's wrong?" Elisa asked.

I sighed. Elisa had nearly not joined us on the trip, explaining she didn't know how to ride horses. I'd been happy when she'd accepted to ride with me and even more grateful now. Elisa was a soothing presence and the only other Seelie in the group. I'd convinced Eldrick to stay behind when Margo had fallen ill. He worried over her, and I'd send thrushes to keep him updated. I didn’t understand Eldrick’s attraction to Margo, but I was far too grateful for his support to question that. He might have picked up on my brooding, but Elisa was doing an admirable job of that herself.

"Worrying about Lira and Sai," I answered her. The last word came bitterly out of my mouth.

She patted my arm and readjusted.

"You're uncomfortable," I said.

"I'm just not used to this."

"I'm surprised Sai's team doesn't use horses to move faster."

She lifted her face to the mist and some of it landed on her cheeks, breathing in the moist air. "He doesn't like relying on creatures."

“He didn't hesitate to take one yesterday." He'd torn out of the palace to go after Lira.

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