“Ah, let me guess. You concocted a plan to destroy the Summer Court army in hopes that your father would invite you back into the fold?” I laugh. “You idiot. You’re going to die today. Or maybe instead of killing you, I’ll deliver you to the Autumn Court and let your father deal with you.”
“No,” he whispers as a faraway look enters his eyes. “No.”
“How did you kill Warden Xall and the soldiers?” I ask, still unsettled that a highborn fae herbalist couldn’t find any evidence of poison.
He smirks. “Rallunna venom. It’s deadly and untraceable.”
“Rallunna venom,” I repeat. “Interesting. Well, it’s been a delight chatting with you, but I think it’s time I killed you already.”
The Exiled Prince’s visage firms into an expression of utter resolve. He intends to see the battle through, no matter the outcome. No matter how many misguided orcs must die for his cause. Orcs that no doubt jumped at the opportunity to slaughter a massive fae army in the belief that it would keep their territories safer.
He bares his teeth at me and snarls. Golden light gathers in his palms, though I know it’s not healing light. The odd frequency of the magic buzzes through me, and I put a bit of space between us. If one of the glowing orbs he plans to hurl at me even grazes my flesh, it’ll leave me paralyzed for several hours.
I release a deep, thunderous growl of my own, then I summon an invisibility shield and fly toward him. I won’t be able to maintain the shield for long, as it drains my energy, but I plan to kill Prince Finn well before that happens. While the idea of handing him over to the Autumn Court holds a certain appeal, he’s too dangerous to keep as a prisoner.
I swoop a wing out, preparing to slice his neck, when a booming noise rumbles over the countryside, and King Haratt descends from the clouds.
CHAPTER 29
AMELIA
Booms keep soundingin the distance, though I know the battle has drawn nearer. Every few seconds, a tremor affects the castle. Riley and I keep exchanging worried looks.
I glance around, wishing this room had a balcony, but I suppose that’s one reason Tristan selected it. He wants to keep me as safe as possible. I suspect this room served as more of a haven for the former queen during times of war. Having worked in the castle, I know there are far grander rooms containing balconies on the higher levels.
There are two small windows in this room, though they’re blackened out, and they were like that upon our arrival. I sincerely hope this room was used as a haven for the former queen and not as a prison.
A crack of what sounds like thunder rumbles so loudly that I almost cover my ears.
“Do you think it’s about to storm?” Riley asks.
I search my mind for any sign of Tristan, but I’m not able to sense his comforting presence. He’s too far away. “I-I can’t sayfor certain, but I doubt it’s a storm.” Is a highborn fae wielding their power? Is that what caused the sudden crack of thunder?
I listen carefully and don’t hear anything else. In fact, it’s so silent that it sounds like the battle abruptly halted. My stomach flips repeatedly.Please let Tristan be all right. Please let us be reunited soon.
What if the real reason I can’t sense his presence in my mind is because he’s… he’s… I can’t complete the thought.
But, if he’s alive, then I would still be able to tap into his Summer Court magic. But how could I test the theory without stepping outside the wards? I’d promised my mate I would remain inside the warded room, and I don’t want to break that promise. Especially if it puts my life in danger. The battle might not be over. Or, if it is over, maybe the orcs won. If I step into the corridor, I could be snatched up by a huge orc warrior. A shiver courses through me at the thought.
An idea hits me, and I try to summon a warm summer breeze and the scent of lavender. My body starts to tingle, and I think it’s about to work, but my focus breaks when I hear rapid footsteps in the corridor.
Riley and I stand in unison, and we stare at the door.
I swallow hard. If the orcs won, they won’t be able to enter this room. But we can’t stay here forever. Even if we ration, the provisions we’d brought won’t last much longer than a week.
Suddenly, a warm, familiar presence enters my mind, and I pray I’m not imagining it.
The door bursts open, and my fated mate rushes toward me with his arms spread.
“Amelia.” Tristan embraces me before I can even finish processing the fact that he’s alive and unharmed. But my heart soon bounces with joy, and I throw my arms around him and return the hug. I soak up his comforting, summer scent.
I’m vaguely aware of the happy reunion going on nearby. Commander Carr is raining kisses on Riley’s face as she giggles and tries to kiss him back. Their lively interaction soothes my soul. I hope she’ll be all right.
Tristan cups my face and presses his lips to mine. He delves his tongue into my mouth and kisses me soundly. Heat quakes between my thighs, and if we were alone right now, I might rub my body against his.
You’re alive. I’m so happy to see you. You aren’t injured, are you?I send down the tether, gratified that I’m able to feel his presence in my mind again. He didn’t look injured when he rushed into the room, but I want to be certain.
Gods, Amelia. I am happy to see you as well. And I just suffered a few scratches, but they’ve already healed.He keeps sending me waves of affection as he continues kissing me.
