“My carriage can take you to the bottom of the isle where you can find passage on a ship,” Emory said. “I have a friend who will help you. You’ll be safe. Away from prying eyes.” Emory turned her gaze to Loch. “You know that this means you’ll be missing the conclave. All the royals are expected to be there.”
Loch and Leoni shared a look. “So my brother announced the conclave?” he asked.
Emory nodded. “Oh, yes. It’s been the talk of the sky court for the last few days. Everyone is wondering why Apolis has called a conclave for the first time in sixty years, what could be so pressing that all the courts are required to be present.”
“Well, you know why.” Loch spread out his hands. “You knoweverything. The conclave is important, yes, but right now it’s not our priority.”
Emory nodded in acquiescence.
“Your husband will allow us to use his carriage?” Driscoll cocked an eyebrow. “You haven’t exactly been very complimentary of him.”
Emory’s blue eyes sparkled. “It’s my carriage, technically, since he doesn’t use it, not with his wings. But yes. Once I tell him the carriage is for the prince of the water court, he’ll hand it right over, probably insist on stocking it with wine and food for you as well. It’s quite large and comfy, as you all know. Much better than going on horseback. Or walking.”
Driscoll stretched his arms behind his head. “Now that I can get on board with.”
“Then he’ll brag to everyone that the prince of Apolis rode in his carriage. It’ll be too easy.” She rolled her eyes. “He’s very predictable like that.”
My stomach twisted at the journey we had ahead of us.
“We should probably go.” Loch stood, stretching his arms up, revealing a shock of golden skin. “Find somewhere to sleep tonight, maybe out in the highlands, then leave early in the morning.”
Driscoll sighed heavily. “Can you just sleep far, far away from us?” he asked Loch.
Loch crossed his muscled arms over his chest, a brow raised. “And why is that?”
Driscoll waved his hand. “All your moaning and mumbling.Master. Please no. It’s not my fault. Master, master!It’s always some form ofMaster, thisorMaster, that.”
Loch’s eyes widened.
“What were you dreaming about?” I asked, hoping it wasn’t me, wasn’t that same dream that led him to me, terrorizing him night after night. “When I woke you up in the cage? You were having a nightmare of some sort.”
His brows furrowed. “I’m not sure. There was a mist or something. It was dark. Cold. I was flying, I think. Someone was angry.” He tilted his head. “Master...” He jolted.
“What?” Leoni’s hand shot to the sword sheathed at her side, ever the warrior. “What’s wrong?”
Loch rubbed his jaw. “I think I dreamt of him. The shadow king.”
I sucked in a sharp breath. “What happened? Did you see my gran?”
Everyone straightened at that, wide eyes turning on Loch as he raked a hand through his hair. Those auburn curls spilled over his forehead. I had the urge to reach out and brush them aside.
Driscoll eyed me curiously, and I curled my hand into a fist. He was completely oblivious about most things, but a brewing romance or good gossip and the man developed an eagle eye.
“The shadow king?” Emory cocked her head. “Why would you dream of him?”
Loch’s jaw ticked. “Ever since my shadow got taken, I’ve had dreams that I think are visions, maybe. Visions of things my shadow is seeing. I can’t remember a lot of them. Just flashes that usually mean nothing.” He eyes softened as he glanced at me, and it made my heart skip a beat. “Except when they’re of her. I remember those with stark clarity.”
Driscoll’s eyes narrowed in on us, and I cleared my throat. “Are you telling me you remember this one?
“I—” Loch paused. “I’ve been lying to you all. Lying to myself. I think I’ve been suppressing these dreams. Pushing any memories of them away because I was afraid of what I’d see, what it might make me feel.”
I stared at him in shock, and he met my gaze.
“But I don’t want to run from them anymore. I don’t want to be afraid.” He stared at the wall like he was in a different place, a different time. “It’s coming back to me. He was furious.” He rolled his shoulders back. “He said she was gone, and that I had to find her. I think he was talking about Poppy’s gran.” His gaze snapped back into focus and settled on me. “I think she’s escaped and he doesn’t know where to find her.”
Emory began pacing. “This is fascinating. So she’s likely escaped, but we don’t know where she went.”
“A weakness,” Loch murmured.
