“This is huge, Tem. It means the rebels stretch across the world. It means that you might actually have a chance.”
“You could still join us.”
“Someday.” She looked away. “For now, we have to get back to Autus before he has us hunted for sport.”
“Have you told him goodbye?”
“Not yet,” she said.
“It’s time.”
“I know he is safe here and so well looked after. They already love and adore him, but I selfishly want to take him home. I suppose the castle isn’t really home anyway, and I could never offer him what he would have here.”
I waited while she worked up the courage to leave River.
When we walked into the barn, he yelled my name and sprinted to me. I flinched as he weaved through the pieces of glass and leaped into my arms.
“You’re here,” he said.
“Only for a few more minutes, River. I’ve got to get back to the king.”
“I did just what you said and made sure Gaea was happy the whole time you were gone. And Mr. Alavon made me a practice sword with glass and said if I was careful and didn’t shatter it, he would teach me how to use it. And they have the best lemon tarts ever here, but don’t tell Cook I said that. And did you know if you want you can slide down the banister on your butt and you won’t even fall because it has magic?”
“I did not know any of that,” I said, smiling at him.
“Glad to see you made it back in one piece,” Alavon said as he approached us. He placed his hands on River’s shoulders and squeezed until his neck disappeared and he giggled. “That’s the best sound in the world.”
“I’m glad he’ll be safe and cared for. Did you get the items finished?” I asked.
“I sure did. I just need to attach the final glass piece after we place the actual flower inside.”
I turned to Gaea.
“I still have it,” she said, grinning at my slight panic.
I had given it to her before she left me in Volos, knowing I wouldn’t be able to guarantee its safety. She reached inside her own packed bag and pulled it out carefully, then placed it in my hands.
I turned to the glassmaker. “Ready?”
“Let’s go up to the shop and see this finished.”
He set the box on the table inside and waited while I gently set the adda inside. “Now place your hands on each side and push your magic in while I form the final piece.” I did as he said, and as the last piece of glass closed on the tiny box, I felt a silence fill the air. I hadn’t realized the power of the adda resonated so strongly until it was muted. “The box can only be opened by you, Temir. The magic sees your soul and will not release it unless you wish it.”
“And the replica?” I asked, putting the glass box in my bag.
“It’s here.” He pulled it from his pocket.
Gaea gasped. “It’s identical.”
“Did you doubt me?”
“They always do, my dove,” his mate said, coming up the stairs with a full tray. “Tea?”
“No, thank you. I’m sorry, but we have to go.” I lifted the replica from the glassmaker’s hands and nearly dropped it in surprise. “The vibration. How?” It was so similar to the actual flower. It didn’t touch or fill my power, but the motion was there.
“Magic, of course. It does nothing, but the king will assume the vibration is power. Eventually, he will learn the truth, but I hope this buys you the window that you need.”
“So do I.” I reached my hand out to him. He clasped my forearm and then placed a fist to his chest. I did the same and wished them all well.
