Chapter Twenty-Seven

My mind cleared without all that babbling in it. On the way back to Renris, I came up with a plan. I knew where King Vaxarion would be. He and his mate. There was only one place for the King of Morilren to go—the crown city of Shasenai.

If I went down there with an army of Dragons, I'd never get past their wards. But if I sent non-Dragons in secretly, maybe they could get to the Sea King's mate. And if I held King Vaxarion's mate, he would give me anything to get him back. It looked as if the Eye's predictions were right; Aras would be needed after all. I didn't like it, but at least it meant our suffering wasn't for nothing.

My mate was waiting on the keep steps when I landed in the courtyard. I transformed back to my man's body and took the trousers a servant handed me. But I didn't put them on, just rushed up the steps to Aras, holding the pants before me.

“I need you to take your ship to the center of the Morilren and send some men into Shasenai to capture that fucking Neraky,” I snarled.

“What?” Aras scowled. “You didn't get the Eye?”

“No, I didn't get the Eye. That same pirate took it before I could and dove into the sea. But he's mated to King Vaxarion, and there's only one place that a Sea King would take his mate.”

“The crown city,” Aras said, his stare shifting to the side in thought.

“Yes. Get me that pirate, and King Vaxarion will give me the Eye.”

Aras sighed and looked over to the left where a few of his men waited. “That's going to be dangerous.”

“What will be dangerous is if you don't get me that jewel, Captain,” I snapped, guilt threatening to choke me. But I had to do this because he had to do this. “Go! Now!” I pointed at the gate.

Aras lifted his chin and stared at me.

I stared back, my stomach churning. I told myself that this would be the last time I treated my mate so abominably. Once I had Ensarena's Eye, I could spoil him as he deserved to be. I could shower him with wealth and love. So much love. My lips parted, trembling too much to stay together.

Aras's stare dropped to my lips and softened. “Ly,” he whispered.

“I need that jewel, Aras,” I said. “I will lose this war without it.” I pressed my lips together, then said, “I have a feeling that you are the only one who can get it for me.”

He nodded. “Then I will not fail you.”

I yanked my mate into a hug, unable to resist anymore, and whispered. “Thank you.”

Aras nuzzled my cheek, then stepped back and bowed to me. “I will get you what I promised, Your Majesty.” Then he waved his men over, and they headed for a carriage.

“No, that one.” I motioned at the royal carriage.

Mossemas was already there, shooing the driver toward the carriage. “To the docks! And hurry!”

As they sped away, I pulled on my pants at last. Then I stood there, staring after my mate, praying to Ensarena herself that he would be successful. Let him win where I had failed. And then I could reward him handsomely for it.

Or, if he preferred, I would punish him a little.