23. Lira

23

LIRA

E yes, the color of storm clouds, locked with mine while Tavish's determination and fear pounded into me like a tidal wave.

Even though I understood that his first priority was to keep me safe, that didn't mean I would bend to his will. Eiric had protected me her entire life, even when we didn't remember our fae blood, and I wouldn't abandon her now. My hand chopped the air between us. "It's the only plan that makes sense, Tavish, and you know it. It will free Eiric, and she'll inform you of everything she knows while I try to fill in the rest of the details." I feared she wouldn't be able to tell us much, given she'd been a prisoner the entire time, but I kept that to myself.

"Do you even hear what you're saying?" He slammed a hand on the table, and bits of frost crept from his fingertips onto the wood while edges of darkness surrounded his arms. "You want us to hand you over to spend the night with him ?"

"I'm in agreement with Tavish." Father shook his head like he couldn't believe what he'd said. "You handing yourself over is too risky. If they were to find a way to keep you, knowing that breeding with you—"

"First off, if I did stay overnight, it wouldn't be with him." I rolled my eyes. Even though Tavish didn't like my plan, he didn't have to be so dramatic. Worse, he was getting Father riled up. I had to de-escalate the situation. "So there would be no chance of breeding . I'd demand my own room."

"How would that have gone if you'd done that when you were held prisoner by me? And dragons are ruthless. Who said you have to be willing?" Tavish's jaw clenched, and a dangerous glint reflected in his irises.

All that accomplished was me straightening my back and refusing to back down. Yes, there were risks to my plan, but the biggest positive was that Eiric would be handed over safely.

"In truth, you never treated Lira like a true prisoner. She's spent less time in prison than I have." Finnian leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table. "In fact, I've come closer to death at your hand more often than she ever did."

Tavish looked at Finnian and snarled, "Much like at this moment."

"Everyone is flying with their wings clipped right now." Caelan turned so his back was to the open window with both of his feet firmly on the floor. "Both Tavish and Lira have valid points, but I suspect there's a way to utilize both ideas."

"What do you suggest?" Mother ran a finger along the top of her glass.

"If Tavish is up for the challenge and at all full strength, a group of us go to Tìr na Dràgon and he cloaks us in darkness so no one can see us. If we leave now, we'll arrive there an hour or so before the sun goes down. Tavish can cover the sun so none of the group will be noticed, and we'd have time to scout the area. Lira wouldn't be forced to stay overnight but could safely make the exchange to free Eiric."

Even though I didn't like the idea of Tavish being involved, I understood his staying behind wasn't an option, especially if I planned on handing myself over.

"That still means Lira hands herself over." Tavish crossed his arms. "I'm not willing to risk it."

I stood, shoving my seat back and pivoting in his direction. Frustration and annoyance burned in my chest. "You don't get to make that decision, Tavish. I'm going because my not being part of the plan is as asinine as you being left out of it. You can hide people, and I can use my water magic, which is their weakness. Not only that, but I can get Eiric out of there. I have to because the dragons won't hesitate to kill her when they realize I have no intention of remaining or marrying Pyralis. I've proven that I can handle any battle thrown my way, and I find it insulting that you make it seem as if I'm not capable of protecting myself."

"I understand I'm not a royal, but Hestia and I have known Lira longer than anyone else here." Dad stood at the end of the table between Tavish and Father and continued, "And Lira is more than capable of handling herself. She's trained her entire life. Believe me, I wouldn't risk her if I had any doubt. She's like a daughter to me, and I couldn't handle losing both of my children, especially not to ashbreaths."

His pride warmed my chest until I noticed the way Mom frowned… like she didn't agree with him.

"There's no question that Lira can handle herself." Tavish's expression softened, and he touched my arm.

If it hadn't been for the comforting buzz of his touch and the love and concern weaving through our bond, I would've pulled away. Instead, I found myself craving the support I needed from him.

"She's proven it over and over, much to my chagrin." He moved closer to me, our entire arms now touching, and continued, "I just don't want her to have to do that anymore. I want to protect her from anything that risks her well-being, whether emotionally or physically."

Then you need to let me go because not going will cause problems between us, and I have to be there for my sister. Imagine if it were Caelan or Finnian. He needed to put himself in my place and imagine if one of the two people who had truly become family in the last twelve years had been taken. Would you be willing to stay behind while I went off in search of them?

Fair, but would you be as keen for me to go with you if another woman was determined that I marry and impregnate her? He arched a brow. Would you be thrilled at the prospect of me flying into her during the exchange?

The mere suggestion of it had me wanting to stab their eyes out. I'd kill someone for even hinting at that. I hadn't realized that I'd dug my nails into my palms until he smirked. See. You're enraged, and it's merely an idea that isn't true, unlike the ashbreath adamant that you are his.

Father cleared his throat, pulling our attention from each other to him. He said, "I still struggle with putting our only heir in harm's way, especially after only recently getting her back."

We were wasting energy and time arguing. If I wanted all of them to consider my involvement, I couldn't continue to get upset. I needed to list my reasons and stop being reactive and impulsive. All it was doing was making the situation spiral. We needed to move on. "Just listen, please. And if you still don't agree, I promise to give you the same respect until we find a way to settle the matter." At the end of the day, I wasn't the Seelie leader, nor had Tavish and I gotten married. Technically, the three of them would make the decision—not that I would obey. Still, it would be easier if we could all get on the same page.

"I'm in agreement." Mother nodded, leaning forward in her chair.

I cut my gaze to Tavish.

He sighed. "I don't truly have much choice in the matter, so I agree."

"Smart man," Finnian coughed.

Tavish sneered. "Why are you still alive? Times like these, I struggle to remember."

"Because you need me. I do what Caelan and you don't want to. Who was the one who helped Lira remember how to fight with a sword?" He placed his hands behind his head, allowing his wings to unfold. "For that, you will be forever in debt to me."

"Don't forget about what I walked in on that night when you had Lira on the bed," Tavish hissed. "That removes any misgivings you've misdirected my way."

This bickering ended now. None of us had time for that. "Father?"

"Please proceed." He stroked his beard, nodding.

"I agree with Caelan." I wanted to give him credit because I might need his support to get Tavish on board with my idea. "Tavish and a group of people leave now to watch the area and learn as much as they can about the kingdom. Then, they return and relay the information. Then they'll rest so we can prepare for tomorrow evening when I'll hand myself over to the dragons. Once Eiric is released, we attack. I won't be taken far within the island, and I won't need to stay overnight." I believed this was the most likely common ground we could find.

"Tomorrow?" Father dropped his hand. "We have two days before anything has to be done."

Mom paused her pacing at the other end of the table. "If Lira hands herself over early, they'll believe she's truly desperate to save Eiric. They won't suspect that we'll attack then because she came early . If she hands herself over on the exact deadline, they'll expect a plan."

My pulse thudded. "Exactly." If Mom had followed my train of thought, then it had to be a solid idea.

"I'm fine with everything up to Lira giving herself up." Tavish exhaled sharply. "But unfortunately, I understand the merit of the plan. If she hands herself over, and I cloak the army, the dragons will be none the wiser."

Agony ripped through our bond, proving how hard it had been for him to say those words. "That's the point. To save Eiric and eliminate the dragon threat by having as much of an advantage as possible. We won't be on our land, so it won't be destroyed, but our magic will be weaker. If we can fight hard and fast, then maybe we'll still have the advantage."

"Won't the dragons sense Tavish using his magic?" Finnian pursed his lips. "Remember how the Seelie guards were able to track us while you were hiding us after we escaped from the holding cell?"

Father grimaced but then smoothed out his expression. "The fae are more attuned to fae magic, but theoretically, the dragons could sense it if they were actively searching for it."

"If we fly high over the land so we aren't cloaked nearby, then we should be able to eliminate that risk." Tavish rubbed the back of his neck. "We might not know details, but we can see enough to get an idea of how things are laid out, and Eiric can likely give us details about the prison area. She should've gleaned something from her time there. Also, Lira won't get far enough away for getting her back to be a problem."

"Then I believe it's time for Tavish to select his group and leave." Dad chewed on his bottom lip. "And see what information can be noted. We can meet in the morning to see what has been learned and decide the best way to proceed."

Right. We could sit here and talk generalities all day. However, the more information we could learn without risking exposure, the more we could fine-tune everything.

"I'd like for a few Seelie to be part of the group." Father stretched his wings. "And since you're unsure who can be trusted in Cuil Dorcha, Lira should return with us to Caisteal Solais tonight since the number of trusted guards at hand will be further reduced and Tavish won't be by her side."

My breath caught. I hadn't considered leaving. "I have Nightbane. I can't leave him here alone. Not again." He was already upset with how little attention I'd given him. This would be an excellent opportunity for us to bond.

"The cù-sìth?" Mother's nose wrinkled.

"She and the beast have a unique connection." Caelan shrugged. "I don't think any of us understand it."

"Then bring him back with us." Mother shrugged. "Having extra protection is never a bad thing, especially since I know Hestia and Brenin will want to be part of the group to examine the dragon land."

"We would like to, but if—" Mom started.

Father waved a hand. "Of course you two will be part of it."

Her shoulders relaxed.

"Well, if we're going to do this, it's best we leave now to have more time to watch from afar." Tavish placed an arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him as he continued, "Caelan, you can stay here and keep an eye on things. Finnian, Finola, and Struan can join me and leave Lorne here to rest after his night of watching the prison cells. He's trustworthy if anything happens."

"Sounds good to me." Caelan nodded. "I can keep the other guards busy cleaning up the village, so no one should notice you're gone. I'll even stow the sword so no one notices it here."

Finnian flew out of his seat. "I'll grab the others and Nightbane."

Even though I hadn't expected to return to my childhood room, a part of me was excited. I could wear my own clothes instead of the former queen's gowns.

Within minutes, everyone gathered in the foyer. Nightbane stood at my side, glaring at my parents. My heart ached, realizing that Tavish and I would be separated, if only for a few hours. But I didn't want to push going with them tonight. Tomorrow was going to be hard enough on him. Not only that, but it would be best if I returned to Gleann Solas to recharge my magic for the inevitable fight.

Tavish kissed me, his tongue slipping into my mouth.

I'm going to miss you, sprite.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, eagerly responding. Don't be gone too long. I'd like to have some time alone with you before the fight.

Now that is something that I won't disagree with you on. He pulled away, his silver eyes shining bright. Be safe and enjoy your last night in your childhood room. When this is over, you'll be mine in every way and living permanently in Dunscaith with me. We'll never be separated like this again.

That sounded more than perfect. Agreed.

"If we don't want people to see you leave, you should go now." Caelan gestured to the hallway. "Maybe cloak yourself, Finola, Struan, Finnian, Nightbane, and Lira until you're away from Aetherglen so no one says anything to the Unseelie."

"Good idea." Tavish's magic churned through our bond, stronger than ever before.

The chill of the darkness covered my skin, the sensation now as comforting as my own magic. Tavish took my hand and flew upward while Struan grunted, picking up Nightbane, and Finola flew behind us.

My parents followed closely, and we headed toward Gleann Solas.

We flew over the forest that divided our land, the trees changing from evergreens to Silathair trees that resembled cherry blossoms. Soon, silvery bark and leaves twinkled below, reminding me of starlight. The silver contrasted with the Ironbark trees, whose trunks and leaves were rusty like metal.

As we passed the waterfall, the towering Seelie castle appeared.

Father and Mother flew ahead while Dad said, "Take Lira to her room, and we'll wait for you where the dragons approached us when we returned."

Hiding from other people was more than okay with me.

We flew around the side of the castle, passing the place where we'd escaped through the hidden passage in the walls and came to the large, open window of my childhood room. Tavish landed beside me right at the opening of the wall-sized window underneath a Silathair, and Struan placed Nightbane on the ground next to me.

I can't stay long. A Seelie could sense my magic. Tavish frowned but quickly kissed me one last time. If you need anything—

I'll let you know. I cupped his cheeks, needing to reassure him once again. You're the one heading to the dragon land. Be careful. Don't let them know you're there.

We won't. He released me and frowned. I just want the next two days to be over so we can finally spend time alone without a constant threat.

Me too. And I'll be able to relax once I know that Eiric is safe and home. I love you, thorn.

I love you, sprite. His face strained as he turned his back to me.

I glanced at Finola and Struan before Tavish withdrew his magic from me. "Keep him and yourselves safe." I cared deeply for all three of them.

Struan smiled. "We will. I promise."

"Please, I'll have to be the one who keeps all four of us safe." Finnian winked, trying to make me laugh. "Don't you worry, Princess." He bowed and headed off.

I stood there, unable to see the four of them fly away, yet knowing that they were as the chill of the darkness faded from me. Knowing I needed to be in the room in case someone flew by, I stepped inside with Nightbane by my side.

Something shifted in my closet, causing Nightbane to snarl.

My mouth dried. "Who's there?"

And then there was a loud crash.