I wasn’t nearly as confident as I led Frost to believe. But the only chance I had of him going along with things was projecting confidence. He trusted me. Sometimes more than he should. But this time I knew I was right. I knew that the answer to our problems didn’t lie in visiting the other courts. It involved getting to the root of things. To where these so-called Dwellers came from.
I thought over my mother’s instructions. She’d told me to deliver the envelopes, but she’d also talked about me having to step up. This was stepping up. This was trusting the instinct that I knew was going to become something a whole lot more. All high fae developed a gift, and I knew I had one brewing under the surface.
“Thank you for your patience. We had a few things to discuss.” I sensed everyone knew about the feelings growing between Frost and I, so hopefully they thought our talk related to that. Either way, it didn’t matter. I had to push on. “I'm going to finish delivering, but I don’t want to go alone.”
King Leon nodded. “Understood. Please feel free to bring Frost. We will of course miss his expertise in your absence.”
“Thank you, but I need more than Frost.” I braced myself for the king’s reaction.
“Who else do you request?”
“Preston and James.” The first name would be expected, but not the second.
James laughed. “Oh. I’m honored. You worried your wolves won’t provide enough protection? You want a real man?”
Frost growled low. James smirked. I was starting to think the guy didn’t have any other expressions.
“That is fine.” The king nodded.
“And Lacey. I want Lacey too.”
“I’d be happy to go.” Lacey sat straight up in her chair.
“Why would you need my Lacey?” King Leon narrowed his eyes.
Of course he wouldn’t want his daughter at risk, which is why if he let her come, my chances of making it back in one piece would be much higher. It’s not that I wanted to put my friend in danger, but I had to protect my court, and that meant making sure I wasn’t being led into some sort of trap.
“Does it matter why she wants me there?” Lacey frowned. “I’m her friend, and I’m just as committed to the cause as she is.”
“Think of what you are suggesting.” King Leon stood. “Why should we risk two heirs?”
“Risk two?” I felt my voice lilt. That wasn’t the plan. I took a few deep breaths before continuing. “What? Are you implying it’s dangerous?”
Lacey took my hand. “Because if that’s the case, why let Wren go? Isn’t she worthy of as much protection as me?”
No. Not in his mind. But I did wonder if he’d actually admit that.
“Of course I want to protect Wren. But it was up to her mother whether to involve her or not. Just as it is up to me whether to involve you.” He shot me a look to let me know what he thought of my decision to try to pull his daughter in.
I tried to hide my response, but I was pretty sure I had something akin to a smug smile.
Lacey set her jaw. “If I don’t go, she can’t go. I’m not letting her face things alone.”
“She will hardly be alone. I will be happy to allow her to bring Frost, Preston, and James. That is more protection than she’d normally ever have. She can also take some of our guards.”
Lacey released my hand and stepped toward the king. “Father, I’m going with her. I’m of age. I can make my own decisions.”
“Even if they are foolish?” The king slung his chair across the room. “Is it not bad enough that I am about to lose your mother?”
Lacey gasped. “Lose her? You said there was hope.”
I put a hand on her shoulder, I couldn’t imagine the fear Lacey was facing, yet here she was volunteering to go with me. Guilt seized me, but I wouldn’t let it change my mind.
“Well, then do you really want me to lose my mother and my best friend?”
Large tears welled in King Leon’s eyes. “I cannot lose you, my girl.”
“Just like Wren’s mother can’t lose her.” Lacey walked over to stand right before her father. “You know that.”
The king avoided his daughter’s eyes. “She has another daughter.”
“And one daughter can stand in place of another?” Lacey held her ground. I was seriously impressed.
“No.” The king shook his head. “You are correct there. I care for your well being, Wren. “You must know that.”
“I’m not sure what I know anymore.” I didn’t know what to believe. I’d known King Leon my whole life, but I was from a rival court. That couldn’t be forgotten. “But that doesn’t change what must be.” I was really putting it on. Maybe I was going too extreme, but I didn’t care. I needed to make things work.
“Lacey is correct that I can’t stop her from going with you no matter how much I wish I could.”
“Father, please understand.” Lacey took a step back from her father, but her eyes didn’t leave his face. “I can’t let Wren handle this alone.”
“What have you seen, child?” The king put a hand on his daughter’s arm.
Lacey shook her head. “Now is not the time to discuss this.”
“I will send a dozen of the guards with you,” King Leon righted the chair and several pieces splintered off.
Everyone watched, but no one said anything.
I was delayed in giving my thanks. Having the guard with me wasn’t part of the plan. That would make things way more complicated.
“You may leave at first light, but tonight you rest,” the king ordered.
“Yes, your majesty.” Frost bowed his head slightly. He was so good about playing the part. About following orders. Yet I knew he’d follow me into this even if he was doing it blindly. I really hoped he was right to trust me.