Chapter 55
“Well, that was a letdown,” Driscoll said as we stood together, readying ourselves for our next journey—to Apolis.
Poppy’s father and Saestra had disappeared into the sky, already leaving for the conclave. Poppy elected to journey with us via ship. She’d refused to leave my side, though I told her to go ahead with her father. The sky king promised to get to the water court and tell my mother and brother that I was alive, that I’d found my shadow, and that I had important news that everyone needed to hear. He hadn’t wasted any time, departing immediately.
“We have to go after the bone collector first,” Poppy said, bracing her legs, ready to take flight. “We have to get that bolt.”
I grasped her arm gently, and pulled her to face me. A scowl lined her face. “Poppy, your father is right. There’s been too much death recently, and we don’t know what kind of damage that bolt can do.”
“We have a responsibility to get it,” Poppy cried, struggling against me. “We can go after him and still make it to the conclave. He can’t have gotten far.”
Leoni paced. “We don’t even know who the bone collector is. Or who the white rabbit is.”
“I do actually know who the white rabbit is.” Poppy bit her lip. “I’m almost certain it’s Emory.”
Driscoll’s eyes widened. “Plot twist.”
I couldn’t imagine what a married noblewoman like Emory had gotten caught up in. Stealing artifacts, collecting enemies, and keeping it all a secret from her husband? None of it bode well for her.
Poppy shook her head. “What if the bone collector works for the shadow king? What if he has his own plans for that bolt? What if he wants to free Spirit Sky? What if he wants to use it himself and destroy us all?”
I placed my hands on her shoulders. “We will figure it all out, but you have to go to the conclave and tell everyone about your gran and what she revealed to you,” I insisted. “We’ll be stronger together. We can’t make the same mistakes of the past, can’t just ignore these threats and pretend they’ll go away. We have to face them. We have to fight.”
Poppy stared at me for a long moment before nodding.
Leoni stepped forward. “I’ll go. I’ll find Emory. Tell her what happened. If anyone can track this bone collector and find the bolt, it’s her.”
She was right. We needed Emory for this.
“But her husband will never agree,” Poppy said.
“Just let me take care of it,” Leoni said. “Trust me.”
Poppy cocked an eyebrow. “You’re willing to work with a criminal like Emory? So you really meant what you said earlier, to my father?”
I crossed my arms and shot her a teasing smile. “You’re not supposed to leave the crown unprotected.” I pointed at myself. “I’m talking about me. I’m the crown.”
“Fuck the rules,” Driscoll said in a singsong voice.
Leoni scowled. “I still like rules, but I’m just going to loosen up a little. The bolt is important, so I’ll help find it.”
Poppy stared at Leoni for a long minute before saying, “Okay. Thank you, Leoni.”
The former captain of the guard sighed. “I better leave immediately. There’s no time to waste.”
She turned to leave, and Poppy shrugged out of my hold and grabbed her arm. “Wait! When you get back, there’s going to be an open position for my captain of the guard. If you’re up for it?”
Leoni’s blue eyes widened. “What?”
I smiled. It was perfect. Leoni deserved that position. There was no one else, other than myself, I’d trust to protect Poppy.
“I am princess of the sky court,” Poppy said. “I’m going to need someone to protect me, someone whom I trust.”
“You’re offering me a job?” Leoni asked, voice wavering.
“If you’d be okay living in the sky court. We’ll have to figure out the whole no-wings thing, but?—”
“I accept!” Leoni threw herself at Poppy, hugging her tight. “Thank you. I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t,” Poppy said. “Now go get us that bolt.”
“Fine,” Driscoll burst out. “Don’t twist my arm. I’ll go too.”
I raised a brow. “You still want to be a hero?”
Driscoll made a dismissive noise. “I already am a hero, thank you very much. But no. I’m retiring, I’m afraid. I’m starting to think I’m more of a sidekick, you know? Here to provide the entertainment and wit. Keep the spirits up.” He smirked. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll find my own prince charming.”
We all stared at him.
“Honestly, I’m fine doing this alone,” Leoni finally said.
“Too late. I’m going.” Driscoll raised his nose in the air. “Tell Liliath I’m sorry I didn’t make it back to the conclave, and she’ll hear from me soon.”
“Why do I always get stuck with you?” Leoni grumbled as she and Driscoll began making their way across the meadow and toward the forest.
“Stuck with me? Excuse you. It is an honor to travel with me.”
“If you say so,” she said, their voices growing distant.
“Is it weird I’m actually going to miss them and their bickering?” Poppy asked as we watched them go.
“Yes,” I said, studying Poppy, at the way the sun haloed her soft brown hair that hung in waves to her waist. “I’m looking forward to silence for the first time in months.” I whirled her around, pinning her body to the wall of the tower. “And having you all to myself for the first time in... ever.” I kissed her neck, and she melted under my touch.
“What happened to getting to the conclave?” Poppy asked, breathless.
“Oh, we’ll still get to the conclave... just after I have my way with you.”
I caught her lips with mine and kissed her hard. She threaded her hands through my hair, and my hands braced on either side of her head, pressing into the rough stone.
“So many things I want to do to you,” I murmured.
She broke the kiss and pushed me back. “Focus, Loch.”
My gaze dipped to her breasts. “I’m very focused.”
She laughed. “On our mission: getting to the conclave. Delivering the information we’ve learned.”
I groaned, my head dropping into her shoulder. “Oh, right. All of that.” I stepped back, studying her. “You ready for this?”
She smiled. “Not in the slightest.”
“You just saved my life, found Spirit Sky’s bolt, and faced your father. You’re definitely ready.” I pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “It’s time to show everyone who you are. It’s time to spread your wings and soar.”