Chapter 22 #2
Lily placed her head against Irsha’s chest, her breathing relaxed. ‘I wish I’d met you earlier. My life would be so different if I’d had someone to stand up for me when I was at my weakest,’ she murmured, and I wondered how many times she’d had to bow to the will of others.
Irsha sighed, embracing her, his chin resting on the top of her head. ‘I won’t do anything against your wishes, but tell me about yourself. The real you.’
Lily’s shoulders slumped. ‘I’m a daughter of Marquess Ordo’lan, Senechal of Lumivitae, and married to Nirsen’li Tir’sa, Herald of the Kingdom.
That’s why you can’t kill him.’ She looked at me, bitterness colouring her voice.
‘The fae have long memories… and an even longer reach. My life is not worth starting a war over when your king’s already fighting one. ’
‘Rey will protect you,’ I heard myself saying. ‘We just need to hold on until he returns. Move to the palace; even your husband’s men won’t dare to attack you there. I’ll ask Riordan to prepare a suite.’
I was so preoccupied with planning that it took a while to notice both Irsha and Lily were looking at me in disbelief.
‘You can’t invite me to the palace, Sana,’ Lily said gently. ‘I know the king treats you differently, but you are not the queen or even his official mistress…’ In the silence that followed her words, the bells in the city chimed softly, announcing noon.
‘Oh, for the love of daisies,’ I muttered, before turning to her.
‘I can’t… not yet, but the regent can. I’ll talk with Riordan.
Pack your things. Irsha, I need your best men standing guard as her servants, and don’t argue with me on this.
I can’t…’ I swallowed hard, pressure building in my mind.
‘I can’t go south whilst worrying about you. ’
Irsha’s eyes warmed, and his proud smile lit up a face darkened by a short stubble.
‘Go, Trouble. Talk to the regent. I doubt he’ll be able to refuse his queen. Once this is sorted, we’ll head south,’ Irsha said, but the eagerness in his voice sounded more worrying than his calling me queen.
‘South? Why?’ Lily looked at me, her focus shifting from her own troubles to mine.
‘I need to go to Tivalaran. Ernesto seems to be planning on inviting Tangra to our shores, possibly using the Wey Gates or his newly dredged ports. I’m planning a little sabotage while I steal Rey’s marriage contract.
’ I looked at Irsha, who sat there with his arm wrapped around Lily so protectively that the army of Light Fae would struggle to pry her from his grip. ‘That’s it in a nutshell.’
‘Most of which you hadn’t told me,’ Irsha said, pulling away from Lily and approaching me. His hands landed on my shoulders, and when I raised my head, I met his gaze. A pair of beautiful brown eyes, as warm as amber from southern seas, now looked at me with anger and determination.
‘Because I didn’t plan to take you with me. If my father hadn’t been so stubborn… But the situation changed. Now you have to stay here, yes?’ I asked hopefully, groaning when he shook his head.
‘Nothing has changed.’ His jaw clenched as he minced his words, guilt creeping into his voice. ‘Ensure Riordan agrees, and I’ll provide security, but we’re going together.’ Irsha swallowed hard, hands tightening on my shoulders.
My heart ached for him, but there was no changing his mind when the muscle on his cheek twitched like this. ‘Blade, if you think I would leave my best friend without the best protection this kingdom can offer, you don’t know me at all.’ I scoffed, rolling my eyes.
‘And do I get a say in your arrangements?’ Lily’s voice came from behind, and I tilted my head to look at her.
‘Not this time, princess.’ She opened her mouth to protest, but I shook my head.
‘Lilliana Ordon, you’re staying in the palace, or I’ll ensure Riordan shuts down your business,’ I said, wagging my finger, and she frowned before realising I was joking.
‘Please, Lily. Do it for Irsha and me, and keep an eye on the politics while I’m gone?
Besides, it’s time for you to be a proper court lady.
I need someone to teach me manners and which fork to use when stabbing the nobles. ’
My speech was cut short when Irsha locked me in a bear hug, crushing me until I could barely breathe. ‘Thank you,’ he whispered in my ear. ‘I love her, Sana. Gods, why does it have to be so hard?’
‘I know, Blade. You still have a choice. Stay with her. You’re the Disciple now, and you don’t have to follow Boyan’s every order,’ I whispered back, and he exhaled, his body relaxing slightly.
‘Not if I have to abandon you to protect her. In the palace, she will be safe, but you… You’re going against a monster,’ he said quietly before pushing me towards the door. ‘I’ll meet you at the gates in two hours.’
Lily frowned, pressing her hands to her chest, her eyes on Irsha. This time, when he reached for her, there was no hesitation in his movements.
And just like that, the Ice Queen of Truso melted into his arms.
A small sun warmed my heart, seeing them find each other, but even now, I couldn’t ignore the feeling of dread. Because her husband’s lands bordered Tivalaran… and I wondered if I could stop Irsha from making a quick excursion.