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His huge hand cupped my cheek. “I know. It’s how you act despite your fear that counts.”

His mouth brushed mine, and my eyes stung.

“Enjoy your time with your fae prince. But know this—you cannot keep him.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

Prisca was quiet for most of the trip back to Quorith. Rythos spent the majority of his time in his cabin, while Galon bullied him to ensure he ate. Marth was stalking up and down the deck like a caged animal—uncomfortable with not being on land as usual—and Cavis stood statue-still, staring into the distance the way he did when he was mentally with his family.

Asinia had found a brush and a comb somewhere, and the Drakoryx had allowed her to tease the knots out of its matted fur. Prisca had given them an incredulous look and shaken her head, stalking away.

Telean had paled when she first saw the Drakoryx, her gaze jumping to Prisca. I’d asked her to explain the significance, and she’d informed me that Drakoryx were the ultimate test for anyone wanting to claim the hybrid throne.

The creatures had a unique ability to see the true heart of a person. Before ascending to the throne, all potential rulers were given a waterskin and a knife and led into Drakoryx territory. If they made it out alive, they were considered worthy to rule.

“What does it mean that one of themfollowedher?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps it means she is worthy but it wants to watch over her to ensure she remains so. It is something I’ve never encountered before.”

The Drakoryx had opened one eye, clearly listening, and I’d given it a slow smile. “If you attempt to ‘change your mind’ and harm her in any way, I will make your death a horror you cannot imagine.”

The Drakoryx lifted one side of its lip, halfheartedly displaying a few teeth, and closed its eyes.

Prisca stood near the helm of the ship, her gaze on the underwater creatures drifting past us. She was quiet, and I attempted to give her the space she needed.

I’d never doubted for one moment that she would take her crown. Even as I’d known what had been done to make her fear such a thing, I’d known she would conquer all of it and put her people first.

Finally, we docked at the edge of fae territory, Rythos using his ward to ensure we remained unseen.

Cavis and I would travel with Prisca, Telean, and Asinia to Gromalia.

The Drakoryx had decided to continue following us. Prisca seemed entirely bemused by the creature, who seemed just as interested in watching everything she did.

My instincts told me it was safe, but I was closely monitoring it all the same. I’d also warned it not to draw attention to us, and it had responded by curling its lip and flashing sharp white teeth at me. I’d done the same, and we’d understood each other.

We crossed into Gromalia in the dead of night, Cavis and I in our human forms, all of us cloaked and heavily armed. In the first town, we procured fresh horses, and by the time we broke through the forest near the city gates, I was more than ready to sleep in a bed once more.

Telean asked for a brief break. Prisca gave her a concerned look, and her aunt waved a hand at her. “I need to stretch.”

Prisca glanced at me, still looking concerned for her aunt. “Where are we staying?”

“The Golden Goblet.”

Her lower lip stuck out. “Isn’t that where we stopped on our way out of the city?”

“Yes.”

She sucked her lip into her mouth, and I stared, entranced.

“What’s wrong with that inn?”

She shook her head. “It’s fine.” She stalked away to mount her horse.

“I can help you out here,” Asinia said from behind me.

I turned and eyed her. “And why would you do that?” Her loyalty was to Prisca. As it should be.

“Because giving you this hint might help you take your foot out of your mouth. And Prisca has far too many important things to worry about to be brooding over you.”