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“Neither will meekly turning and leaving his kingdom with my tail between my legs. I want him to learn just how easily I can tie our fates together. If my people go down, he goes down with them.”

His gaze darted over my face. “You grew up in a tiny village. I know that much about you.”

My throat closed at the reminder of my home, and I nodded.

“So how did you become like this so quickly?”

I let out a hollow laugh. It was evidentlike thiswas not a compliment.

“It’s simple, really. I saw what Regner had done to the hybrids. I learned that no one came to our aid when we were invaded. Not the Gromalians. Not the fae. Not thegods. And I realized no one was going to save us except ourselves.”

I would become every bit as ruthless as these old kings and twice as conniving.

I leveled Rekja with a hard stare. “I need you to invite us to stay for a couple of days.”

His red brows shot up. “And why would I do that?”

“Because you know we’re speaking the truth when we tell you that Regner will come for this kingdom.”

“I may believe you, but my loyalties still lie with my father. I’m sorry. I wish it could be different.”

I’d expected this answer, even as I’d hoped he’d take the easy option. “Reconsider. Please.”

“I can’t.”

I hadn’t wanted to use this, but I would if I had to. “Then invite me to stay because I know about your relationship with your father’s guard.”

Rekja’s expression turned cold. My skin prickled. I wasn’t sure what power he had, but I wasn’t about to find out.

Pulling the threads of my power toward me, I slid behind him, then released the hold I had on time. He jumped, pivoting to face me.

“Relax, Rekja. I have no intention of telling your father anything about your life. And if we ever end up across the battlefield from each other, I will order that your guard is spared.”

Rekja snarled, and I stepped into one of the many alcoves along this corridor. He followed me. I knew that expression. He wasn’t used to power like mine, and he responded to fear with rage.

“We could have been allies,” he said softly.

“We will be,” I said.

Rekja slowly shook his head. “You have two days. But I strongly suggest you stay away from me, Nelayra.” He turned and stalked away. I buried my hands in my gown until they stopped shaking. It was becoming increasingly rare that I had a moment alone, and I stood in the silence, taking deep breaths.

It shouldn’t matter, that I’d threatened the life of Rekja’s lover. I would do much, much worse before this was over.

And yet…

And yet.

Footsteps sounded on the stone, and I stepped out of the alcove, smiling at the servant who hurried past me. By the time I made it back to my room, I was firmly in control of my emotions.

At least I was until my eyes met Lorian’s.

I closed the door behind me. “We’re staying. But he’s not going to work with us unless we make sure he has nowhere else to turn. You said his mother died when he was young?”

Lorian leaned back and watched me, his gaze steady.

“Yes. There was some mystery surrounding her death.”

“What kind of mystery?”