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“You don’t know Vale like I do,” Saga replied. “He might be a soldier and act somewhat brutish at times, but he is a fae who knows right from wrong. Plus, he has connections that we will need to call upon to get you out of here.”

“I see.” Did I have a choice? If Saga couldn’t orchestrate an escape alone, and I couldn’t either, I needed to trust in her ideas. “But please, can we keep this to us three?”

“And whomever Vale chooses to help.” Saga took my hand. “Whether it is protectors to travel with you from the city, or someone to sail a boat, you cannot do this alone.”

A thought struck. “I can’t. You’re right. Which reminds me, Clemencia needs to come with me. And one other.”

Saga gave me a long look. “I understand taking your lady-in-waiting. Otherwise, she will be questioned, perhaps even cruelly, after you leave. But who is the other?”

“Prince Gervais has a human consort named Anna. She must come too.”

Saga reared back. “But—why?”

“I can’t tell you why.” I found I wasn’t worried about admitting that. The calming draught must have well and truly kicked in. “But do you think Prince Vale can make that happen?”

For a moment, she said nothing, just stared. When she spoke, it came in a low voice. “We’ll do our best, Neve. I’ll relay this information to my brother. He will be the decider. Does that suit you?”

“It will have to.” I rose and made to curtsey, but Saga stopped me by wrapping her arms around me in a hug.

My chest tightened, knowing I was lucky to have her as a friend and that if I made it out of here alive, I’d miss her forever.

“You will be at the trial by bear, right?” Saga asked as we pulled apart.

“And the feast. Your father told me I must attend.”

“I will be there too, standing with you.” Saga squeezed my shoulder. “Now, I must go see my brother. Rest and prepare until tonight, Neve.”

Chapter 37

The hours passed, and my nerves grew. From my window, I watched fae enjoying the late afternoon, but I stayed safe inside, trying to piece out what had happened last night and, more importantly, what was to come. The vials of blood, both mine and Roar’s, seemed to burn a hole in the pocket of my dress. I would not part with them again. Not after what had happened.

Recently, a message from Saga had arrived saying I would have an escort to the trial. Would it be Prince Vale?

I got ready at the specified hour, dressed in attire suitable for the trial and the feast after, with a glamorous twist. Though the hairpin Princess Saga had gifted me looked much fancier than my dress, it also comforted me. I’d wanted to wear it, so I did.

When the knock came at the door, I rushed to answer. Clemencia, however, beat me there, and when she opened the door, I cocked my head.

A tall faerie dressed in the uniform of the Clawsguard stood there. He had dark black skin and the most brilliant blue eyes and matching wings. I was certain that I’d never seen him before, as this male was the type anyone would notice in a crowd. Handsome, strong, and as his face split into a wide smile, I suspected he was kind as well.

“Lady Neve, I’m Sir Caelo.” He inclined his head as I approached. “Part of Prince Vale’s Clawsguard. Are you ready?”

“Let me grab my cloak. Clem, get yours too.” I whirled and reached for my sage-green fur-lined cloak I’d set over the back of a chair. Clemencia disappeared into her room and returned with a pretty wool cloak embellished with snowflakes.

Sir Caelo ushered us from our rooms and down the hall. Fae stared and shook their heads, hinting that word of Roar’s departure had already spread far and wide, but with a Clawsguard at my side, they did not approach me. I thanked the stars for the knight’s presence.

We reached the part of the palace where we would have needed to turn left to go to the tourney grounds, but Caelo went right instead, and I stumbled.

“Pardon.” I righted myself. “Aren’t we going to the tourney grounds?”

“I’m afraid that the Pit is much less luxurious. Though, of course, you’ll be in the best seat.” Unease flashed across his face. “Not that that means much in the Pit.”

“I see,” I said, though I really did not.

Once the knight turned and continued to lead us through the halls, I caught Clemencia’s eyes. She shrugged.

I supposed I’d learn soon enough, so I followed Sir Caelo’s path.

“Brace yourselves, ladies.” The knight approached a door to the side of a hallway. “The winds coming in off the Shivering Sea have picked up. I swear, they’re colder than a mage’s touch.”