Page 106

“Oh.” Katana’s eyes widened. “We’re leaving Adalon?”

“I only want to show him it exists. It’s been so long, the king—and I’m sure many others—don’t believe in the gods and realms anymore.”

She nodded. “I suppose that would happen. It would almost be preferable to be like them and not have to live with such long memories.”

Thane reached over and placed his hand over hers. Until then, she hadn’t realized she was digging her nails into her thighs, scrunching up the fabric of her silk dress.

“You don’t need to be nervous,” he said gently.

But for a reason she couldn’t place, a pit in her stomach had been growing all morning. Maybe it was the thought of this negotiation. Maybe it was that last night could have changed her relationship with Thane. If they had slept together, would he treat her differently today? She didn’t want it to change. She didn’t want to lose the simplicity and friendship that had blossomed.

Katana closed her eyes and lifted her chin toward the sun to warm her face. She thought of her former home, the smell of the sea, and the waves crashing against the rocks. She missed the beach and the ocean.

Thane suddenly jerked his hand away and she felt him stand up. Her eyes flashed open, and her heart thundered in her chest.

An all too familiar male with a broad back and shoulder-length, dirty-blond hair stood in the courtyard. An aquamarine robe cut off at the shoulders, reached the back of his knees. Atop his head rested a golden crown with accents of pearls and seashells.

“Atlanta,” Katana whispered, sinking further into the bench. She wanted to be brave, but her muscles froze.

Thane took a small step, angling himself in front of her. That triggered her to get up and stand beside him. One thing she would not do was allow Thane to be killed for her, no matter how much she feared her ex-husband.

“Katana,” Thane breathed.

She held up her palm to him and strode forward. “It is alright. I will speak to him.”

“Just say the word,” he said with a quick nod.

She was more terrified of losing Thane than her own safety. She would not involve him in this.

“Is it you?” Atlanta took a step forward with a big smile. “How can this be?”

She slowly moved toward him, until they were within reaching distance. “Valeen brought me back. We do not quite understand either.”

“Valeen? I saw her. She didn’t tell me you were alive. Where is she?” He looked around, eyes flicking to Thane then back to her.

“She is—here.” She gulped, hoping he wouldn’t sniff out her lie. Her sister had the weapon that could kill him and might be the only person he’d fear. “I have to ask, Atlanta, did you do anything to help her when the council came for her? You know she is important to me.”

His eyes narrowed slightly. “That sounded accusatory.”

“It was a simple question,” she said, softening her voice.

“Of course I did, but she dug her own grave by siding with the Primevarr and marrying that prick. There wasn’t anything I could do once she crossed certain lines.”

Katana glanced over at Thane. “No one deserves what happened to them.”

He let out a chuff and rolled his eyes. “She trapped us all in Runevale for thousands of years. As far as I’m concerned, she does deserve it.”

“She did it to protect herself from the council, but it does not matter now. We could help her make peace.”

He let out a short humorless laugh. “You always were a dreamer. There will be no peace as long as she keeps the immortal dagger.”

“Why should she not have it? She is a primordial, and she is fair and just.”

“It wasn’t decided for her to be a keeper. She stole it.”

Katana pressed her lips together, but didn’t argue with him. It was pointless. They rarely saw eye to eye.

“Let’s go home.” He shot a glare at Thane.