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“Drak,” he answered after just two rings. “What news do you have for me? How is our queen? How is her human friend?”

“The Queen is fine. Her human friend is … she’s no worse.”

“That’s good. That’s good … Tell me, what is your location? Where are you, cousin? The coordinates Raver gave me put you in the middle of nowhere. The mage you’re staying with must have some very strong cloaking spells over her land for me not to be able to find you. It’s not like you to be off the grid. I’d sleep easier knowing where you were.”

There went that niggling sensation at my nape again.

Something told me not to trust Howar, and I hated that there was even a voice in my head murmuring such things. What did it say about me that I was having suspicions about my king?

“I need a portal location,” I said, not answering him directly. “We need to venture to Hell.”

“Why on earth do you need to go to Hell? You know what the portal does to you when you pass through it, right? It’s not fun. It’s certainly not pleasant.”

“I’m aware. But it’s necessary. We need to find a demon to train Omaera, and we’ve been told there’s one in Hell who is willing. A … a, uh, a female.”

Why was I lying?

“Hmm … do you have a name?”

“No name. But we’re told she’ll be waiting for us when we get there. It’s all being arranged by the healer-mage here. She has connections in Hell. Listen, Howar, we’re just outside of Reno, Nevada. Do you have the location of a portal nearby?”

“Reno, hmm? Let me check. Hang on a moment.”

Even though typically all Realm leaders knew of all portal locations, it was no surprise that Zandren’s father wasn’t up to speed on the whereabouts. He wasn’t your typical ruler. But Howar would know, as would Queen Anysa.

“Ah, yes. Here it is,” Howar replied. “I’m texting you the coordinates now. What time do you think you’ll be there?”

“Later today, I’m sure. We have no time to waste. Omaera needs to learn her powers. She got lucky with Lerris, but they’re still very out of control.”

“Have you bonded yet?”

“Not since we spoke yesterday, Your Majesty,” I gritted out, regretting my irritated tone the moment it came out. “My apologies. It’s just been a very stressful time. Bonding is the last thing on my mind right now.”

“Bullshit.”

I startled at my cousin’s cavalier use of profanity. “I beg your pardon?”

“I know when you’re lying, Drak. Don’t even try. And you’re lying right now.”

I swallowed. “Uh … I am?”

“Yes. It’s the only thing on your mind. I’m guessing that you’re in a mild bit of pain right now, having stepped away from her. It has gotten so bad that unless you’re in the same room as her, you’re experiencing some kind of pain or discomfort. Am I right?”

I exhaled in relief and dropped my gaze to the ground. “You’re right. I can’t lie to you, Your Majesty. I am in pain. But this distance is bearable.”

“I know the Fates won’t allow a forced Mate Bond, but maybe if you’re honest with her, she’ll soften toward you, and it could happen sooner rather than later?”

Why was he pushing the bonding if he was secretly rooting against Omaera? Was I wrong about the King? Could I trust him?

“I’ll give it some thought,” I murmured. “Thank you for the portal location.”

“Be careful crossing through. If you let your thoughts wander, they can get lost and disorganized as the molecules rebuild on the other side. I’ve heard of people getting to Hell and having their memories all jumbled up. They remember things that never happened, and can’t remember things that did. You need to keep your train of thought clear and one-track.”

I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “Good advice. Thank you.”

“Send me your coordinates again. Maybe Raver got them mixed up.”

I cleared my throat and raked my fingers through my hair. “Uh … yes. Yes, of course.”