Page 72

“Did the assembly reach an agreement?” Ayla asked, setting her bag just inside our bedroom.

Rhett shrugged. “They’re still arguing over how much the Starlit King wants to charge in port fees. In response, the Dragon Queen is offering Wisp as a secondary port, but it’s far too small to support the demand. Calindra was up all night writing a new proposal that she plans to share today.”

As he explained, I studied Iona, still uncertain if she could detect my presence or not. She was pointedly not looking at me, and I couldn’t decide if that was a good or bad sign.

“So then, what’s the development?” Ayla asked after a pause.

Rhett took a deep breath. “Iona and I are staying together, and if that means heading out on our own, we understand.”

Ayla crossed her arms. “You’re… leaving?”

Rhett stood, stepping between Ayla and Iona. “I’d prefer it if we could both go with you. If you’ll allow it.”

Ayla stared at him.

Then Iona stood too, her posture bent, a little desperate. “Please. I’ve suspected the worst of my mother, but over the last few days, the more I’ve learned… I won’t be a part of this.”

Ayla squinted at her. “So whatishappening?”

“The weapons.” Iona swallowed. “I don’t know who they’re for, but I’ve seen the lists my mother sent to the artisans. She already has stockpiles of weapons, but they’re making even more and her team is still designing new kinds.”

Ayla searched the mer’s face in silence.

Iona stood a little taller. “I’ll find my way out, one way or another. And as for Rhett… He’s choosing this.” She reached for his hand. “We’ll never know ifwework if we’re never together.”

Finally, Ayla shook her head. “I understand—I don’t like this either. But you don’t want to come with us, not really… It’s complicated.”

“I know that.” Iona glared at her. “Your backstory is too suspicious.”

Ayla stared daggers at Rhett, who shook his head, mouth agape, clearly just as surprised by Iona’s accusation.

Iona shook her head. “Don’t blame Rhett—he didn’t spill your secret. And I don’t think anyone else suspects. ButIknow Rhett doesn't have a cousin on Valterra. For him to maintain such a lie means your secret must be important, and while I don’t intend to pry, treat me with respect. Whatever it is, I can handle a littlecomplication.”

Ayla pinned her with her gaze. “All that, and you’re still not afraid to leave with us?”

Iona shrugged. “Whatever you and Rhett are up to is a far better bet than my mother. Maybe not safer. But better.”

“Well,” Ayla breathed, curiously probing the tether as if asking for my thoughts.

I weighed the options, frustrated with how little I knew of Iona beyond her infatuation with Rhett and frustrations with her mother.

“Let me speak with Rhett,” Ayla finally answered. “Alone.”

Iona nodded. “I understand.”

Simultaneously, Rhett growled. “But—”

Ayla put up her hand. “We’ll need to leave soon, and there won’t be much notice.Ifyou’re coming with us, I need you to prepare now.”

“Of course,” Iona rushed to say.

“That soon?” Rhett’s voice rose.

“We have a few more tasks to complete, and we’re leaving as soon as they’re done.”

Rhett frowned.

Taking the hint, Iona kissed his cheek, stepping away before he could react. “I’ll pack and let you two chat.” Her gaze strayed to where I was standing, her lips drawn tight.