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Valen rounded back down the bend in the stairs. “Did you both see the parchment in the cell?”

“I noticed,” I admitted.

“Someone is speaking to him. They’re delivering missives.”

“You think there are hidden sea fae?” Stieg asked.

“Possibly. Kase has sensed nothing, no fear, no glimmer of apprehension except from the two boys. Raum has searched, and nothing.” Valen’s dark eyes narrowed. “Perhaps someone else is trying to gain his trust.”

“Valen,” Stieg chuckled. “You sound like you already know. Who are you thinking?”

“I’ll be on the watch tonight,” he said without responding. “I want to see for myself.”

It was my night to make rounds around the fort. Valen still insisted he’d be there. I wasn’t going to argue. Calista would be there. Everyone else could join. I was certain I’d hardly notice them, for my eyes would be on her.

* * *

Elise yawned and let her head drop to her husband’s shoulder. “I’m not cut out for watch duty, it would seem. Tell me why we’re here again. I thought this was the job of skilled warriors.”

Valen grinned. “Are you turning into an adventureless queen, my love?”

Elise pinched his side. “Watch your words, Valen Ferus. I am the one always asking to travel, while you are content to stay holed away in your comfortable castle.”

I could understand the Night Folk king on that piece. I’d be content to remain holed away for another turn if it meant Calista and I were undisturbed and unthreatened for once in our damn lives.

Calista tugged on my hand. “I think someone’s slinking through the grass over there. See the way it’s moving.”

True enough, there was an odd sway to the long snake grass leading to the tower with the cells. Valen leaned over one knee, watching as the intruder wove their way toward the tower until they emerged on the rocky edges of the tower walls.

“Dammit. I bleeding knew it.” Valen rubbed a hand down his face. “Recognized that little swirl she puts on some of her symbols.”

Calista bit down on her bottom lip, to keep from laughing, I thought. Now was not the time to aggravate the king.

“Is that—” Elise squinted. “Bleeding gods, what is Livia doing? We need to get her.”

“Wait,” Calista said. “We’re watching. He can’t hurt her. Let’s see what she’s up to.”

I cast her a furtive look. She had reasons to watch this play out, as much as I did.

Valen frowned. Elise still seemed aghast. Together, they watched their daughter, draped in a dark fur over her frilled nightdress, tap on the bars of Erik Bloodsinger’s cell and lean close. I never saw the young king, but clearly, she was speaking to him. After a moment she dug into a small leather satchel and pulled out . . . a book.

“She’s . . .readingto him?” Valen seemed more confused than before.

Elise pressed a hand to her heart, smiling. “That girl is too bleeding good for this cruel world. She’s befriending him, Valen.”

“Why?”

Elise blew out her lips. “She knows the tale of Thorvald, and likely knows who that boy hates the most. You know your this is Livia’s way of making certain another battle does not take her daj from her. This must be why she’s not sleeping well.”

Valen’s jaw tightened, but he gave us a quick look. “Livie’s been having wretched nightmares.”

“The littles have never known war,” Calista said. “This whole ordeal was frightening. Are you satisfied that no sea fae are sneaking in to speak to the boy?”

“No, I’m not satisfied,” Valen said. “Now, I have a tender-hearted daughter trying to befriend a boy who’d like to slit my throat. If he doesn’t alter his words, another thing will be torn from her soon enough.”

Valen had his answers. He offered us a farewell, and took Elise’s hand once they had a promise that we would keep watch on the Night Folk princess until she returned.

“So,” I said, wrapping my arms around Calista’s waist. I pressed a kiss to the crook of her neck. “Are you going to tell him?”