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“Forbi said the battle bastard would return to his old land,” Calista said. “I think it is because there is no longer a song of Riot Ode keeping him out. Just like Saga was shielded, I think there have been slight advantages that have kept the kingdoms safer from his influence.”

“You,” I muttered under my breath.

Calista tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

“You helped guide them. Protected them. You formed bonds that did not need to be so strong for them to find their fate. You could’ve been a distant worker of fate, but . . . you made them your folk. You were their advantage.”

Her brow wrinkled. Calista stepped into my side and let her head fall to my shoulder. “Then so were you.”

I always viewed my involvement in the other kingdoms merely for her sake. But the more I thought on it, the more I realized, through the turns I, too, had grown respect for folk I’d never truly met beyond the Golden King.

I sang fierce songs, pushed my limits, telling myself it was all for her, but in truth, I didn’t want her heart to lose them. I wanted them to live, to grow stronger, because I wanted Calista to have her damn people again.

“So, if I’m understanding all this,” Cuyler said. “There are no longer any wards, any protections against the battle lord. Your father cursed the lands, cursed you, to keep you safe, right?”

“I think so,” said Calista. “I think a new tale is beginning. One where either he rises victorious, or us.”

“Three damn hells,” Cuyler said, almost exasperated. “This bastard is like a pest that never dies.”

Strange, but I almost laughed. I swallowed the sound, uncertain if this was a moment, if that was a comment that warranted laughter. There was much to learn in the ways of . . . people, and I didn’t know where to bleeding start.

Calista snorted, convincing me I was correct in assuming it was a little humorous.

“He’s more than a pest, he’s a damn disease. I plan on making certain our blades are the antidote to be rid of him.” She rolled her shoulders back. “We don’t know when he’ll come, but we can be bleeding sure he will. He is already spreading his pestilence. We must prepare, but . . . this new path we created—” She glanced at me. “Is not meant to be walked alone.”

“Should we send word to the other kingdoms, then?” Cuyler asked. “I don’t know if it will get through, but we can try.”

Calista shook her head. “Cuyler, I don’t think there are other kingdoms. Look at the shoreline, the peaks.”

“Where are our folk, then?” A bit of strain was in the blood fae’s tone. No mistake, his thoughts were with his people in the fae isles.

“Silas,” Calista looked to me instead. “When they began to break, we tried to be a beacon to them. Is it possible we brought them here?”

“I don’t know, Little Rose.” I was walking a new path with everyone else.

“Those peaks—” Calista gestured toward the northern cliffs. “Those look similar to the landscape in Etta. And . . . the forests—” She turned in the opposite direction. “What if the fae isles have returned to where it all once was? What if they’re here?”

“How would they survive such a shift?” Cuyler murmured, a little more broken than before. Truth be told, I didn’t think he meant to say it out loud.

“We sang a tale,” Calista said softly. “A song meant to guide them here. They have always had a place in this fight. Four . . . four queens. Four thrones. We’re to stand as one now.”

“I suggest we protect our shores,” Olaf interjected. “While also, perhaps, sending out a search. Gods know we could use more warriors.”

“I’ll go.” Cuyler lifted his pale gaze to me, then Calista. “I’ll take my men, we’ll search for . . . for whatever might be left.”

“He’ll be there,” Calista said, a crack in her voice. “Your father will be all right.”

Cuyler’s jaw tightened. His smile looked forced. “Give us time to gather a few supplies and we’ll be off.”

“Be careful, Cuyler. I have no guide on what will happen from here. Silas?”

I looked to her and shook my head. “Our fate is in our hands now, Little Rose. How our paths unfold is now up to us.”

In our hands, and I didn’t know if we’d be the ones to fail or rise as victors at long last.

Chapter27

Rogue Princess