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Medenia stood, and hand-in-hand, the two women walked to the tent. In the faint light of the flame, Medenia pulled Ophelia close, kissing her before they headed into their tent.

Graeson hated that he was splitting the two women up. Over the past several days, Graeson saw how close they were. Inseparable, really. Quickly, he realized that this trip was one of the few times the women had to spend uninterrupted time together. In Tetria, they both had their duties that required their attention. But there was no other choice. Graeson needed the others at his side to accomplish what they set out to do. While this trip may have provided Ophelia and Medenia time together, it was Graeson’s duty.

Ellie poked the fire with a stick, her brows drawn together in thought.

“What are you thinking now, Ellie?” Terin asked.

“What happens if you can’t convince her to fight for our side?”

“Ourside?” Graeson asked.

“You are not the only ones who detest the bull king,” Ellie said, smirking. “But what will you do if Kalisandre doesn’t go willingly?”

Graeson bit down on his tongue. “Whatever means necessary.”

“Good,” Ellie said. “But do not forget, the gods may have granted your people various abilities, but we all know who truly are the gifted warriors in Vaneria,” she added with a wink.

“We will see about that, Ellie,” Dani said, knocking her knee into Ellie’s leg.

Ellie pushed back. “I’ll take the first watch.”

“Suit yourself,” Dani said, standing up and heading toward one of the tents.

Graeson turned to Terin. “Ready?”

Terin sighed. Exhaustion filled his face, but they had one more thing to do before they could sleep.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

Chapter30

KALLIE

Kallie tossedand turned in the bed that was too big in a room that was too empty.

Huffing, she threw her head back against the silk pillow. When the restlessness continued to stir beneath her flesh, she turned onto her side with a disgruntled huff.

“Have you always been this restless, Princess?”

Kallie’s eyes flew open. Her breath hitched in her throat, the air cold in her lungs.

She was imagining things. She had drunk too much wine at dinner. There was no other explanation. The exhaustion, the alcohol, and the sugar were making her hear things. She needed more sleep and less wine. Kallie squeezed her eyes shut.

There was no way he was here. He couldn’t be.

“Stumbling again, are we, little mouse?”

His breath was a soft tickle against her throat, but Kallie refused to move.

It was only the wine making her thoughts grow wild. The gods were playing tricks on her mind. Nothing more.

Why, then, did Kallie refuse to turn? Was she afraid to be proven right? Or was it that she was scared to be proven wrong? She didn’t know. She didn’t want to know because knowing would only make her believe the worst.

“Look at me, Kal.”

She inhaled, the crisp air sharp in her lungs. As a finger brushed across her chin and turned her face to the side, she squeezed her eyes closer together.

“Won’t you open those sweet blues for me?”