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The little one studied him and reluctantly slipped her bony hand into his own. A lump rose in his throat at how delicate her hand was—as if any pressure could break her.

“My name’s Maple.” She yanked her hand from his and began fiddling with the figurine.

“It’s nice to meet you.” He stared at her for a bit and then held his right hand out to Valen hovering behind him. A worn leather book was placed in his palm. Maple eyed the book.

“What’s that?” she asked.

“A book of stories I stole from the royal library. Would you like to hear one?”

A glimmer of excitement entered Maple’s eyes although she tried to hide it. “Sure.”

Raz hid his smile, cracked open the well-loved book, and began reading.

He’d spentthe day reading to Maple. At one point, she fought her heavy eyelids, but they inevitably won. Even then, Raziel kept reading. Only when the sun began to set did Valen place a hand on his right shoulder.

“We should return, my lord.”

King Raziel nodded and held the book out to Valen. His oldest friend took the book as Raz stood from the stool. His back pinched and his arse ached, but it had been worth it. He gently tucked in Maple’s arms before pulling the blanket up to her chin. Her little chest labored for breath, her inhale much wetter than he would have liked.

Leaning down, he whispered into her left ear. “Don’t give in, Maple. You can fight this, little one.”

She didn’t stir when he stood to his full height and shoved the stool back beneath her bed. The air still stank, but it had lessened. Valen took his place next to Raziel’s right, and the other two warriors brought up the flank as they exited the tent. Raz waved to the other patients, touching their feet as they left.

Exiting the tent didn’t bring much relief as the scent of ash and burned flesh permeated the air.

“You should cover your face, my lord,” Valen said softly.

A hollow laugh escaped Raz. “What can it possibly do for me? I’ve already been sick.”

“The plague is changing. You risk yourself unnecessarily.”

King Raziel grunted but lifted the red scarf over his nose and mouth before striding through the camp once again, drawing closer to the large fire that burned in the distance.

They paused on the outskirts of the massive bonfire, and Raz dipped his head in respect for the dead they were burning. His eyes watered, and the world swirled around him. This couldn’t be the fate of his kingdom, to die a slow painful death. They had to figure out something.

He had to figure out something.

Or soon, there would be no one left to save.

You have a choice.

His lip curled. There was only one choice.

The Sirenidae bride.

“Is my mother at the castle?” he barked.

“Yes,” Valen replied. “She was training some newfiileemounts when we left.”

“Send for her. We have a contract to sign.”

Chapter Six

MER

“I have news,”Sin announced as he waded out of the moonlit sea.

Mer’s heart sputtered, and she pushed away from the tree she was leaning against, her skin prickling slightly at the cool night breeze. She stared at her brother-in-law, her sharp gaze taking in his grim expression despite the darkness. His thin lips firmly pressed together did not bode well. Sin’s visit wasn’t a happy one.