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I asked for precise co-ordinates of Sunny the Snake’s compound.

Tick sent it to my phone. “You can’t go in there alone,” she warned. “We know that he has an army of guards there and they are all armed. There is some underground activity too but we can’t get any information on how extensive it is. You won’t be able to move around freely and will be unable to use many of your powers. Let me find out more first.”

I knew she was right.

I wouldn’t be able to defend myself properly in that kind of a setting.

It was incredibly frustrating, as I knew this was where Ruby was probably held but according to our initial mapping, the underground network could span thousands of square kilometers. I couldn’t go in there without knowing exactly where she was.

I could get lost and I most certainly could be killed.

I spent the afternoon in the forest bordering the swamp. There were thick pockets of trees behind Buzzard Creek, stretching all the way towards the mangrove swamps. It was hot and humid here and uncomfortable for me.

Planning my next move was complicated.

I needed to get back to the capital but I couldn’t leave Ruby.

Not now, when I knew she needed me and that I was probably the reason why she had gotten into trouble in the first place.

I was thinking of asking for help from Alexandra when my phone rang.

It was a number from the Castle.

“Yes?”

“Luc?”

“What do you want?” I had already recognized Harris’s voice.

“Did you organize the Sharks attack on the underwater enemy movement?”

“So what if I did?”

There was a moment of silence.

“That was good thinking on your part,” he finally said. “Did you discuss the plan with anyone?”

“Why would I?” I remarked drily. “Last time I was at the Castle someone tried to kill me.”

“I don’t know anything about that,” he said.

I gave a snort of derision. “Please. I’m putting the phone down.”

“Wait!” he said quickly. “Okay, I knew about the attempt but it wasn’t me.”

“I don’t believe you,” I said flatly.

“I know,” he sounded tired all of a sudden. “I understand that.”

“You lied to me the last time we spoke,” I said.

“Yes,” Harris says. “I did, I admit it but I didn’t know if I could trust you. I didn’t know whose side you were on.”

“That’s rich coming from you! I have always been loyal to the king!”

“Yes, but what does that mean exactly? Does that loyalty extend to the queen?”

I didn’t know what he was asking me.