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Chapter 16

IRIS

The wooden sign of The Wisteria Lodge swung lazily in the warm afternoon breeze, an abundance of its namesake plant climbing over the siding of the two-story inn.

Nestled in the wooded outskirts of Cionaxus, the capital of the realm, The Wisteria Lodge bore the unmistakable artistry of Marikaim craftsmanship. Swirling runes in ancient Divinian adorned its facade, while floor-to-ceiling arching doors, windows, and thresholds welcomed natural light in. The airy design infused each room with an open yet inviting atmosphere, further enhanced by angular furniture in deep jewel tones accented with gold and copper.

Many larger cities of Marikaim were built into the sides of the Eres Mountains, with its port towns settled along the coast, their seafaring industry vital for trade. The winding cliffside routes and compact spaces made transporting large quantities of wares difficult, so they often used ships to move goods between realms instead.

Like all the realms of the Goddess Haven’s design, Marikaim paid homage to the elements. Vaelithe, cradled in forestland, revered earth, while Kacidon honored wind and frost. Marikaim was an ode to the contradictory forces of fire and water—its streets snaking around interconnected bodies of water below while open flames danced above. Rivers rushed through homes and establishments, while eternal flame burned in sconces, atop railings, and within fire pits along the streets. Even beyond the city, the rush of water remained a constant melody.

After changing into fresh clothes, I left my second-floor room and made my way to the stream that curved around the lodge. My bare feet grazed the cool, clear water, the repetitive flow grounding me.

Marikaim was everything I’d hoped it would be.

For years, we’d traveled before building the Raven’s Grove. To this realm, even, though I hardly remembered. The longing to explore Altaerra had lingered for some time, but our safety won out. Standing here now, I couldn’t crush the lingering guilt. There was no avoiding this arrangement, no alternative path forward, but traveling so freely felt like spitting in the face of all Zinnia’s sacrifices.

The crunch of gravel underfoot announced Theon’s presence before he lowered himself beside me. I still wasn’t used to seeing him without his full guard’s armor, his long wavy hair unbound and loose. Silence stretched as we looked towards the town. Not tense or expectant. Just comfortable.

That was something I’d come to appreciate about Theon’s presence, however mandated it may be. He was willing to just exist, side by side, without needing an explanation for how I chose to spend my time.

I fished two vials from my pockets and handed them to him. “The hair oil you requested.” He’d once asked how I kept my hair from tangling in the cold, making me promise to share my secret. “Though I haven’t finished the batch of facial cream just yet.”

“Spectacular,” he smiled. “And the other one?”

“For your hands.” I gestured for him to open the tin. “I’ve seen you stretching them. This should help with the cramps. Apply it morning and night, and you should start to feel relief. You can taper off after that.”

He nodded and nudged my shoulder. “Thank you.”

“You watched me meet with him for weeks and didn’t say a single word about who I was spending so much time with?” I mused, flicking water at him.

“I was enjoying myself far too much. It became a game after a while, waiting to see who would figure it out first.”

“How fun for you. You had no thoughts on the matter?”

“Who am I to judge who you choose to read stolen books next to?”

He flicked water back.

I snapped my head sidelong, eyes wide. I knew Theon was aware of my reading choices—he had mentioned it the first day—but I’d never expected him to state it so bluntly. It was highly likely that little routine broke at least one or two laws in Kacidon.

“You could have just asked permission ,” Theon chuckled. “Instead of hoarding them like stores for winter. I wouldn’t worry, though. You covered your tracks well to those who weren’t stationed to watch your every move.” A slow smile tugged at his lips as he shook his head. “The Kacidonian records keeper is the only one who cares that much, and he sat right next to you while you did it.”

The Kaci — him?

“He knew?” He had to. That question had gnawed at me since I realized who he was. As the records keeper, wouldn’t he have questioned why I repeatedly read from the royal library’s collection?

“I don’t believe he did.” Theon clarified. “The prince is nothing if not observant. Under normal circumstances, he would have recognized them. But lately, his mind has been… elsewhere.”

His dark eyes scanned the area, brow furrowing slightly. I followed his gaze, finding Aspen leaning against the iron railing of the veranda, staring fixedly ahead.

“And he never looked up enough to notice me by the palace.”

Theon shook the water from his legs and rose, offering me a hand. He had no reason to lie, but I couldn’t shake the feeling there was more I wasn’t being told.

“Trust me, if he’d realized then who your mother is,” He muttered low enough for only me to hear, “you would have known.”

I stiffened at the intensity in his tone.

Aspen made no indication he heard us approach, his gaze still fixed on the woods beyond the lodge.

“You have visitors,” he quipped as we passed.

Oh what a picture of cordiality we were.

Every interaction was edged with disdain. Though, what bothered me most was the dismissal. I’d grown used to the way he glared down at me, mouth set into a firm line. But I couldn’t stand the times he left without a second glance. When he made it clear I didn’t exist to him at all.

“Visitors?” I asked.

Only one person I knew lived in Marikaim, and there was no way she could have known I was here. We’d lost contact when she left Vaelithe years ago.

Aspen exhaled sharply, as if this was an inconvenience he had no patience for. “Divine put me out of my misery,” he grumbled, trailing behind Theon as we entered the lodge.

A familiar raspy voice carried across the room, sharp and exasperated.

“What in the realms do you mean you don’t carry moonwine?”

At the far end of the room, Nadya leaned against the long wooden bar, her teal eyes narrowed as she argued with the freckled barkeep.

My friend was dressed differently than usual tonight, donning a black lace bustier and matching flowing skirt over a silk slip. Both were tucked in a way that showed off the boots laced up to her thighs. Sheer wraps traveled up the length of her light brown forearms. Nearly all of her tattoos were visible, though the stark white pairing mark running from her wrist to above her shoulder shone brightest.

Gauzy black material displayed her powerful musculature, sweeping around her neck and chest before tying around her back, and securing into place with a leather harness. Tucked into it were four of the eight daggers she was never without, the other four undoubtedly strapped to her thighs. Long onyx strands cascaded down her spine, the top section pulled up and held in place with a hair pin that I was suspicious was actually another dagger, highlighting her dark makeup.

Beside her, the Prince of Reilune stood casually with his back against the bar, gaze locked on his guard. He matched her color scheme, in a sheer black tunic with a neckline that plunged to his navel, and a silver embroidered waistcoat. His trousers had similar embroidery down the sides, harmonious with the abundance of jewelry they both wore. His bright green eyes matched the emerald tattoo along his own forearm and bicep, stark against olive-toned brown skin. His dark curly hair was impeccably styled, as usual, not a single strand out of place.

“An establishment of poor taste indeed,” Ferrin added, barely glancing sideways at the bartender before looping an arm around Nadya’s waist and pulling her towards us.

This time, I did throw myself at her, pulling her close. Ferrin unceremoniously flung himself into the embrace as well.

Shadows kissed with sandalwood pulsed around us. Logically, I knew the Temperi classification of magic manipulated the natural world, so the wisps wreathing Nadya were likely from pockets of darkness hiding in the marbled corners, but the familiarity of them always made me pause.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they were the same tendrils from the day I met her, somehow embedded in her being.

For the first time in months, everything felt like it would be all right. If only for a moment.

Nadya’s teal eyes darkened as she pulled back, narrowing immediately in Aspen’s direction.

Sensing impending doom, Theon stuck out a hand toward the pair. “Theon Winthrall, second-in-command of the Kacidonian Royal Guard. I don’t believe we’ve been formally introduced.”

Nadya met his grip, admiration flickering in her gaze. She scanned the open room, ensuring we were out of earshot before deciding how to introduce herself.

“Nadya Rhevan, personal guard to the Crown Prince, and royal pain in the ass.” She shot a sidelong glance at Ferrin, apparently seeing no need for aliases.

Ferrin’s grin only widened. “Ferrin Evreonis.” He shook Theon’s hand firmly. “Owner of the ass on everyone’s mind. Shall we find somewhere more private to talk?” He gestured toward an open door leading to an empty sitting room.

“You two aren’t glamoured tonight,” I noted as we settled into the plush chairs.

Ferrin enjoyed frivolity and despised being stripped of it due to his title. Thankfully for him, Nadya could temporarily conceal their identities as often as they needed. The blessing from Mene, Goddess of Things Unseen, had been essential in allowing them to enjoy time away from duty without recognition. Not to mention how invaluable it had been in the countless roles Nadya fulfilled.

“It isn’t necessary this far from the city proper.” Nadya inspected her nails as she perched atop the arm of a couch, shadows curling around her as she relaxed. “We’ve never had business in this area of Marikaim, and I scouted it thoroughly when we arrived. At this point, we’d likely only be recognized on the palace grounds, especially with most of the staff replaced since their new queen’s appointment.”

Judging by the looks on Aspen and Theon’s faces, they were perplexed, but I wouldn’t insult her by asking how she’d found us. Nadya’s position as Reilune’s head of intelligence was far from a vanity title. She could find just about anyone if given enough time.

“Is there something you need to discuss concerning the treaty?” Aspen interjected, his posture rigid as he stood behind where Theon and I sat.

“The treaty is fine, Lord Snowman,” Ferrin chuckled, waving a hand toward him. “Is the icicle still lodged in your ass, preventing you from sitting? I can assist with its removal if you’d like. Promise to be gentle.”

His brows waggled as he sprawled in his seat, but Aspen didn’t take the bait.

The treaty between Reilune and Kacidon must have been what Ferrin had discussed with the queen that day. It was common knowledge that Reilune had accepted a tentative peace treaty with Kacidon a decade ago to end the conflict over the western edge of the mountain range at their border.

“We’re here because we need a night off, and we haven’t stolen our Iris away in far too long.”

A wicked grin broke across Nadya’s austere expression, her white teeth stark against blood-red lips. They’d likely been planning this for some time, knowing it would be far less possible once I was back in Vaelithe.

Appreciation flickered in Theon’s gaze. “That would explain the immaculate attire.”

“Tits out is always the way to go, my fine man,” Ferrin winked, shifting so the opening at the front of his tunic exposed even more of his bronze skin.

“You may not take her anywhere,” Aspen snapped, stepping around the furniture to place himself between us. “She is bound to travel only with me outside of Kacidon.” He twisted in my direction. “If this is some convoluted escape plan?—”

“Oh, fuck off, Prince.”

I was tired of his ceaseless judgment. It took about half a second to remember that speaking to the heir apparent of an entire realm in such a manner was a very, very poor choice.

I refused to look away. The air grew thick as I braced for his ire. For the briefest moment, I noted a flicker of hesitation, but it vanished when Theon’s booming laugh filled the room.

Tears spilled from the guard’s eyes as he doubled over. “Fucking Divine. We need to find a way to keep her.”

I let out a small laugh, still acutely aware of Aspen’s gaze burning through me. I repressed a shudder, unwilling to give him any satisfaction. “I will not pretend to understand your distaste for me, but if you listen to a single thing I say, let it be this: there is little in this fucked-up world I care less about than your opinion of me.” I stood, craning my neck to stare up at him. “But there is one thing I would never do—and that is put my mother in harm’s way.”

“I don’t trust you.”

“Wonderful. The sentiment is mutual.”

“I could have you tried at court for the way you speak to me,” Aspen growled.

“Go on then.”

His gaze searched mine—for truth, sincerity, a break in my resolve. Maybe all three.

“You still cannot travel outside of Kacidon without an escort,” he said at last, indignation simmering into cool detachment. I could almost watch as bricks of ice stacked neatly into place behind his gaze, until there was nothing left but a solid barrier.

Why was he so damn cold ?

“As much as I had hoped otherwise,” Ferrin sighed, standing. Though slightly shorter than Aspen, he was bulkier, built like a soldier. “I reckon that means you’ll be coming along.”

Aspen opened his mouth to protest, but Ferrin had already seized his arm, pulling him through a portal he had discreetly opened moments before.

Once the pair had disappeared, Nadya silently leapt through, shadows trailing behind her.

“Wayfarer,” was the only explanation I gave Theon as we walked into the haze.

Ferrin’s portals were smooth, but I would never call the sensation comfortable. Nausea bubbled up as we landed, the spinning bringing a wave of dizziness.

I gulped in fresh night air, staring at the damp earth beneath my feet. The sensation subsided for me, but Theon’s retching informed me that his had not.

Aspen seemed infuriatingly unaffected.

The sound of innumerable large wings beating overhead chased away any lingering discomfort. I tilted my head back, smiling. Streaks of light danced across the night sky, diving and twirling among the stars.

Sygens .