Page 45 of Courting the Fae Captain (Romancing the Realms #4)

‘There is no Faemade concoction that cannot be countered. For every creation, there is a cure. Start with an herb or flower’s base properties, then find something with the adverse effect.’

An Alchemist’s Guide to Herbal Remedies

“ T he final trial is in three days,” Jaren informed five of us currently holed up in Raithe’s chambers a few days later. “Whatever we’re going to do, now is the time.”

I glanced at our party and frowned. Raithe, Jaren, Killian, Sherai, Akira, and myself.

Six people were hardly enough to stand against an island swarming with guards and a castle full of soldiers, female participants, and five powerful Pentad members.

We weren’t without resources, thanks to Sherai’s impressive mind, but we certainly had our work cut out for us.

“Many of the guards will turn to our cause,” Killian said gruffly from his position in front of the fire. “Say the word, Raithe, and they will obey your command.”

“It isn’t enough for the guards to form a coup,” Raithe said as he ran a hand through his already messy hair. “We need to get hundreds of females off that island safely and securely. Many of them are malnourished and weak. They haven’t lifted a blade or felt their power in years—centuries, even.”

“They will fight for their freedom,” Akira said quietly. “Not all of them, but enough will take up arms or fight tooth and nail to get out of that prison. I did. I did anything I could to escape mine. They will too.”

Sherai rested her head against Akira’s shoulder. “You got out. And you never have to go back there again.”

“We can’t ask them to fight for us,” Raithe argued. “Not after being locked up for so long.”

“We can, but we won’t have to,” Sherai said softly.

“The Pentad have been allowed to continue this barbaric Rite for too long. They will never see a cell for what they have done, nor will any justice be served by those leading the Shadow Court. It is time for the oppressed to rise and finish this. When that happens, you’ll see how deep their rage is. You won’t be able to hold them back.”

Her words filled the space, heavy and foreboding as they settled over us.

I sat in one of the chairs by the fire and sipped my tea, barely tasting the sweet chamomile and honey as it warmed my throat and stomach.

“It’s their choice,” I added. “All we can do is ask them. Whatever their answer, it still won’t be enough.

We need numbers and strength, and I think I know just the person to ask. ”

Raithe’s eyes narrowed on me. “You’re not seriously considering who I think you are, are you?”

My silence was answer enough. He sighed, then scraped a hand over his face, but he did not object. Taking that as acceptance, I continued, “We need to ally with the other Participants. Most of them will be too scared to fight … unless we get Portia on board.”

Akira spat out a mouthful of tea. “Portia? She hates you. Why?—?”

“Because she’s strong,” Sherai said. “She hates Aeris for a supposed injustice we have yet to learn. She may care enough to end a greater injustice that could affect her and any other female she’s ever mildly liked.

But more than that, she’s a leader, even if most of them would follow out of fear.

She’s the most formidable opponent left, and if we have her on our side… ”

“Then we might stand a chance,” I finished. “We need to talk to her.”

Akira sighed. “From what I’ve managed to find out from the other participants, their biggest motivator is survival.

They’re afraid of Portia, so they avoid doing anything to upset her or get in her way.

But most are here against their will, and care more about staying alive than the captain’s hand.

No offence.” She looked at Raithe with a shrug.

“Like us, they’ve grown up with little say and little freedom.

If we tell them the prison is their alternative to death in the Rite, they might just decide that’s not an option.

If we can convince them that siding with us has the best chance of survival and freedom, I think many would join us. Even if Portia doesn’t agree.”

“If it looks like we can’t convince Portia, you go convince the others.

I’ll keep Portia busy and away from them if I have to.

I’m sure she has a few things to get off her chest,” I said.

If Portia hating me was the reason she didn’t help, then the least I could do was find out why she hated me in the first place.

Jaren raised his brow and pushed off the wall to rest his hands atop Sherai’s chair. “You understand that placing your faith in this person might jeopardise the whole plan, right?

“I don’t like it either,” Raithe said. “But I agree we need the numbers. Even with both groups of females on board, plus some of the castle guards on our side, we need to be ready for anything.”

“So, let’s go over the next steps, then,” I said.

“Sherai, Akira, and I will speak to Portia and try to convince the other female participants. Raithe, you will take a team of trusted soldiers to the island to free the prisoners there. Killian, you’ll stand by with your troops positioned around the castle and open the gates to get everyone out if things go wrong.

” I glanced at Raithe. “That just leaves the Pentad.”

He cocked his head ever so slightly as he sent a plume of shadow winding around my feet and up my legs. Both a question and encouragement. “I will stand against them.”

“We will,” I corrected. “They are not leaving here alive.”

“You don’t have to do it alone,” Akira said. “We can help.”

I smiled at her, then up at Raithe as he took his position behind me. “I won’t be.”

“We need to keep the females safe,” Sherai said to Akira. “The last thing they need is more males to scare them witless. They will need us.”

Akira nodded and placed a hand over her heart. “It will be done.”

I blew out a breath. “In a perfect world, we’ll get all females out of the castle with the Pentad none the wiser. If things go wrong…”

“Then we fight,” Killian finished gruffly. “We all fight and finish this once and for all.”

I nodded.

Jaren let out a low whistle. “All in a hard day’s work. We do this at night under the cover of darkness. Maintain the element of surprise.” He glanced at Raithe. “I hope your shadows can cover a whole lot of females. Not to mention a few ships.”

Raithe’s voice rumbled from behind me, “They will. They’ve never failed me yet.”

“And what if everything goes to shambles?” Jaren asked. “What if the Pentad are prepared for an event like this and the final test goes ahead anyway?”

My lips curved into a wicked grin. “They aren’t the only ones with surprises up their sleeve. And I’ve prepared a little something special just in case.”

Jaren blinked at me. “Gods, help them then. With the odds we’re up against? Gods help us all.”

“So much for the Yuletide ball,” Akira grumbled.

“If we’re successful in killing the Pentad, we can still have one,” Sherai said from her perch, her eyes glowing bright. “A real one, where we celebrate the things that matter.”

“A Yuletide with our family,” Raithe said to me, a soft smile on his face. “Once we’ve brought them home.”

Home. I was beginning to understand what that meant and who would make it so.

“One more thing,” I said, directing my attention to Raithe, Killian, and Jaren. “Where is the castle cellar and who is in charge of the stock?”

Jaren raised brow. “The cellar is accessed via the kitchen and through the storeroom. Most wait staff have access, but Harlan is your best bet. He’s easily won over, especially if you bring him a sweet treat.”

I nodded. “Perfect.”

Akira tilted her head. “I’m always up for a nice red, but I’m guessing that’s not why you’re asking. Why do you want to know?”

My grin was nothing short of devious. “Oh, you’ll see.”