“This way, behind the tapestry. The servant’s exit,” Wrenley says.
We enter the small stone passage as the doors to the throne room open. Wanting no more to look on the wretched new High Prince of Spring than I would like to shove my dick through hot coals, I let the tapestry fall behind us.
Wrenley leads us through the twisting corridors until we exit in a small alley outside of the keep. By the sun, it’s early afternoon. I rapidly explain the flowers to Keldarion.
“It’s how he’s getting away with this.” Kel gestures to the main road where goblins march next to the citizens of Spring.
“The whole bloody capital is infested with these flowers,” I say.
“What of Rosalina? Have you seen her?” Keldarion asks.
“No, I woke up two moments before you. But I think Ez is in trouble,” I murmur, leaving out the murderous details until we get confirmation. “The Nightingale took Rosie. She mentioned something about going to Queen’s Reach.”
Kel absently massages his chest. “Yes, she’s in Spring. I can feel her.”
“We need to go. There’s a hidden way out of the city,” Wrenley says desperately.
“I can’t leave Florendel,” I say. “Not without Fare. He’s in the crowd. We just need to get him one of these pretty white flowers.”
“I’ll follow my bond to Rosalina,” Keldarion says. “Find Farron and we’ll meet in the field of flowers outside Florendel.”
I nod. “From there we can take the Equinox Pass through the mountains to Summer. My sister will aid us.”
Keldarion grabs my forearm and shakes. “I will see you there, brother.”
“Bring her back,” I say and watch him walk away. “Now, to find that little Autumn leaf.”
“It’s too dangerous. We need to escape,” Wrenley says. “He could be anywhere,”
“Then I’ll look everywhere,” I snap. “Either we all leave this capital or none of us do.”
100
Rosalina
We’re rounding a rocky bend along the mountain when I see him and immediately take off into a run. “Kel!”
His pace increases, jog turning into a sprint, white hair blowing. Further down the mountain, I observe the distinct shapes of Astrid, Marigold, and Eldy. They came looking for me.
Tears well in my eyes, and suddenly Kel is before me. Damn, he’s fast.
“Rosalina.” He gathers me in his arms and lifts me.
I bury my face into his neck. “I’m so glad you’re all right.”
There’s a presence behind me, and Kel places me down. “Ez.”
Ezryn stands perfectly still, and Kel’s gaze is intense. I realize this is the first time Keldarion has had a true moment to look at his best friend’s face. Really look at him.
He steps close, placing a hand on Ezryn’s cheek, and though Ezryn stiffens beneath his touch, he does not push him away.
“Ezryn,” I say lightly, “the staff are coming. Do you wish to cover your face?”
Ezryn withdraws, brows lowering. “The creed means nothing to me now.”
The words are final, and they leave a hollow place in me. “Dayton and Farron?” I ask Kel.
“That acolyte woman that’s always milling about came and set Dayton and I free. The two of them are searching the city for Farron. He’s alive, but under hypnosis from the flowers.”
Wrenley, then. She really does care about Dayton. I chew my bottom lip. “Yes, the Nightingale explained all of her flowers. I see you’ve found the white ones.” Tucked behind Kel’s ear are a few white petals. I gesture to the small cloth bag around my shoulders. “We gathered some from the top of the monastery, just in case.”
“Good,” Keldarion says. “We’re to meet them in the field of flowers outside Florendel. From there, we’ll take the road to Summer, seeing as our tokens are missing.”
I place my hand on my neck. “I have Dayton’s.”
Kel nods. “That will help.”
If only I could summon my own thorns, but that power seems beyond my reach. I’ve done it three times before: in the Below, fighting Lucas, and saving Dayton, but I can’t seem to find the key to keeping it.
“Did you see my father?” Ezryn asks.
His voice is so raspy and brittle, like he barely remembers how to speak. Like he only knows how to exist in the moments of pure adrenaline: in battle or fucking me on a blood-covered floor.
We need to get somewhere safe, I think, then he can rest. Then he can recover.
“He’s in the Hall of Vernalion,” Keldarion answers. “Ezryn, he does not look well.”
“I can’t abandon him to my brother.”
“Then we don’t leave Spring without him,” I say.
“It’ll be dangerous to go into a city full of goblins and infiltrate the keep,” Keldarion raises a dark brow.
I put my hands on my hips. “You already know I’m not going to be left behind.”
His rough hand cups my face, gliding along my ears. “That I do, Rose.”
“M’lady!” a high voice calls from below, and I see Astrid, Marigold, and Eldy making their way up the hill.
I rush to meet them, embracing in a tangle of hugs. “I’m so glad to see you all!”
“I was able to send your letter before the trial,” Astrid says. “Autumn will take good care of your father. I know it.”
I give a sigh of relief. If I can’t be with Papa right now, then there’s no one better to look after him than Farron’s family. “Thank you.”
Eldy turns his attention to Ezryn. “Sire, I serve you completely. Creedbreaker or not, an infestation has taken over Florendel. I will not rest until you have reclaimed your rightful place.”
Ezryn’s fists tighten at his side. “I’m not a prince,” he growls. “And I’m in no need of servants.”
Eldy puts a hand on Ezryn’s shoulder. “Then what about a friend?”
Ezryn walks away.
Keldarion grabs my arm and pulls me close, gaze fixed on Ezryn. “He’s not right. What happened up there?”
“Something broke in him when he found out Kairyn was working for the Below,” I whisper back. “He thought he was doing what was best for the realm, and it would offer him the redemption he’s always needed. To find out it all meant nothing …”
“Ezryn has been holding in his emotions for years. Something has broken loose.”
I hold tight to my mate’s arm. “Kel, he tore apart the monastery to get to me. What if that part of him breaks again?”
“Then I’ll stop him.” Keldarion tugs me closer and kisses the top of my head. “We’ll put him back together, Rose. It’s our job to take care of Ez now.” I let out a breath and step toward Eldy, taking the bow off my back. “Ezryn may reject his princedom, but I am a princess.” A new confidence rises in my voice. “And I would be glad to have you in my service, Eldor of the Spring Realm.”
“That bow…” Keldarion whispers.
“I believe,” I say, running my fingers along the golden grip, light shimmering beneath my touch, “that my mother was the Queen.”
“Your Majesty!” Eldy drops to his knees, gray hair failing.
Astrid and Marigold stare at me with matching wide eyes, then sink to the ground.
Keldarion looks between Ezryn and me, a smile on his face. “Princess.”
“Did you know?” I ask breathlessly.