The tunnel was simpler to take when we were lanky youth, but we managed to creep through on our bellies well enough. Dug when Emi sent her plea to me for rescue after my uncle nearly snapped her neck, we’d kept the tunnel open and hidden if ever there were a threat.

I never anticipated slinking about in secret, forbidden tunnels to protect a melder.

Then again, I never anticipated a melder to rob me of my heart.

I pulled myself free first, then clasped Emi’s hand and tugged her out. The mouth opened beneath black willows. Silvery buds adorned the drooping limbs and leaves, causing the trees to keep the appearance of frosts throughout the seasons.

I ducked behind a rocky mound with a direct vantage to the path leading away from the fortress, toward the sea road.

“Roark.” Emi pulled her crimson hood up. “What are we doing? Aren’t you supposed to be protecting Lyra?”

I am.

No mistake, I was keen to get this part of the night finished. Whatever I learned in these moments would help us plot our steps for how I’d get Lyra away from those damn soul bones.

No bells rang in warning. Drums and plucking strings were the only sounds from the palace. More revelry, more feasts. The celebrations leading to Thane’s approaching vows had not ceased despite the attack. Damir would not want to allow anything to bring into question his abilities to protect his kingdom. In turn, the king behaved like nothing was ever amiss.

With Damir’s new command for me to protect Lyra, no one would wonder where I’d gone. Thane would be unsettled, but hiding it behind a grin at his father’s side. Through our fealty bond, he might sense my unease if he took the time to draw upon the bone shard.

Soon, I would need to admit hard truths to a man I considered my brother.

I hoped, someday, he might forgive me for what I needed to do.

“Who’s coming, Roark?” Emi peered around the thick trunk, scanning the night road.

If we’re right, Yrsa already sent a summons to the one who opened the gates.

Emi blew out a breath. “Under your name?”

Do you take your lover for a fool, cousin? She suspected a traitor and merely followed her instinct by sending an unsigned meeting place summons. If we’re clever enough, we may find all our answers by asking the right questions.

I handed over Yrsa’s note with the explanation and name she suspected. Emi scanned it in the dim light and murmured a quick “Bastard,” but said nothing more until the crunch and click of hooves over stone came from the road.

I pulled the cowl farther over my brow and stepped out onto the forest path, Emi at my back.