“Bastard.” I pinched his waist. “That’s not what I’m saying.”

My skin was colder when he stepped back, returning to the door. One bell toll. Give me that. If it does not work, we run. By any means.

“I could try to meld. It might not be so taxing. Didn’t Damir say I had more connection to the bones than even Fadey?”

“No,” Kael insisted at the same time Roark shook his head. “Not even worth the risk.”

Roark pointed at Kael, agreeing, then looked back to me. One bell.

My chest tightened with nerves when the door clicked at his back.

“I believe him,” Kael said, studying the door. “After seeing what he did to Tomas, he’d burn Stonegate to the ground if it meant you were safe.”

“I’d like to avoid bloodshed.” I went to the window, unable to keep still.

Outside, folk traipsed the inner gates for the wedding feast, dressed in fine fur cloaks, jerkins, and gold-trimmed gowns.

King Hundur and his queen walked among them, condescending to their jarls and nobles. He still preened over his new melded claws, hardly concerned over the death of Ser Grisen. Hundur never cared Tomas’s jaw had been manipulated; he only cared about being made a fool by the young melder. Today was a time of glory and power for him as his folk and Jorvan’s offered boons to their house with well-wishes that his daughter’s marriage would carry on his glorious line.

Tomas Grisen was nothing but a forgotten name to the Myrdan king now.

I had yet to catch a glimpse of Damir and Ingir.

“I should’ve run with you.” Kael rested a hand on his seax pommel. “I was selfish, Ly.”

“Selfish? Kael, you are not selfish.”

He shook his head. “I wanted to prove Jakobson wrong for dismissing me. Gods, I wanted to rise in the ranks of the Stav so desperately. I never should’ve gone to training.”

“It’s required for every son.”

“I don’t give a damn.” Kael rubbed the back of his neck. “Lyra, I lost my family, but found you. You are my sister and I…I should’ve run with you. Hidden you.”

My face pinched. I flung my arms around his waist. “It isn’t on you, fool.”

Kael hugged me against him. “I still take the blame, pest.”

“Perhaps it is best to face my fate. In here or out there, I will always find those who despise me or use me.”

“Don’t,” Kael warned. “Giving your life for a king’s lust for power is not why the gods blessed you with their magic, Ly.”

I didn’t know how long we stood there, but a rough knock split us. Kael held up a hand, demanding I stay back, and cautiously opened the door.

“Captain Baldur.” He straightened as Baldur shoved into the room.