Tomas doesn’t matter now. I followed Thane to the end of his bed, speaking as we went, until the prince sat on the foot and tugged on polished black boots. Lyra cannot meld, not so many. We need to delay, or rid Damir of the idea altogether.

“Roark.” He held up a hand. “I haven’t heard from my father all morning. My mother sent word he is unwell. We have a delay.” The prince stood and clapped a hand on my shoulder. “After the wedding, I will insist war is rather improper after such a celebration. If I am cunning enough, I might be able to earn us an additional week.”

I won’t leave her here to die, Thane.

The prince tilted his head, one brow arched. “What are you saying?”

My jaw tightened. I think you know.

Thane the Bold spoke a great deal, taunted and jested, but he was somber and silent for a long moment. “How long have you loved her?”

How would I ever explain the truths unraveling in my head the more I was near Lyra? I shook my head. It doesn’t matter. I won’t watch her die.

Duty above it all was the law in Stonegate. Thane had a duty to his kingdom to wed, to breed, to rule as his ancestors had always done. Good-hearted as he was, I did not anticipate he’d give up his honor for the desire of my heart.

No matter how close we were, to Stonegate and the royal house, I was still the Draven boy here to serve them. They were not here to serve me.

“They wouldn’t take you in Dravenmoor.”

I looked at the prince, a little stunned.

He paced, rubbing his chin. “We could hide her again in a small village, she’s accustomed to that. But my father would never quit the search to find her again. There is nowhere else unless you plan to smuggle her over the Night Ledges and abandon her with Unfettered Folk. Maybe they won’t eat her.”

I frowned.

“What?” Thane tossed one hand up. “What would you have me do? I am not king here, and you cannot…” The prince paused. “Roark, you realize your presence would be a risk to her. If we take Lyra somewhere else, you cannot go with her. It will only draw too much attention, a Jorvan woman with a Draven.”

This does not mean you can keep her. Sometimes you must give them up if it’s what’s best.

I’d been told I couldn’t keep Lyra Bien once before. It was true then, and likely true now. I lowered my gaze. If it kept her alive, perhaps I could walk away from her again. The thought of it churned my insides in sick waves.