“It’s not safe, bird,” Teighan said. “You⁠—”

“Sunbeam...” Alex cut in, taking a step out of his mate’s reach just so he could thrust his hands onto his hips. “I’m not going to sit here looking pretty while everyone I love kills themselves for a damned throne. I know I would do that job exceptionally well, but that’s irrelevant…”

I snorted.

“There’s bound to be something I can do.” He paused to think. “Yesterday, you mentioned gathering Fae support in the human realm, right?” He looked at Tee, who nodded. “I can assist on that front. I have connections that my mother overlooked when she froze my other assets, and I have my art clientele now. I could put out a word or two, use what little influence I still have. Hell, I’ll even stoop to propaganda posters if it’ll be any use.”

My eyes widened at Alex’s tenacity—not that he hadn’t possessed any before, but not for this. “When did you become adept at war planning?”

He rolled his eyes as if I was asking a ridiculous question. “Um, I’ve been coached since birth to deal with hostile situations,” he reminded me, and yeah, I had known that. It was why getting kidnapped last year had barely fazed him. “Plus, I’m mated to a Fae warrior, what did you expect? He’s been going over strategies since we got your last letter.”

Tee shrugged at Cair’s raised eyebrow. “No harm in being prepared. Just say the word, and whatever plan you choose will be in motion.”

“I knew I could count on you,” Cair said, mildly amused. “I have no doubt Father will already be aware that his assassination attempt failed, so he’ll either be licking his wounds or preparing a new scheme. That should give us the chance to get our bearings and breathe for a day or two.”

As if his words were permission, I let out a tension-reducing exhale. I knew there was a rough road ahead, but being afforded even a modicum of rest before shit hit the fan was appreciated. Maybe there would even be enough time for Cair to finally get his dick in me. Priorities. I wouldn’t lie, I was gagging for it, and with a quick sideways glance at my mate, finding out his heavy gaze was already locked on me, I suspected he’d had the same idea. Great minds.

Alex clapped his hands, making me jolt. “Perfect. That means you”—he pointed at me—“are free to tell me all about your trip and the fact that you have fucking magic. I always knew you were a special bean. Tee filled me in on your dad and the portal lore once his memories returned, but I wanna know it all.”

Well, I guessed sexy times were on pause for a little longer.

The anticipation may actually kill me. Again.