“It’s good to see you again,” I murmured, my voice cracking, hoping he understood.

His expression softened. “Missed you so much, Lulu.” Of course, he had to go ahead and ruin the moment by ruffling up my hair and adding, “My little wizard.” But he wouldn’t be Alex if he didn’t.

And it helped.

“I never thought our father would make such a bold and reckless move,” Teighan said, his arm automatically circling Alex’s waist as my friend cuddled against his side. “He won’t get away with this.”

“I can count on your help, then?” Cair asked, and Tee gave his brother one of those ‘no shit’ looks of his that should have had its own trademark.

“Without question,” he asserted. “You are my brother, and I know you would do the same for me if it were Alex.” His hold instinctively tightened on his mate. “Besides, our father has been allowed to abuse his power for too long. I had hoped it wouldn’t come to this, as I know your stance on taking the throne, but the Otherworld deserves a new leader. It is time, Cair. You know it.”

I glanced up at my mate, wondering whether he would mention his flyaway proposal to stand down and set Orian in his place, but he didn’t. There would be time for that yet. “I agree.”

“I want to help too,” Alex offered, determined.

It warmed my heart knowing so many people were ready and willing to defend us. Kor and Igor—along with their mate, and the rest of their family—had already pledged themselves to our cause. Monsters in the Otherworld were lining up to fight for their prince at a second’s notice, those already on his payroll and regular citizens. Plus, Rathe had assured us the numbers would only rise as his word reached the four corners of the land.

It was a huge responsibility. A little terrifying, I wouldn’t lie, but also incredibly encouraging.

“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.”