I strode over to the bar where I’d left my pack, rifling through the front pouch for what I needed before returning. “He gave me this to give to you.” I handed the leather piece over to Alex, who eyed it curiously. “It’s an apology for the ward and…” I looked up at Tee. “For not telling you about your mother.”

Teighan seemed taken aback, while Alex was busy assessing the jewelry. “What is it?” he asked. “I mean, I know what it is, but I’m guessing he didn’t send a regular bracelet back with you.”

“It’s enchanted. It will allow you to cross into the Fae realm for three days.”

His gaze snapped to mine, and I swore he’d stopped breathing. “Are… are you serious? I can go through?”

I nodded, but reached out to stop him when he attempted to open it. “Once it’s on your wrist, the time will start, and you have to be back here before it runs out.” He left the clasp alone. “It would be best to wait until you’re ready to go before putting it on. You can revive its magic by burying it under Fae soil for at least a month. If you want to keep going back, that is.”

“Hell yeah!” His enthusiasm was infectious. “Oh my God, can we go now?”

I chuckled. “Might wanna wait until all this blows over. You know, in case you’re the king’s next target?”

He groaned like a child being denied a trip to his favorite toy shop. So fucking dramatic. “Can’t I just go over for an hour? Five minutes. Just a peek, then we can come straight back?” he bargained before addressing Cair. “You said we had time before the king made his move, and I’m going to be obsessing over this until I get to go.”

I knew that feeling too well, so I was sympathetic to his plight. “I mean, we could drop back in on Dad? Be all, ‘Hey, I know it’s only been a few hours, but we’re back.’”

“I don’t know, bird.” Tee hesitated. “I don’t want to risk putting you in danger. You are too precious to me, and I know you are far from weak, but you don’t have the unmanifested powers or Fae blood that Luca does.”

Alex smiled at his mate, though I could tell he was still buzzing with unrestrained excitement. “No, but I can fight. You’ve been teaching me how to handle a sword.” Pause for innuendo appreciation. “And we’d be quick. Now that Lulu is a wizard, we can whoosh back at the first whiff of trouble.”

“I’m a mage…”

“Rosewood Creek is very secure.” Cair joined the conversation. “While we were there, Zadok renewed the shields to repel ill intent.”