“Your speech, Majesty, should last no longer than three minutes,” Darai said. His hood was pulled low over his face, the shadows beneath his scars deep in the soft red glow of the ship’s dash. “A powerful, impactful performance. Show Arachnid you have no fear. Show Androma she has no options. Show them that you will not bargain, and most important, show the people your power.” He smiled suddenly, his teeth glowing almost as red as blood. “You will be a vision before the Academy, my dear.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Nor saw a flicker of annoyance cross Zahn’s face at her uncle’s lecturing. She knew he wasn’t a fan of Darai; had never really been. His attempts to offer counsel often felt a trifle condescending these days, but the old man had his uses, especially as a source of information about Exonia. So Zahn tolerated the adviser, but only because Nor insisted on keeping him around—just as Valen did.

Nor’s gaze shifted to her brother. He’d been silent this whole time, swimming through the recesses of his mind, desperately searching for anything that could give them a clue about where Androma might be, or any intel on Arachnid. He could see through the eyes of millions, and Nor knew he was doing everything in his power to help her.

Yet still, Valen had come up with nothing.

A shadow fell over them as the transport passed below a looming gravarock. A waterfall pounded down its rocky side, glowing in the fading light of dusk. The wind caught the droplets of water as they fell, carrying them across the sky to sprinkle the windows of their ship.

“They defy the odds, these floating mountains,” Nor said quietly.

Zahn’s answering smile was tight, but he placed a comforting hand on her knee. “Some might say you have always done the same.”

“It’s funny,” Nor replied, returning his smile. “I’ve always thought that about you. The boy who cleared me from the rubble. Now you’re commanding my soldiers.”

Zahn’s shoulders loosened a little. “I would have you be safe always, Nor,” he told her. “But I would also have you be happy. And if happiness means that I must set aside my personal fears of losing you...then I will shove them far away. And I will support you, my queen. Whatever it is that you wish to do, I will stand at your side.”

He leaned over to kiss her gently, sweetly, mindful of the others watching. Nor suppressed a sigh of longing when Zahn pulled away and turned his attention back to his duties. It seemed like they never had enough time together, these days.