Aurora looked at the distance to the bridge again, then looked about for some kind of transportation, perhaps a waterborne version of the Rock. She had learned to expect the unexpected, after all. “Just the two of you,” Zephyr added. “I’ll create a bubble of air so you do not drown, and I will use my magic to propel you through the water until you are out of the guard’s sight. From there though, you will be on your own. You will be wet, cold, and alone. Think you can handle that, Princess?”

“She can handle it,” Kiran answered on her behalf.

Aurora fought not to shudder at the thought of how cold that water must be, hoping she looked as confident as Kiran sounded.

“Do you have everything you need?” Zephyr asked.

Kiran lifted a satchel that sat against his hip.

“I suppose I do not need to tell you to be careful?” Zephyr asked.

“Seems like you are doing it anyway,” Kiran replied.

Aurora sighed and stepped forward. “We will. How do we get in touch with you if we need to?”

“Etel visits the camps on my behalf every other day to give out food and other necessities. Go find her if you need me.”

Aurora remembered the little old woman who had tried to sell her questionable wares at the Eye on her first visit. She had not realized Zephyr had her working for the rebellion as well. After a few more instructions, there was nothing left but the how of things. At Zephyr’s bidding, they sat on the edge of the rickety dock, and she arranged them how she wanted them—the satchel with the supplies pressed between their chests, and Aurora and Kiran facing each other as much as they could while sitting, their arms wrapped tight around each other.

Aurora could feel the heat of Kiran’s breath on her temple, and her own face was near to his jaw, where the woodsy, male scent of him seemed to be the strongest.

“The shock of the water will be cold,” Zephyr warned. “But do not panic. Breathe normally. As I promised, I will keep the water from entering the bubble of air you need to last you until you pass the bridge. The most important thing is that you do not let go of each other. I cannot split my concentration between the both of you.”

Kiran nodded firmly, the bristle on his jaw scraping against her cheek in a way she had not felt in so long. Aurora tried to nod too, but the movement got lost in the hollow of his throat.

Then Zephyr was asking if they were ready, and there were hands on their shoulders, and Aurora was sucking in a breath, bracing for the cold. The next thing she knew, they were falling, Kiran’s arms squeezing tighter as they descended.