I nearly skipped Alistir. He was Dorian’s man, and I didn’t know much about him. Still, I took the time to chat about what I did know, like how much Dorian valued him and how we needed Alistir to save our kingdoms. Hopefully, Keeli would know something more after having talked so much to him on this trip. Or, Dorian himself might help once he was restored.

Kiyo was difficult, and I nearly skipped him for an entirely different set of reasons. Jasmine’s parting words really didn’t help because they were all I kept thinking about as I sat next to Kiyo. Maybe he was our ally now, but he’d made it clear he wasn’t about to let the prophecy go. Even if our blight quest had a happy ending, what then? There’d be no peace for me. Far easier to get rid of him now when Dorian couldn’t come to his defense.

But as I’d told Jasmine, taking advantage of Kiyo’s situation would be as despicable as what he’d done to me. I wouldn’t stoop to that level, and even though I intended them to grow up without him, he was still the father of my children.

“I’m sure Maiwenn will want to see you again,” I began awkwardly. Were they romantically involved? Those two were always on and off again, but I wasn’t up on the latest gossip. Talking about her wasn’t my favorite topic, but Kiyo’s young daughter with her was a bit easier. “And I know Marta will too. She must be so big now. Does she walk and talk? Maybe I’ll see her someday. Regardless, you have to break this spell so you can get back to her. Even being on this journey must be hard. You’re probably missing all kinds of neat things she’s doing. I know how you feel. I keep thinking about Isaac and Ivy and how every day keeps me from something amazing. So hurry up and come back to us so we can get you back to the Willow Land.”

Some cynical part of me noted that I could probably inspire him if I started reminding him that he had to break the enchantment and keep hunting me and my children. It might very well work, but there was no way I could hint at him harming my children—even if it might save his life. I’d refused Jasmine’s offer to kill him outright, but I’d gladly let him die from the dryads’ magic before giving any acknowledgment to his crazy attitude about the prophecy.