I was in the dressing room getting a handle on my emotion and wondering how appropriate it would be if I pounced on my prince the instant he walked through the door, and by “pounce” I meant the kind that led to making us both naked. Doing this to share how much I liked that he read bedtime stories and how much I loved how he treated Dora with care.

And I was still wondering when I heard him walk through the door to the chamber beyond.

Instead of making myself naked, I went there and again stopped still when I saw him sitting on the side of the bed, knees spread in that man-seated position that was annoying when you were sitting beside him in a temple pew but rather attractive otherwise.

His hands were turned up, wrists resting on his thighs.

His head was bent.

This I found an alarming posture.

But my alarm grew.

For suddenly, it was like he buckled.

His elbows went to his knees and his body folded, his hands clasping the back of his head.

Good goddess.

What was happening?

I rushed forward, got close, crouched low and reached out to his wrist, murmuring, “Cass.”

“While at the Keep, a castle messenger came. I got a bird,” he said to the area between his knees.

Oh no.

Not more dire news from Airen.

We already knew Sky Bay was under siege. Nero barely escaped it in order to ride across Airen unrelenting, with no sleep and little food, in order to deliver that message.

“Fern is taken.”

“Shite, Cass,” I whispered.

His fingers unlinked, but he only bent his neck to lift his head in order to catch my eyes.

His sky-blue ones were now unmitigated black.

My stomach clutched.

“Otho is dead.”

I felt my heart spike, and my hands moved instantly to cradle his face.

“No,” I breathed.

“And twenty-three men loyal to me besides.”

“No.” That word trembled from my lips.

“I’m sorry, my darling,” he whispered, using an endearment he’d never used with me before, and I loved it, I just hated what drove him to using it. “We cannot assist True. We can’t even attend Mercy’s funeral. We must be away to Airen as soon as possible on the morrow.”

“Yes, of course. Immediately,” I said swiftly.

“I want the girls on one of Aramus’s ships. I want them in Mar-el. It’s the safest place for them in the now. And I know he’ll order anyone guarding them to die for them if need be.”

Mar-el?

Our girls that far away?

Across the sea?

Not easy to get to by horse?

I thought these thoughts.

“Yes, absolutely,” I said. “I…I think that True will be busy, but perhaps Farah can have a chat with the girls in the morning, let them share how sorry they are, which I know they’ll want to do, while I pack them, and then they’ll be away.”

“Is there any way I can talk you into going with them?” he tried.