Cassius nodded.

“If you need me, my friend, I will be there,” he continued, his attention still on Cassius.

“I know,” Cassius replied.

Aramus turned to True. “And if you need me, I will be there.”

“I know as well,” True said.

Aramus drew in a large breath and let it go as if what he said was a great burden he was relieved to let go.

And I saw that it was. He did not want to disappoint anyone he had made promises.

But I understood why he’d want to go home.

I understood this because, before leaving our chambers to be witness to an abdication, Mars had dropped this same cannonball.

We were going back to Fire City.

I had already decided not to argue this.

Treachery was afoot.

The King of Firenze needed to be home.

Further, we’d received word that Zosime had had her child, a girl, and I wanted to meet her.

I did not want to leave True (or Farah, but especially True). Not now.

But I was queen, and unlike many people thought, I could not have all I wanted.

Mercy had taught me that.

May the gods embrace her.

“Apollo and I have discussed how best to utilize our resources,” Frey Drakkar entered the conversation. “And we’ve decided that I shall go with Cassius to Airen, but I will send my dragons to an unpopulated dune in Firenze, if that’s acceptable?” he asked Mars.

My husband nodded.

Frey nodded back and turned to Cassius. “If they have not already seen them, once you know more about the situation, the element of surprise can be used to great success. However, we need to discuss this. Their power is mighty, and if not utilized strategically, there could be damage that’s unacceptable.”

“My gratitude,” Cassius murmured with a chin dip to Frey.

“And I will remain here,” Apollo put in, his gaze on True. “I’ve had occasion to communicate with a few alphas in this realm. From that I’ve learned, I have the same command of the wolves here as I do in my own land. And Frey and I believe we can put this to use in Wodell. At the very least, they can guard important places you feel may be targets or keep angry citizens from doing aught to these Go’Doan temples you fear may be the targets of misplaced ire. This would free some of your soldiers, who would be spread thin if they were to be deployed too widely. And a wolf, I have found, is a successful deterrent, even to those who have a great deal of belief behind their intended misdeeds.”

“I would not be surprised,” True replied. “And this will be most appreciated.”

Maddie piped up, her eyes on me. “You do not speak to animals in this land?”

I shook my head.

She turned to Finnie. “How odd.”

“You do?” Elena asked them.

Finnie nodded. “Women speak to some, men speak to others. Though only Frey commands the dragons and only Apollo commands the wolves.”