Kiva wasn’t sure if she’d ever hated herself more. But this way, Tilda stood a chance at getting better—a good chance, since the royal healers were renowned for their skills. The only problem was, it would leave the Rebel Queen in the hands of her enemies.

But at least she would be alive.

To Kiva, that was what mattered the most. She hadn’t risked her life over and over just so Tilda could die.

“That’s not a bad idea,” Jaren admitted. “But if it doesn’t work out”—Kiva braced herself, certain he was about to mete out Tilda’s execution sentence right then and there—“the most important thing is that you’re free, even if it means she is, too.” Jaren’s thumb stroked her shoulder. “We’ll deal with the consequences later.”

If Kiva hadn’t been bearing most of his weight, she might have collapsed into a heap at the significance of his words. He was willing to let the Rebel Queen walk free just so that she could, too? That was . . . that was . . .

It was outrageous.

It was unbelievable.

And it filled Kiva with warmth from head to toe.

But then she had another thought, and while she didn’t want to push her luck, she couldn’t keep from asking, “You know how you’re a prince?”

Jaren chuckled, his body moving against hers as they turned down another passageway lit by his flames. “I’m aware.”

“Well . . .” Kiva bit her lip, not even sure how to ask.

“The answer is yes, Kiva.”

She shuffled the two of them around a large slab of limestone in the path before saying, “What answer?”

“I assume you’re trying to ask me about Tipp,” Jaren guessed, correctly. “There’s no way I’m letting him stay in here. Once you’re free, he’s free. I’ll make it happen.”

Tears filled Kiva’s eyes, and she didn’t try to hide them when Jaren turned to look at her.

“Thank you,” she said, with obvious feeling. While she’d already spoken with the Warden about becoming Tipp’s guardian if she survived the Trials, after all she’d since learned about Rooke, she feared he might renege on their deal just to spite her. Now, at least, she had the backing of the crown prince. Tipp would finally be free.

Jaren sent her a soft smile in return, before his face turned serious. “I don’t know if you have anyone out there waiting for you. Either of you. But I was thinking—I mean, I was hoping—” He stopped and tried again. “If you want to, I would really love to show you Vallenia. Both you and Tipp.”

For the second time in the space of minutes, Kiva nearly crumpled.

Stay alive.

Don’t let her die.

We are coming.

“You want us to come with you?” she choked out. “Back to the capital?”