Lina’s eyes flitted to Bri. “I wish you didn’t make it so hard to hate you.”

“I wish you’d stop hating me,” Bri countered, her eyes dropping to Lina’s parted, breathless lips.

“Keep wishing.” Lina’s eyes guttered. “We should go get changed before the council meetings.”

“We should do this again, when you have more time,” Bri said. “I need to train with someone who can actually challenge me.”

“Me as well.” Lina looked Bri up and down in a way that made her stomach clench. “But that person isn’t you.”

Bri flashed a grin, shifting on her feet at the Princess’s swift rebuttal. As Lina turned to walk away, Bri followed after her, a pace behind.

“Stop. Following. Me,” Lina hissed.

“No,” Bri challenged, getting so close she could feel Lina’s breath on her cheek.

Lina’s eyes dropped to the weapon on Bri’s hip. “Why did Delta make you pledge on that amber dagger?” She arched her eyebrow in a way that told Bri she knew she’d won. She knew the exact question that would push Bri away.

Bri’s words faltered as she crossed her arms. “Because it was from someone important to me,” she whispered, shoving away the memory and gesturing down the hall. “Now, I’ll escort you to your chambers and leave you there.”

* * *

Bri felt like an ogre holding the petite teacup. Taking a sip of the bitter liquid, she forced a half smile at Saika. She wished Lina could have joined them, but Bri had left her at the door to her private quarters, where she was meeting with her council. The wing was heavily guarded, and Bri knew her protection wasn’t needed there, but still . . . she would have preferred loitering outside a closed door to having a tea party.

Bri scowled into her cup. They sat in a little alcove in Saika and Delta’s chambers. The door to their bedroom was shut while Delta rested, still heavily drugged from Cole’s tonics, but within earshot should she wake prematurely. Cole had said the operation went well and that he believed he got all of the infection out, but Bri’s shoulders still clung around her ears with tension. She wouldn’t know true relief until Delta was up and walking around again.

“Thank you for inviting us to tea,” Carys offered, delicately lifting her cup from its saucer.

“Of course,” Saika said, staring down at her hands. “It’s a welcome distraction.”

Bri narrowed her eyes at the beautiful fae. “It’s understandable given all that’s happened.”

She wondered what Saika was reliving in that moment. Was she thinking about her wife’s operation? Bri had been in many battles, and yet the gore of fighting was forever burned into her mind. She wouldn’t blame this gentle fae for being upset by what she’d seen.

“I suppose,” Saika mused, flicking her gaze to the shrouded window.

Bri was certain there would be beautiful views over the cliffs and out to the ocean if the windows weren’t covered. Still, sunlight filtered onto the circular table, casting a golden glow over the little honey cakes and finger sandwiches. So formal and ladylike—the person her mother wished she could have been.