“He’s sent four, but we can’t expect an answer for another few days at least.” Kalen kissed me. “If it makes you uncomfortable, then I won’t ask again. Perhaps a messenger on a fast horse is necessary, so we can at least guarantee a reply.”

I took a deep breath. “No. You’re right. The situation supersedes my personal problems. Kion will know we’re with the Odalians soon, so there’s no point in hiding from them. Give me a minute to pull myself together and I will reach out to him.”

It took me ten minutes to find the nerve to break down the door I had so meticulously built in my mind, separating my thoughts from Fox’s. I resisted the urge to weep as Fox’s mind flowed into mine, the familiarity of him bringing a fresh wave of tears.

Tea? I heard him ask in shock. He was, I saw, dining with Princess Inessa in her private chambers. He rose to his feet, eyes wide.

“Is that Tea?” Inessa sounded apprehensive, cautious, delighted. “Tea? Where are you? We were so worried—”

Drycht has an army at Mithra’s Wall, I said bluntly, keeping my own emotions at bay, ignoring the tears spilling down my cheeks. Oh, I missed Fox, but the anger, disgust, and fear swirling inside him when we last saw each other was still there, dimmed but pulled back to the forefront when I announced my presence.

The Calming runes that Kalen administered to me daily could do nothing against the torrent of emotions that reconnecting to Fox brought me. Once again, I was overcome with emotion that Daisy was dead and I responsible for it. That perhaps I did deserve to die before I wreaked havoc in other kingdoms. I was a plague that infected all I touched. I deserved no mercy, only justice. Had Kance thought to have me executed for my crimes against his father all those months ago, then Daisy would still be alive.

Tea? Fox sensed my maelstrom of emotions, and his concern grew, outpacing his previous anger. At the same time, I could feel Kalen slowly seeping into my mind as he held me, stroking my hair and murmuring soft, reassuring words. His warmth seeped into my core, and I found my self-control.

Did you know about Aadil’s army?

I—no. We received missives this morning about activity along Yadosha’s borders, but we’ve had no confirmation—

Consider this your confirmation. There is a Faceless within Aadil’s army, and they think the First Harvest is within Mithra’s Wall. Tell Empress Alyx to send a representative—perhaps asha you can spare from the hunt for me, as I am here with the Odalians, surrounding what’s left of the Drychta. The Yadoshans are coming, and Empress Alyx will be left out.