“Prince Hawthorne’s intent to approach the contact himself and remain undercover is… underdeveloped.” Silene’s mouth drops open. She clearly didn’t know about or endorse this foolish idea. I can’t resist leveling my own smirk at the Prince, like I’ve won some game we’re both playing. “You should not hide your identity from the rebel group. They likely already knew who you were and targeted the Prince intentionally at that pub. Even if he somehow managed to remain inconspicuous at the pub, he won’t remain so for long. Plus, you’re more likely to be introduced to their leaders quickly if they know who you are and think you want to help them.” Silene nods her agreement, while the Prince keeps his eyes trained on my face. His expression is calm, but he won’t look away, and it’s unsettling. I continue the conversation quickly, ignoring the way my blood heats under his gaze. “Silene and Fionn, you’ll go to the contact as a confirmation of sorts. They’ll expect Prince Hawthorne to send his entourage ahead first. Once the two of you have secured an introduction to their leadership, you’ll bring Prince Hawthorne into the scheme.” The Prince opens his mouth to protest, but Silene cuts him off.

“I like the plan. Not only is it more believable that a prince would send his advisors ahead of him to scope the situation out…” She gives the Prince a pointed look that nearly breaks my trained expression, my lips quirking slightly at the way she can boss him around with just a look. “It keeps him out of danger until we can assess any potential risks.”

“I don’t need to be protected from a rural group of fae and humans playing at insurgents,” the Prince interjects, but Silene merely looks at him with a no-nonsense expression that reminds me of Nemesia, and he shuts up. I like her, and I don’t want to. I can’t allow myself to—not when I’ll have no choice at the end of all this but to make them all disappear, Silene included.

“As I was saying…” Silene draws out the phrase with a pointed glance at the Prince, “I think this is the right approach. But how are we going to convince the rebels to trust us? How will we convince them we’re on their side? If they’re smart, they’ll spot the ruse.” I smile wide, the final pieces of my plan clicking into place only hours ago as I realized the rebels rotting away in my cells were no more Sons and Daughters leadership than I am.

“Because you’re going to offer to break out the group of them I took prisoner after the attack.” They did not expect this. Even Silene remains quiet—a quizzical look upon her face.