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Connak tilts his head as he studies me. “So this is to help Madigan?”
“This is for Ada,” I admit. “She cares about Madigan, and she’s worried her friend isn’t thriving. She thinks Madigan is holding back in training because we’re Mongrels, and there’s some hidden rule that she can’t accidentally hurt one of us, or we’ll kill her.”
“She said that?” Talodus asks, frowning at me.
“Something like that.”
“Ecaeris,” he admonishes like I’m a child.
I wobble my head, speeding through the little I understand. “She also thinks having the Shades here will help the people see that the next generation of rulers can coexist peacefully. And she wants to make sure Madigan is ready for Nesta because Ada intends to fight the unstable Shade queen in the place of my mother.”
“That sounds more like Ada,” Connak comments.
“I tried to argue—”
“We know you did,” Tal interrupts, smirking at me.
“It didn’t work,” I fill them in, though I’m sure they have no doubts.
Connak snorts. “Why did you think it would?”
“I didn’t,” I concede. “But it was worth the effort. She explained a lot to me, some I’m still processing.”
“Ecaeris?” someone calls from the dense trees ahead.
“Here.”
Lyell steps out of the brush, surveying our surroundings as he gestures to someone behind him. The Shade Prince dips his head at me before grabbing my hand and pulling me into a half hug.
“It’s good to see you again, brother,” he says, slapping my back.
“You too,” I reply. “How goes the fight?”
“Nowhere. It goes nowhere.” Lyell sighs. “Are the Mongrels safe from her destruction?”
I nod. “We are, but our new queen doesn’t intend to sit this fight out. We can talk more when we get to the palace.”
“Only three escorts?” a gruff Shade inquires. “I assumed you would have a full detail to accompany us.”
Talodus chuckles. “No need, Faldron. You aren’t our enemy.”
“No, but ask Ada how she feels about assumptions,” Connak tells him.
I hold my hand out. “Faldron. Thank you for joining Lyell.”
The Shade guard glances at my hand in distaste. “I’m not here for him. Where is Madigan?”
Connak blows out a heavy breath. “She’s with Ada.”
“Why would you leave her—”
“Faldron,” a blonde man cuts in, rounding out their party of four. “I’m sure this Ada is perfectly capable of keeping Madi safe. We’re visitors here, so try to find your manners.”
I motion them forward, second-guessing my plan now that Faldron Stillblade has shown up with them. He’s a knowledgeable fighter with a strong tie to his element… But if Ada thinks I’m an ass… She’s going to be pleasantly surprised with his personality. I’m not sure what’s worse than being a dick, though I can say with absolute certainty that it’s him.
We stay quiet on the trek back to the palace, and I pray to the goddess that we don’t cross paths with any stray Mongrels once we step through the stone fence.
The palace comes into view, and I lead the Shade visitors through the catacomb entrance, staying in the side halls until we can’t avoid the main paths. Talodus advances ahead of us, clearing our way and sending any guard members he may find in the opposite direction.
