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“Why do you want the captain to marry Sierra?” he asked, his tone leaking the control he barely held on to.
What she was asking was impossible. It was Lysander and only him who would marry the omega. Demos had planned, schemed, and practically walked the road to Saturnus, the land of pain and suffering, to procure the omega, to deliver her to the prince.
The lovely queen stepped closer. “Had I known then what I know now, information that deems this an impossible match between Sierra and Ander, that…” She struggled for the right word, her voice speaking softly as she continued, “complicates securing our omega, I would not have chosen him. It is not possible. You’ll have to trust me in this, Demos.”
Incapable? But the Elementals would not have gotten this wrong, Demos thought.
“More secrets, I see,” Fadon said, his face twisted in disgust. He threw up his arms. “What the fuck has been going on, Mari? Why is the Owl here? What information? And what is your part in this, Servant?” The captain got in Demos’ face. Both men were of the same height. His black eyes, filled with venom, stared hard at the Servant. “It always seems to come down to you, Servant. I’ve had my doubts—”
“Enough!” The queen got between them, her chest rising. “He is on our side, Brother.”
Fadon didn’t move a muscle, his gaze holding Demos’.
He knew the captain didn’t trust him. Probably even hated him, Demos thought. By the Wind, Demos knew the feeling was mutual. He and the captain would never become friends; they were more destined to become enemies if it came down to it. He knew Fadon was in love with Sierra just as he himself was, even though neither would ever admit it—Demos was positive in that.
“With eyes like the oceans of Stenos and Larkus, and hair of moonlight, she will heal them.”
It was the queen who spoke.
Demos felt his breath catch. “What did you say?” he whispered, his eyes searching the queen’s.
“I had a feeling you’d recognize that verse, Servant.” She smiled slightly, swallowing, her expression soft and hopeful, transforming her from feisty young queen to a strong woman of the Ongahri.
“Impossible.” Demos shook his head. It was impossible, right?
“My Queen,” someone said behind them.
“Rodul,” she said, turning to the guard. “I need you to summon Zion.”
“Yes, Queen Alpha. But first, the princess’s guards are outside the door. They cannot find her.”
“What?” Fadon demanded, turning to glare at the guard. “What do you mean can’t find her? Bring them here. Now.”
The guards came in, their expressions wary and defeated. One had a letter in his hand.
“Explain,” Fadon snarled, crossing his arms as he looked down at his men.
“The princess was in the garden about an hour ago, Captain. We were getting worried when she hadn’t returned.”
“Rightly so. Go on,” Fadon demanded.
“So, we searched the garden. No sign. The library, the other gardens, the Second’s room. Nothing, Captain. We searched the stables, thinking she sneaked out for a ride. Her horse is gone, along with House Dega’s mounts and Aspen.”
The other guard stepped forward. “We found this nailed on the wall of Aspen’s stall, Captain.”
In one swift movement, the queen snatched the letter and read. Her face paled. She handed it to Fadon.
“Fucking idiot!” Fadon yelled after he read the contents. “Both of you,” he addressed the guards, “summon Brin and tell him to bring the first rank. Shut down the gate and send out a search. Now!”
The men, now charged with instructions, fled the room.
“I will strangle him!” the queen said.
“May I?” Demos asked Fadon, holding out his hand for the letter. The captain handed it over. Demos read.
Mari, I know how much you wanted this ceremony, but Sierra and I talked it over and she was miserable with nerves. By the time you read this, we will be gone. Our destination: Iris Isle. We hope you forgive us. We will return in the spring.
Don’t be too mad,
