Page 64 of To Save a Kingdom

She snorted. “You, too.” She eyed him. He’d likely resist using them, as they would mute his ability to hear oncoming threats. Stubborn male. “We have to get to Roland and Tsara. They should be included when we plan the rescue mission.” As much as she hated to admit it.

She ran a quick brush through her hair and pulled it back in a simple braid as Elessan took the candle from her bedside table over to the hearth. He carved four chunks of wax with his dagger and held them over the heat until they softened. As she tied off the ends of her plait, he handed her two, which she shoved into her ears.

The crackling of the fire muted.

Elessan did the same then nodded at her.

Strapping the blade he’d given her around her waist, she dipped her chin once. They were ready to go.

They found Roland and Tsara in the Council chambers, surrounded by several elves Aliya recognized as his inner circle. They were all screaming at each other and as she drew closer, she realized their ears were all plugged, as well.

“It’s about time you got here,” Roland yelled, loud enough she could hear it through the wax. “We were about to do this without you!”

Flames burst through her gut at the derision in his tone. “I had to see to the safety of the staff and people in the city,” Aliya screamed back. They were all going to lose their voices if they continued this for long. But it felt good to have an excuse to raise her voice at him without repercussions.

“What are you going to do about this situation?” Roland shouted. “This is your fault, after all!”

Her shock must have shown in her face. He glared at her and sneered. “He escaped on your watch, and stole the Whisperers under your protection!”

Aliya resisted the urge to pull her hair out by its roots. First, Brooks’ escape was Zadé’s failure, now it was hers. It seemed the blame lay at whoever’s feet was more convenient for the sun elf king at any point in time.

She glanced around. Speaking of Zadé, where was she?

“Finger pointing isn’t important right now!” Elessan said, stepping up next to her. “He’s holding my mother and several others hostage!”

Roland snarled. “I am well aware of the situation, Svialto! The human queen may need it explained to her, but I do not!”

Aliya rolled her eyes, letting the barb fly past without hitting its intended target. Zadé wasn’t here, and they’d have a better chance with her tactical brilliance on their side. “Has anyone seen General Brightleaf?” She caught the eyes of each person in the room. Most met her with eyes narrowed in suspicion or straight-out dislike, but no one responded.

Her gut clenched at the possibility Zadé might be prisoner in the library as well. But no, she slept in the barracks with her troops rather than in the posh east wing.

Aliya splayed her hands in frustration. “We need to find her! She can help us plan your people’s rescue!”

No one answered. Elessan was engaged in what appeared to be an epic glaring contest with Princess Tsara. Roland had already turned away and was studying what she’d bet were some architectural blueprints of the castle.

Fine. If no one else cared, she’d locate Zadé, free the hostages, and eliminate Brooks herself. Then she’d watch Roland eat his words.

She patted Elessan’s arm, drawing his attention from Tsara. “I’m going to go search for Zadé! Stay here!” She didn’t have to tell him to make sure the sun elves didn’t do anything rash. He’d understand what she needed from him.

“No!” he said, grabbing her. “You’re not going alone!”

She nodded, unsurprised. Doing so when Brooks was in the castle and able to track her magic would be the height of stupidity. “I’ll take my guards! I need you here! See if you can find a back way into the library!”

He locked his jaw and met her eyes. She jutted her chin forward and put her hands on her hips.

Finally, he exhaled. “Be safe!” His gaze flicked to the sentries behind her. “If she’s hurt…”

He didn’t finish the threat. The lieutenant placed a clenched fist over his heart in a salute before turning to follow her from the room with the rest of his contingent.

Chapter 25

Elessan

Elessan almost didn’t hear the door close behind Aliya thanks to the plugs in his ears. He knew why Aliya needed him here—someone had to keep Roland from doing anything stupid that would get the hostages killed, like trying to storm Brooks’ position. Hopefully Elessan could stall any action on the part of the sun elf royals until she returned with Zadé.

He stepped up to the map on the table and studied it. “Any sign of a back way into the library?” He enunciated his words so he wouldn’t have to scream in the royal’s face. He pressed his lips together to hold back a smile at the memory of the vicious glee in Aliya’s eyes when she’d had the opportunity to do just that. An alliance between Aliya and Roland would be no easy thing, but it would be best for both realms.

Roland didn’t respond, but Tsara shook her head. “Other than the donjon, the library’s the most fortified area in this castle!”