Page 98 of Maleen

She taps her fingers along the table as she thinks. “We should send a Skuggi fae to meet with him and assess his allegiance, just to make sure we don’t walk into a trap. I agree that it’s time to take back Phixmery. That was my family’s second home before my great-grandparents turned it into an academy. The lords have taken enough from our realm. It’s time to cut them off at the knees.”

“What are we going to do about the ones under the Stone’s influence?” Ember asks.

She sighs. “Lock them up until I can clear their minds, which won’t be until the threat of the lords is done and we have the whole stone in our possession.” She pauses. “I’ve been thinking since the failed attempt to get rid of the Soul Stone. We need to prioritize taking it back. I’ve read the reports and we have enough dragons to defend ourselves from Craven if he were to attack Maleen, but I’m tired of waiting for the war to come to us.”

She looks at me as she calmly pets Nero’s head, something I notice she does when she is worried or thinking, and right now that’s probably both. She tosses the scroll on the table. “According to Ashbluff, cadets are going missing and coming back completely different, and dragons are bonding with riders outside of the choosing trial, while the older cadets are being sent away with their troops and not returning. I think Lord Craven is gathering his masses, and if Phixmery only has new recruits then it will be easier to take back the academy and weaken them before they can do even more damage.”

Ember clears her throat. “I think I know where they are sending the second, third and fourth years.” Everyone turns to look at her. “There’s been more reports of these containment camps popping up outside of the large cities across the realm. Warriors with Phixmery insignias have been spotted guarding these camps, and there’s reports of a large military presence outside of Targos.”

Ravina sits back in her chair, thinking again.

“If I may?” I ask, and her eyes light up as she gestures for me to continue. “We send someone to scope out Phixmery as you suggested earlier. I think it’s smart to see what’s going on there instead of taking the word of Ashbluff, because it’s possible it could all be a trap. But also, send small scouting parties to check out these camps and the presence in Targos.”

Cynder leans forward. “Let me and the crew go. Dragon’s Drift is right near the capital and it’s not uncommon for ships to be passing in and out of there.”

Talyn stands, slamming his hands on the table. “Absolutly not,” he roars. “Our father is going to be looking for you.”

“That vile male is not my father. My true fathers are dead,” she hisses. “Because your father stole them from me and tore my family apart!” Cynder looks to Rav. “I want to go.”

Rav stares wide-eyed between her mates and her newly found sister and I can see the war in her eyes—the one that feels the hurt for Talyn and the one that won’t have any male tell her what to do.

“I’m all for you and Evander’s crew going, but Talyn is right. What if you’re captured? He could use your blood to activate the stone. Who knows how much he even has left from our mother stored away. He’s desperate, and I couldn’t live with myself if you were hurt.”

“I can hold my own. Dante, Thorne, Cormac and Evander have been teaching me to defend myself, and I have Galallaus magick. Plus I’ll wear a disguise. I can’t stay hidden away in this castle like some damsel princess awaiting saving. I’ve already lived that life until they saved me from Lord Craven.”

“If you’re going then I’m going with you,” Lennox states, standing and facing Cynder and the pirate crew who sits with her.

Evander grins. “More than happy to have you aboard, mate.”

Talyn sits back down and crosses his arms, fuming. At least he didn’t storm out this time. I would say that is progress.

“Are you sure you want to go? I’d love for you to come with us,” Ravina tellsLennox. She’s been worried about him, and I don’t blame her. He’s been distant, but I know she’s glad that Cynder has been keeping him company.

He sighs and looks at Ravina. “Things have been hard with Mel gone, especially being here in this castle without her. She always wanted to see it, you know. A few days away will be good for me.” His eyes dart to Cynder as his cheeks tint pink, and I think it’s more about the female who will be out of his sight more than escaping the castle, but I keep that to myself.

Rav smiles sadly at him and nods. “Well then it’s settled. You six will head to Targos and investigate the increased military presence there. Do not get caught. Report back to me as soon as possible. I’ll give you three days,” Ravina states, staring around the room before her gaze lands on me again. “Pick your stealthiest, fastest warriors. I want this information sooner rather than later so we can finish this. I won’t have anyone else I love taken from me. Not when I have the means to finally end this war.” And I know she’s talking about the fact that our army is now in fighting condition and we have the northern dragons on our side. The last month has been chaotic with how hard we’ve been preparing for this.

Her eyes are shadowed and her thoughts are blank, like she’s trying to fight her worry. It’s probably just the fear of almost losing Aemon still creating havoc in her mind.

Everyone disperses to get ready to depart and Ravina gets up, pulling Lennox to the side and pulling him in for a hug. “Keep my sister safe, okay?”

He hugs her back and I fight back the growl that builds in my throat. “I will. I promise.”

He nods his head toward me and my brothers before departing the room, I suspect to catch up with the pirates. Royals related to pirates—well we will be if Cynder mates them. Poor Talyn will have a conniption fit.

Rav leans against the table. “Am I making the right choice? Should we just be sitting and waiting for them to attack first?” She chews on her lip and I have the urge to swipe my thumb across it to stop it, but Jesper beats me to it.

“Who knows how long we will be waiting, letting him amass more power. No, I think it’s time we make the next move.” Jesper kisses her which leaves her gasping.

She sighs. “Making decisions for the whole realm is stressful. Thank you. You would tell me if it wasn’t a good decision, right?”

Aemon takes her hand with his shadows and pulls her out of Jesper’s arms and into his. “Of course we would. Plus, it’s a good thing you have four devoted males who would love to help ease your stress anytime you ask.”

Rav’s eyes grow hooded. “Anytime?”

Talyn grins. “Anytime—”

Madame Windwhisper knocks and enters the room. “Princess Mae—Ravina, we need to discuss some things regarding your lady’s maids and a few other tedious things I need you to sign off on.”