Steal the Sun (Thieves #4)(89)

Daniel nodded and followed me inside.

Declan and Dev were pouring over maps with Padric. All three men were in what looked like the Fae version of military uniforms.

Miria watched them, her mouth turned down. Her eyes seemed old for the first time since I met her. She glanced up first and her mouth became a startled O. “Zoey, Daniel. I am surprised to see you. I was told you were leaving to return to the Earth plane.”

Dev looked up and the weariness on his face made me want to cry. “You’re up, Zoey,” he said and for a moment he sounded happy. Then a cloud passed over his eyes. “You are leaving, then. I wish you a safe journey.” He nodded at Daniel and went back to his maps.

I wanted to run to him but I didn’t think a big scene would help anything, so I stood my ground. “I’m leaving, Devinshea, but I’m not going home.”

All eyes were on me now.

“I’m going after the Blood Stone.” I was dressed for hunting. No more gossamer gowns for me. “I need a couple of things, though. I don’t know how long it will take or where we’re going to have to go. I could use a set of camping gear. The wolves don’t mind not having shelter, but I’d rather at least have a tent.”

I’d rather have a suite at the Hilton, but I doubted I would find one of those out here. I had to track down leprechauns, and they would likely be working their cons in the countryside.

Declan crossed his arms. “I think it would be best for everyone if you went home, Your Grace. This is not a place for humans.”

Dev shook his head dismissively. “There is no purpose in looking for it now, Zoey. You cannot stop this war. When it is done, I will help you search for the Blood Stone. Until then, it is very dangerous.”

“The people have spoken,” Miria said tightly. “They are angry. If I do not…”

“What Mother is saying,” Declan took up his mother’s explanation, “is that even if we wanted to stop the war, we could not. The people would view her as weak and we would lose the army as well. There would almost certainly be a coup.”

“You see, my wife, the path is set,” Dev said, his voice low and full of his willpower.

“If you’re so sure I can’t stop this then there’s no harm in giving me a couple of tents and some camping gear. The war won’t take place here. I’ll avoid the plane between the sitheins. I doubt my target is there anyway,” I pointed out sensibly.

Dev turned to me and I noticed for the first time that he was wearing a sword on his belt. I knew there would be a few knives hidden somewhere on his person as well. I hoped he was smart enough to have a gun or two. Declan would consider them to be dishonorable weapons, but they were effective and that was all I cared about. “I would prefer it if you would see her safely home, Daniel.”

“She would just come back, man,” Daniel replied. “She’s set on saving your ass, and she thinks this is the way to do it.”

“I could have the royal guard escort you to the door,” Dev threatened.

Daniel frowned and now his will was fully on display. “You could do that if you wanted to lose a couple of royal guards. I’m with her on this one, Dev. If you throw us out, I’ll find a way back in.”

Dev’s eyes tightened. “I would think you would want to see our wife safe, Daniel.”

“Our wife is not the only one in danger,” Daniel replied quietly.

“I will have a servant ready the gear,” Declan said to his brother, who nodded his assent. “It will be waiting for you at the palace gates. I will have them issue you some soldier’s rations as well. Do you need horses?”

Daniel shook his head. “Lee and Neil will run and I’ll fly Z wherever we need to go.”

Declan went off to order people around and Miria drew herself up, looking regal in her small crown. “I wish the two of you luck. Please be safe, all of you,” she said sincerely before taking Padric by the hand. “Come, dear. Let us allow them a private good-bye.”

The three of us were alone finally and the silence threatened to crush me. Daniel and I stood looking at Dev across the room, the space between us a chasm I hoped we could cross.

“I wish you luck as well.” Dev looked uncertain what to do so he turned his face back down to study his briefs.

“I love you.” It would be useless to say anything else.

I almost made it to the door when I was whirled around and Dev hauled me up against his body. His arms were a sweet cage holding me to his chest, my feet dangling inches off the floor. He kissed me and I ran my fingers through his hair, all the passion and love we had ever felt in that one meeting of lips.

He pulled back and rested his forehead against mine. “I love you, wife. Forever and always.”

I didn’t ask him to come with us. He would have said no. He was doing what he felt he had to and I was doing the same. I kissed him sweetly and gave him back his words. “Forever and always, my love.”

He set me down and he and Daniel exchanged a look. Something dark sat between them, a wariness I didn’t quite understand.

“Watch your back,” Daniel said.

Dev nodded and we walked out. I turned back as the door closed between us. His eyes were on me to the end.

I brushed a tear away, wanting so much to destroy that door that separated us from Dev.