Frozen Tides (Falling Kingdoms 4)

He hissed out a breath of annoyance. “These docks are no place for a princess.”

Ignoring the prince, she turned to Jonas. “I just heard about Lysandra.”

Jonas met her gaze. “I didn’t even know how much she meant to me until moments before she . . .” He scrubbed his hand over his face. “I was so blind.”

“There are no words, Jonas. I’m so very sorry.”

She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. It took a moment, but he returned her embrace.

“I’m going to kill the king. Not for the prince, not even for all the Mytican citizens he’s tried to own and exploit. I’m going to do it for her.”

She nodded. “I know you’ll be successful.”

He pressed his lips against her forehead, kissing her gently. “I’ll see you again soon, your highness.”

“You’d better mean that.”

Jonas nodded and gave her a half smile before heading for the gangplank and boarding the ship.

Cleo risked a glance at Magnus. Not for one solitary moment did she forget he was standing only a few paces away.

His arms were crossed over his chest and he studied her, his expression blank apart from the tight line of his jaw.

“What a tender farewell,” he said. “How romantic.”

Yes, of course the prince was dense enough to believe their exchange had been one of romance rather than friendship born during a time of hardship and grief.

She decided to let him believe whatever he wanted about her and the rebel.

o;Are they all right? What has Magnus done to them?”

“They’re fine,” Nerissa assured her. “I just saw them briefly. Jonas asked me to tell you he’s leaving at dawn, boarding a ship at Black Harbor bound for Kraeshia.”

“To Kraeshia? Why to Kraeshia? To go after Amara and the water Kindred?”

“No. The prince has learned that King Gaius is currently in Kraeshia. He’s sent him over to . . . take care of that situation.”

“Oh. I see.” Cleo was beyond surprised. Why would Magnus trust the rebel with such an important mission, especially after his unexplained disappearance? How desperate and bereft of other options he must be.

“Where’s Nic now?” she asked.

“He’s back in his room, sleeping I assume.”

Cleo felt a sudden thud of disappointment. “If their trip to Paelsia had been successful, they would have woken me immediately to deliver the news.”

“I’m sure Nic will tell you all about their trip in the morning.” Nerissa rose from the bed. “For now, go back to sleep. You’ll need your rest tomorrow.”

It didn’t feel right to her, any of it.

“Why would Magnus make such a monumental decision without consulting me first? Why hide it from me?”

“I don’t know,” Nerissa said, shaking her head. “Do you usually expect him to consult with you?”

“I don’t have any idea what I expect from him anymore,” she muttered. “Thank you for telling me this, Nerissa.”

“Try to sleep, princess.” Nerissa doused the flame in the lantern and turned to go.

“Do you really think I’ll be able to go back to sleep now?”