The Tracker's Rage (Mate Tracker #3) - Ingrid Seymour Page 0,44

to make sure we were still there. Ladresel and Misra stayed by us, casting glances in Damien’s direction. At last, Prince Kalyll pulled away from his guards and headed our way. His movements were lithe and self-assured. His armor glinted in the sun, making him look like some sort of god. I was struck by his beauty all over again. I had first seen him in Yalgrun’s shop a few weeks ago, but his chiseled face was imprinted in my memory.

When he stopped in front of us, Damien inclined his head respectfully. “Prince Kalyll Adanorin, what an honor.”

The Prince’s cobalt blue gaze drifted from Damien to me, and what he said next left me as speechless as the last time I’d seen him.

“Antonietta Sunder, I find myself confused and grateful for your presence here. You and your friend have spared us a difficult if not impossible fight.” He placed a hand on his chest and bowed. “I am grateful for your help. May you introduce your companion?”

“Um, uh, y-yes, sure,” I babbled. “This is Copper Mage Damien Ward.”

Kalyll bowed again toward Damien. “I must repay your help.”

The mage and I exchanged a glance. Well, wasn’t that convenient? I could only hope that the price of what Damien had done for the Prince matched that of what we’d come to request.

Damien nodded, encouraging me to speak. I frowned at him. He was the one who had saved the day. Maybe he should be the one to do the talking, not me. The mage narrowed his eyes, insistent.

“Prince Kalyll,” I said. “There is, indeed, something you could do to help us.”

“I will do everything within my power to do so.” The Prince turned to Ladresel and Misra. “Make yourselves useful and help the injured.”

“Yes, my Prince,” they both said in unison, then pounded their chests, and ran off to follow orders.

“You may speak freely, now,” Kalyll said.

I nodded once. “I must begin by explaining that we came to Elf-hame in search of you,” I said, realizing that I was speaking very formally, like I’d swallowed an English professor.

The Prince raised his eyebrows, but said nothing.

“A farmer who delivers goods to the Vine Tower told us where to find you,” I continued, “and we headed this way on borrowed ponies, hoping to find you and gain an audience with you, all on the slim chance that you might remember me.”

“I do remember you very well,” he said, his eyes glinting. I got the feeling he knew more about me than our chance encounters should have afforded him, but that was unlikely.

“I am glad you do.” I inclined my head to express gratitude and relief. “What we wish to request from you is not for us, but for others back in our realm who are ill. You see, Damien needs Bitterthorn to craft a cure to save them from sure death.”

“Bitterthorn?” Prince Kalyll said, his deep voice rising a couple of octaves with surprise.

He sounded as incredulous as if I’d just asked him to exchange his armor for a lace bustier right before going into battle against barbed dragons. It took him a moment to sober up. “It is no trifle you ask for, Antonietta Sunder, but on my honor and for the deed you have done for us today, I will listen to you further and, based on your answer, will determine the righteousness of your request.”

So, with my heart in my hand and hopes for Aaron and Josh’s happiness and Liliana’s life, I told Prince Kalyll everything.

THE SEELIE PRINCE GAVE us exactly two Bitterthorn leaves. No more, no less.

Ten hours after we arrived in Elf-hame, we reappeared in Damien’s basement. The place was absolutely dark until he snapped his fingers and the candles around the room came to life.

No one was there, and the basement was spooky, but after being in the Fae realm, being back felt good. Safe.

“I will get started working on the cure right away,” Damien said, moving around the room, gathering utensils for his work.

“Here?” I said. “Aren’t you worried Stephen will send someone to destroy it again?”

“I added additional reinforcements to the house. They’ll get a big surprise if they return.”

I guessed there was no point in arguing with him. He knew what he was doing better than me. Besides, this was for his daughter, so I knew he would fight to the death to protect her only chance left at life—or death, whichever way vampires saw it.

“It’s been a long day,” I said, heading upstairs. “Call