once we were outside our wards, she should have been able to find us with a locator spell. Or she could have tried to communicate some other way. The plane we were on was a dangerous place.”
“I want to go.” Lee’s hands went to his hips, a stubborn stance. “I want to go to whatever plane you were on and I’ll find her. I promise.”
“Lee, we have no idea how to get there,” Rhys said. “And we have things we need to do on this plane. I can’t come with you. I know how much you miss her, but they’ve had a long time to try to get back. Her mother is a formidable witch. If there was a way to return or to communicate with us, she would have. We have to face the fact that we were probably right the first time. They are lost to us.”
“I’ve let you tell me that for twelve years,” Lee gritted out, getting in his brother’s face. “What the hell turned you into such a pessimistic asshole? She could be out there. Do you even care? She was your friend, too. We used to eat dinner with them and play games with Uncle Felix. Why would you throw away a chance to find them?”
“Because I have to be the realist. Because you’re far too busy playing the charming rogue and hanging on to all your ridiculous romantic dreams,” Rhys shot back. “One of us has to be pragmatic. Remember what happened the last time you played the hero. I paid, Lee. My scars might have healed, but I assure you I remember the night. I dream about it. I wake up screaming because of it, so you know what…go and find her. It will be easier to win this war if I’m not constantly trying to keep you alive.”
“Rhys,” Lee began.
Rhys ignored him. “Mother, I’m going to get some people to help take this shipment in and deliver it where it needs to go. I’m sorry the day went poorly. We can try again tomorrow if you decide that’s what you want to do.”
“Rhys, I’m sorry,” Lee practically begged.
“You always are.” Rhys turned and walked off.
“I think Shy is needed here more than I am right now,” my father said. And then Shy was in control again. “I’m going to help Rhys. I’ll calm him down, Your Highness.”
She jogged after him, and I was glad someone was with him.
“Dean, Neil, could I have a moment with my son?” I didn’t think I should make this a public discussion.
Neil nodded and led Dean off.
I turned to Lee. “What was that about? What happened to your brother?”
Lee had paled, but he shook his head. “I’m sorry. That’s his story to tell. I’m actually shocked he brought it up in front of anyone else. It’s been a hard twelve years. I know I smile a lot but…it was hard and I miss Mia. I wasn’t trying to be an asshole.”
What had happened to Rhys? Would he even talk to me about it? Or had I lost that right by being gone so long? He’d become a man without his parents around, and despite the fact it hadn’t been our choice, he might never look to us for comfort again. At least Lee seemed willing to accept my affection. I wrapped an arm around his waist. “I know, baby. But you need to apologize to your brother. He’s worried about your transition, and not for the reason you think.”
“I’m going to be fine. I’m not even worried about the pain,” Lee countered.
“Rhys is worried. He’s worried he’s going to lose his brother. He’s worried you’re going to become a vampire and leave him behind. You throw yourself into things and forget he’s around.” He’d done it his whole childhood. Lee had been the force of nature and Rhys the dutiful child.
“No, I don’t.” His head dropped down, resting against mine. “I guess I do. I remember how he used to ask me to play, but I wanted to work with Kelsey. And then I wanted to study languages. The weird thing is it was all about trying to make myself special. Rhys…I mean the Fae have always bowed down to him, and Evan was the only girl.”
“But you were special to Rhys. You were his brother, his twin. You think he didn’t feel the distance? You didn’t know it at the time, but you were drawn to Mia for a reason. The same way your dad