The words hit me like a physical blow. Kael. My partner. My love. Daemon was going to kill him to power his ritual.
"Then we warn him. We make sure he never goes near Daemon. Never gives him the chance."
"It's too late for that." One of Elena's people stepped forward, his face sympathetic. "Prince Kael arrived here ten minutes ago. Said he was looking for you. Said he'd received word you were coming here for help. We told him you hadn't arrived yet, that we'd send word when you did. He left to ride back toward the castle."
"No." I felt cold spreading through me. "No, that's wrong. Captain Thorne sent word for him to meet us here. He should have been waiting. Should have known to stay put until I arrived."
"Princess," Captain Thorne's voice was careful. "I didn't send word to Prince Kael. I meant to, but with the rush to prepare horses and leave, I forgot. He doesn't know you're here. Doesn't know any of this."
