With Brae, Devon and Cameron powering the boat we reached the Arcan Realm quickly. Imogen was recovering, but too weak to travel; she had broken several ribs and the rocking of the boat, even as it shot through the water at Protector-speed, would have been agonising for her. Queen Aurelia had promised us that she would be perfectly safe in the Brizan Realm; Kit was going to be looking after her. He hadn't left her side since the attack. His concern was even beginning to soften Devon's opinion of him.

"If we have to leave her behind, at least we know that Kit will take good care of her," she had confided in me that morning. The girls had even managed to have a civil conversation on the day we left. It wasn't the way they used to be, but it was a start.

Brae had barely spoken since Brody's arrival, not that I blamed him. It wasn't that he didn't want to speak to us-he tried, with me especially, but he couldn't get the words out without dissolving to the edge of tears. And he was resolved not to cry. The Arcan Realm needed a strong leader. Not a grieving boy.

When we reached the Arcan shore, Grace was standing in the harbour, waiting for us. It seemed so wrong, watching her stand there alone, especially when only a few weeks before she had been waving us off with Zephyrus at her side. So much had changed in so little time.

Her eyes were rimmed with red and her face was tear-stained. But she stood tall and regal as she watched her son step off the boat and walk towards her, catching him in a tight embrace before welcoming the rest of us.

"How is he?" Brae asked, his voice carrying more strength than he actually had.

Grace could only shake her head in response.

Grey clouds hung overhead, as though mirroring the mood at the harbour. There was none of the usual hustle and bustle. The white marble quay was cold and uninviting.

I could still remember standing on it while waiting for Brae to return from his first trip to the Brizan Realm. The sun had been shining and I had watched him dive into the water to reach me more quickly. The boy who had emerged from the sea, laughing and carefree, was completely gone; erased by the events of the past few days.

"Brae," Grace began. I could tell from her tone that she wasn't about to deliver good news. "I know that it's atrocious timing, but a delegation has arrived from the Sephan Realm. One of their new Presidents has come."

He looked at her imploringly. Not now. His eyes seemed to say. I'm not ready.

"I'm sorry, son. They can't be turned away. He's adamant that he must see you. They wouldn't even await your return to the palace-they're on their way down to the quay."

Brae turned to me, his eyes burning brightly. He needed me, now more than ever, and held out his hand.

I stepped towards him, squeezing his hand firmly. I am here. You can do this. I tried to tell him with my eyes. But it wasn't enough, so I took his face in my hands and kissed him softly on the lips.

{Penultimate chapter! Sorry it's short - it's because we're about to have a character swap. To make up for it, I will post the FINAL chapter tomorrow afternoon! In the meantime, please vote/comment to let me know what you think.}

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