She worried her lower lip. “She left the other day, didn’t she?”
That’s right. The Queen had left to bring me to heel. Was there anything else she’d be willing to leave for? The Queen was obsessed with duty and protecting the Danú. And she hated humans. Maybe we could . . . No. Maybe?
Aveen poked my ribs. “You thought of something.”
“It probably won’t work.” I rubbed my weary eyes, almost certain this plan would end in both our deaths.
“Tell me anyway.”
“If I can convince her that Tadhg wants to act against the humans, shemaybe willing to meet us at the castle. But it wouldn’t be for long. An hour at most.” And even then, there was no guarantee she would stay.
Aveen’s eyes lit up, and she grabbed for my hand. “If we got her to come for dinner, it could be longer. Then you and Tadhg can keep her there for as long as—”
“I’m not letting you go into that castle on your own.”
The corner of her lips lifted. “Don’t you think your mother will be a little suspicious if you’re not there for this big meeting?”
She would be suspicious, but . . .
“This will work,” Aveen said. “I’ll sneak in, have a look around—”
“Wherever she has it hidden, it is likely to be warded. And if it is, you won’t be able to get in.”
“Stay for part of the dinner, then slip away.”
Icoulddo that. Wait. No, I couldn’t. “Theft of this magnitude is a capital crime in Tearmann.”
“It’s not theft if it’s retrieving a stolen item and returning said item to its rightful owner. I checked,” she said proudly. “If she harms either of us for it, her life is forfeit.”
Could we rely on the Queen adhering to the law in such a rage? “I will need to pay the death tax. That is non-negotiable.”
Her lips lift a little higher, bringing my hope with them. “I was hoping you’d offer so I wouldn’t have to make things awkward by asking you to die for me again.”
“I’d accept a thousand deaths before I let anyone lay a finger on you.”
She clapped her hands together beneath her chin, rocking back and forth. “Do I get to stab you?”
“You sound far too excited by the prospect of murdering me. But, no. Being stabbed takes too long and it’s so messy. There are cliffs. I could just throw myself off one.”
She grabbed both of my hands, squeezing hard. “Can I push you? Please?” Her lower lip popped out as she batted her lashes up at me.
“Fine,” I groaned. “I will allow you to push me to my death. Happy?”
“Immensely. Now, the dagger.”
If the Queen knew we had such a weapon, her tune would change.
Aveen gestured toward my belt. “Give it to me, and I will—”
“You can’t. If you’re immortal—”
“We don’t know for sure, do we?” Aveen countered. “And there’s a chance I’ll survive, while you would certainly die. But there will be no need for it because this plan will go well.”
I grimaced. “I wish I shared your optimism.”
“I’ll give you some if you’d like.” With a smile, she braced her hands on my shoulders and eased her mouth to mine, brushing a kiss against my lips. “Better?”
“No. Maybe you should do it again.”