Violet had expected the journey back to the palace would be quick. That wasn’t the case.

The manor the pixies had taken them to was farther than she had imagined. They were practically isolated and hidden away like a secret even the Fae world had forgotten.

As much as she wanted to simply carry them back, she couldn’t. Not that distance, and certainly not with two fully grown Alpha males. Even with her strength, flying both Asher and Alaric over such a long stretch would drain her before they were halfway there.

Thankfully Alaric had not come alone. As a matter of fact, the white-haired prince had driven here in a carriage. A gold, gleaming wagon drawn by two majestic white horses.Their manes flowed like silk, their eyes glowing with quiet intelligence.

They didn’t just look like horses but creatures that knew exactly what they were doing.The carriage came to a smooth stop before them.

Alaric came into view, clearly pleased with himself. "The pixies gave it to me."

Violet stared at him, stunned.

"So not only do the pixies tell you where I am," she said folding her arms, "they also give you a carriage to come take me home like some princess?"

"Which you technically are," Asher pointed out casually.

"Like Cinderella," Violet muttered. "That is what it’s giving."

She glanced back at the carriage, squinting slightly. "I swear those little creatures have somehow discovered old world fairy tales."

Because this was too on the nose. Except instead of one prince, she had two. Four, technically. Just temporarily unavailable. Something she planned to rectify soon.

Asher moved first, stepping forward and opening the carriage door like it was the most natural thing in the world. Then he turned and extended a hand toward her.

Violet raised a brow.

"You do realize I can get in by myself, right?"

"Of course," he said. "But where’s the fun in that?"

She snorted but took his hand anyway.

The moment she stepped inside, Violet was impressed.

The interior was just as extravagant. Soft velvet seats lined the inside, deep and plush, in a rich shade of midnight blue. Gold accents traced the edges. The air was cool but comfortable, carrying a subtle floral scent that was soothing.

Asher slid in beside her, and before she could even adjust, Alaric followed, taking the space on her other side.

Violet froze because now she was sandwiched between them. For someone who had only just come out of the mating haze, that was quite... dangerous.

She cleared her throat, trying to ignore the way her body reacted instinctively to their closeness. The door shut behind them. Without a driver, the horses moved instantly, as if they had been waiting.

Violet glanced toward the front. "Are we really trusting the horses?"

Alaric leaned back comfortably. "They brought me here. There’s nothing to be afraid of."

Violet relaxed then. Honestly, what was left to be afraid of? They had survived worse.

A heavy silence fell between them. There was too much to say. Too much that had happened in the past few days, and yet none of them seemed to know where to start.

Then—

"I—"

"You—"

They both stopped.

Violet was surprised

Alaric huffed a quiet laugh. "Go on. You first."

She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "I’m sorry."

Both of her mates turned to her.

"For the way I left in the middle of the fight," she continued. "I know I disappeared without saying anything and you must have been worried."

"I was," Alaric said immediately. "I didn’t know where you were. All I knew was that I had to find you. And when I felt your pain..." he paused, jaw tightening. "I thought I had truly tasted death."

"But you didn’t," Asher cut in dryly. "I did."

Alaric rolled his eyes. Asher was never going to let that go.

"The point is," Alaric continued, "I felt useless, like I failed to protect my mate. "

Violet opened her mouth to speak but he stopped her with a small shake of his head.

"But I understand," he added. "I would have done the same thing in your place. I would give my life for my brother too."

It all sounded touching until he ruined it with, "Kind of? Maybe?"

"Asshole," Asher shot at him.

Alaric’s expression was full of mirth. He reached for Violet’s hand, squeezing it gently.

"I’m just glad it worked out. But next time, we do it together. Not alone."

Violet nodded.

"I promise," she said. "And I’m sorry for scaring you. It won’t happen again."

Alaric leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "It’s alright."

The tension eased just a little until Asher asked.

"What about the queen?"

Violet stilled, her heart nearly jumping out of her chest. She had been so busy with Asher, she hadn’t thought about her mother. Not once.

Guilt hit her immediately. What kind of daughter was she?

Alaric said. "The queen died."

Violet’s breath caught, her chest tightening. Before the grief could fully settle, Alaric clarified, "But the soul transfer worked.

Relief hit her so hard she almost slumped.

"That was not funny," she muttered under her breath.

"How is she?" Violet followed, more serious now.

Alaric hesitated.

"...Fine?" He sounded unsure.

Violet narrowed her eyes. "That didn’t sound convincing."

Alaric scratched his brow. "She’s just... a bit vengeful."

"How vengeful are we talking here?"

"She’s showing no mercy," he admitted. "Anyone involved in the attack, she’s eliminating them and their families."

Violet sighed. All it took was death for her mother to become decisive and ruthless.

"I guess the queen and I have something in common then," Asher said suddenly.

Both of them looked at him.

He leaned back, a small smile playing on his lips, though his eyes were anything but amused.

"I’m feeling quite vengeful myself, and I can’t wait to get my hands on Baron. He would pay for what he did to me." Asher’s eyes gleamed darkly, his hands balling into a fist.

"In that case," Alaric said to him, "you might want to get in line."

Asher raised a brow.

"Because Seraphira already has him, and in the mood she’s in right now..."

He exhaled slowly.

"I don’t think she plans on sharing."