"She's not living there. She just... visits. Frequently. Without calling ahead. And eats all my food." I turned toward the door that led to the eastern tower, where my father was supposedly trapped. "Now, are you all going to stand there asking questions, or are you going to help me find my father so I can yell at him for keeping this secret for twenty-seven years?"
Alex moved to my side immediately, his hand on his sword, his eyes scanning the shadows. "I'm with you, my lady."
Ford hesitated. His gaze flicked from me to Malphas and back again, his jaw tight. "I'm coming too."
"You don't have to."
"I know." He stepped forward, and for a moment, he looked almost princely. Almost brave. Almost like the male lead this story was supposed to have. "But I'm not letting you face this alone. Whatever this is. Dragons, conspiracies, ancient eggs—I'm here. Whether you want me or not."
