THE RUBY LANDED ON the pavement where the spriggan had been and Ryder glowered down at it. “I shouldn’t have got you into that mess,” he growled.
I had no idea who he was talking to until Ash answered. “It was worth a shot.” He dragged a hand through his hair, mouth twisting wryly. “I’m the one who has a tendency not to grab fast enough then to hold on too long.”
“Not your problem though. You can let go of this one.” As Ryder spoke, he picked up the ruby and slid it into a pocket.
Their byplay was interesting, but I had to keep my focus on Aiti’s future. So I edged closer, considering the Kingmaker still on the ground between us. Was it possible the ruby had something to do with the sword that the Queen’s son had drawn out of the pavement? Or could I snatch the Kingmaker now and run for
