Glitch sobered. "Ironhorse was a friend of mine," he murmured. "He was the first to denounce the false king, and after him, more followed his example. Were few in number, and weve been reduced to guerilla tactics against the false kings army, but we do what we can."

" ...Im sorry about him. "

"Though like I said, were too small to really strike a blow against the false king. But we can do one very important thing that will keep him off the throne forever."

" which is? "

Glitch gave her an apologetic smile, and snapped his fingers. Movement all around them, as dozens of Iron fey melted out of the shadows. There were dwarves with mechanical arms and elves with huge black eyes, numbers scrolling across their pupils like glowing green ants. There were dogs with bodies made of ticking clockwork, green-skinned fey with computer wires for hair, and many more. All of them had weapons--blades of iron, metal bats and chains, steely fangs or talons--all deadly to regular fey. The boys pressed close to her.

Seeing their iron weapons, she couldn't help but be more worried about the boys than herself.

"You have to understand, princess." Glitch shrugged as he backed away from her, into the circle of fey. "This is for your own safety. We cannot allow you to fall into the false kings hands, or hell win and everything will be lost. We have to keep you hidden, and safe. Nothing else matters now. Please, come quietly. You know theres too many of us to fight. Even the Winter prince and the jester cannot defeat this many"

"Make the law, but don't trust her. The law will benefit everyone, but she's acting unlike a siren leader and specifically using titles that aren't a part of siren society."

He nodded slowly.

She glanced at the boys. " ...Fine. "