Bastard. When I saw Issa’s wrist, I’d wanted to kill him again. “You follow orders well, my human warrior,” I said not holding back a large measure of sarcasm.
“I’m more accustomed to giving than receiving them.” Her small smile fled as quickly as it formed. “He killed Warren.”
I tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear. “I know he did and am sorry for it. I should let you rest. You’re under strict orders not to move for the remainder of the day, but there are people who will want to know you’re awake. Edric, your maid…”
“They are well?”
“Aye, they are well.”
“I really do feel fine.”
This time, I kept her in bed by leaning down and kissing her. It was a kiss to remind her that I would be patient. But it was also one to soothe my own soul that had nearly been torn to shreds when I saw her being dragged by Draven.
Patience, unfortunately, had never been a strength of mine. Despite her injury, I wanted to continue to probe. To ask Issa what she thought of us, of a future together. Of days that included helmingTidechaser, or walking through ports and marketplaces together. There were ways such a thing could be possible, but it was not the time, nor place, to discuss them.
I love you, Issa.
A knock at her door stopped me from saying it aloud. Reminded me we were no longer alone onTidechaser. Issa was home, surrounded by people she loved and who loved her. Though they were terrified of Draven and his hired Gyorian thugs, it was clear they adored their lady.
“Please rest. I promise all is well.” I stood. “The castle is surrounded, though I doubt very much the mercenaries will return. My lady has amassed quite an array of allies across Elydor.”
I bowed, for emphasis, eliciting a giggle from Issa. A glorious sound.
Issa stopped me halfway to the door. I turned to see her very clearly disregarding my request to remain lying down. Sitting, though she remained abed, Issa was also unrepentant.
“Thank you,” she said simply.
I stood there, looking at her, wondering how in the tides I could have ever left this woman.
“With pleasure, sereia.”
* * *
“They aren’t coming back.”
Lyra stepped onto the battlements with me, looking out onto an empty field.
“That they felt emboldened to overrun a human holding, in Estmere… the tides are turning against the humans.”
“They have been for some time,” Lyra said quietly. “Thalassaria just has not noticed.”
I wanted to refute her, but couldn’t.
“We’ve been… apathetic to their cause.”
Lyra didn’t disagree.
“I would say, having risked your life to retrieve the Wind Crystal, you’ve made up for it. Given them a chance.”
“I could not have done it without Issa.”
“So, what’s next for you, Marek of Thalassaria? Commander Eirion tells me you’ve given Queen Nerys your resignation from the Tidebreaker Fleet.”
“What is next for me,” I repeated. I didn’t know Lyra well, but she was a friend to Mev and Kael, and therefore, a friend to me. “That will depend on Issa.”
“Mmm, I am not surprised. It’s evident you care for each other.”
“Her place is here, or so Issa believes.”
