Around them, Hollow Oak began the slow process of healing. Freya and other healers moved among the wounded. Kieran directed cleanup efforts. Callum worked with the Council toprocess the surrendered pride members. Twyla appeared with cocoa and coffee like she'd been waiting for exactly this moment.
As the sun fully crested the mountains, bathing the square in golden winter light, Maeve looked around at her town, her people, her home. Her eyes drifted toward to Dante. She knew without question that she'd made the right choice.
In everything.
38
DANTE
Dante stood beside Maeve at the carved stone table, seeing that an emergency council meeting was held once the wounded had been attended to. His back screamed protest with every breath, his shoulder throbbing where Hector's lieutenant had gotten lucky. Freya had done what she could with herbs and magic, but some wounds needed time more than treatment.
Elder Varric presided over the emergency session with five other Council members arranged in a semicircle. Miriam Caldwell sat with her silver hair gleaming, her expression proud despite the gravity. Even Elder Bram had shown up, his conservative disapproval obvious but muted by the previous night's victory.
"The matter is settled." Varric's voice carried the weight of centuries. "Maeve Cross defended her territory, her title, and her people against unprovoked assault. Hector Cross violated sacred combat law, endangered civilians, and attempted to destabilize Hollow Oak's leadership through violence and manipulation."
"All charges against Maeve Cross are dismissed," Miriam added. "Her authority as Cross line leader is affirmed unanimously by this Council."
Dante felt Maeve's relief like a physical thing, though she kept her expression neutral. Professional. The lioness who'd torn apart rogues with her teeth now stood calm and collected in borrowed clothes, only the healing marks on her visible skin betraying last night's violence.
"As for Hector Cross and his followers." Varric's stormy eyes held no mercy. "Exile is permanent. They are banned from Hollow Oak's borders and all territories under our alliance. Any who return face immediate imprisonment and trial for treason."
"What about those who surrendered?" Callum spoke up from where he stood with Cora near the glade's edge. "The ones who didn't flee with Hector?"
"Petition for sanctuary denied." Bram's voice rang cold. "They followed a traitor. They participated in attacks on innocents. Hollow Oak owes them nothing."
For once, Dante agreed with the conservative elder. The surrendered lions had made their choice when they'd broken combat rules and targeted civilians. Mercy had limits.
"The ruling stands." Varric looked around the circle, meeting each Council member's gaze. "All in favor?"
Six hands rose. Unanimous.
"Then this matter is closed." Varric stood, his silver braids swaying. "Maeve Cross, you have this Council's full support. The reforms you proposed will be formally reviewed next month, but I see no reason they won't pass."
Something shifted in Maeve's expression. Not quite a smile, but close. "Thank you, Elder."
"Don't thank me." Varric's slight smile held warmth. "Thank yourself for being too stubborn to break."
The Council dispersed slowly, members stopping to congratulate Maeve or discuss cleanup efforts. Dante stayed close but let her have the spotlight. This was her victory, her vindication, her moment to shine.
As they all meandered out of the Glade, Maeve pulled Dante to the side in winter morning quiet. She turned to face him fully. Her dark gold eyes catalogued every injury, every place he'd been bleeding, every sign of damage he'd taken defending her town.
"You're hurt." She moved closer, her fingers ghosting over the bandages visible above his borrowed shirt collar. "Badly."
"I've had worse." Not true, but he didn't want her feeling guilty. "Freya says I'll heal clean."
"Freya also said you need rest." Her hand settled over his heart, feeling the steady beat beneath. "And someone to make sure you don't do anything stupid like patrol or lift heavy objects or generally act like an invincible idiot."
"I don't do that." He caught her hand, pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "Much."
"Dante." Her expression went serious. "Stay with me tonight. At my place above the tavern. Let me take care of you for once."
His lion rumbled approval immediately, but he hesitated. "You're exhausted too, Cub. You need rest more than I need babysitting."
"I need to know you're safe." The admission came quiet but fierce. "I need to see you healing. I need..." She trailed off, vulnerability flickering across her features. "I need you close."
How could he refuse that?
"Okay." He tugged her against his chest, careful of his wounds, breathing in her scent of whiskey and winter. "I'll stay."
