“No,’ said Maeve. “You’re not going to exclude us.”
“She’s right,” said Reeve.
Ambrose ignored him. “There is no place for you in a war meeting,” said Ambrose.
“That is your blind love for me as your daughter talking and not the mind of the Premier,” retorted Maeve.
“Yes,” hissed Ambrose as he stepped towards her. “And I shall sleep at night for it.”
“Ambrose,” said Reeve calmly.
Her father looked towards the High Lord. Ambrose’s face twisted. “You are siding with a child.”
“I’m not a child-”
“I think it’s time we stopped under-estimating power,” he replied. “Regardless of its age. You must acknowledge what she and Malachite have to offer.”
“You are thinking of her as one of your Senshi Warriors,” said Ambrose, his teeth grinding together.
“I am thinking ofthemas strong Magicals, Ambrose. That boy single-handedly held up Vaukore as the magic around it collapsed. Ancient magic. And I am to understand he only killed Kietel only moments ago?”
“His entire army too,” said Ambrose quietly.
Maeve loosed a tight breath.
“Fine, then Mal alone comes,” said Ambrose.
Mal finally spoke. “No, sir.” His voice was velvety smooth. “I’m sorry. Not without her.”
A surge of emotion shot through Maeve at his words.
Finally.
Ambrose’s face was drained of its usual warm color as he looked at Mal. Mal’s right hand slowly turned into a fist, as he placed it over his heart. He looked directly at Ambrose, whose eyes grew large at the gesture.
“I swore to you that I would protect her,” said Mal. His eyes slid to her. “I will die before she does.”
An electric burst of magic sliced through her chest. Maeve let out an audible gasp. It tingled down her arms and into her fingers. She held up her hands as Mal’s magic shot through her fingertips, becoming one with her own Magic.
“What did you just do?” She asked quietly.
Mal’s eyes remained on her, perfectly aware of what he had just done. Maeve’s eyes grew large, and she took another step towards him.
The moment between them was silent. Maeve had never wanted to touch his face so badly, to kiss his lips and confess all the feelings she was too scared to say.
Mal would die before she did. It was now written in Magic. Unbreakable magic sealed in an unbreakable bond between them.
“Zimsy,” said Ambrose.
The gorgeous Elf appeared instantly. Maeve tore her eyes away from Mal. A look of relief washed across Zimsy’s face when she saw Maeve. Maeve smiled softly at her.
“Help Maeve refresh herself. My daughter won’t be attending a war meeting in blood and filth stained dirty pajamas.”
Zimsy nodded.
In her bedroom, Zimsy flung her arms around her. Maeve hugged her tightly back.
Maeve pulled away as a knock came from the door. Zimsy turned the knob and Mal stood, his eyes glazed over at Maeve.
