He did a little hop and twirl. “Knew you’d be speechless. Dya like it? Jahira made it for me. And Yudh made the sword. Well, it’s a pin, but he customized it and added a hilt.” He drew the makeshift sword and jabbed at the air. “I been practicing.” He slid his sword back onto the holster at his hip and stood handson hips, chest puffed out. “When you take the throne, I want to join your guard. I won’t need ta be protected and stuff.”
My eyes welled, and I swallowed hard. “When…when did you practice?”
“I watched ya with the brothers. Copied the moves. Keyton helped.”
I nodded, blinking back tears, not trusting myself to speak because, damn, he was the sweetest.
He sniffed the air then went still, studying me with his head tipped to one side. “Do ya think I look stupid?”
I let out a shuddering exhale and scooped him up to press him to my cheek. “I love you. I love you so much, and you look fucking amazing, and I would be honored to have you watching my back.”
He melted against me, hugging my face, his whiskers tickling my nose. “I love you too, chickadee.” He pulled away. “Now get your ass out of bed and let’s go stuff our faces.”
Breakfast passed in a blur,and before I knew it, I was dressed in the combat gear provided. The fitted trousers moved well with my body, and the shirt and tunic combo were breathable yet warm. The holster fit me and my axes perfectly, fingerless gloves allowed for dexterity, with warm and sturdy ankle boots that promised to protect my tootsies.
Blue perched on my shoulder, determined to stay with me for as long as possible.
Two carriages waited outside the palace—the royal carriage and the Danava carriage driven by Kalani.
Chandra greeted me. “The carriages will take you to the nearest vortex point, and the vortex will drop you in the red lands. Transport awaits, along with a small troop commissioned to protect you with their lives. My inquiries have shown that the route you will be taking is safe. There have been no reports of devouring force attacks in that region of late. Nevertheless, I have provided your drohi with elite weapons that will allow them to dispatch a revenant if need be.” His mouth tightened. “I wish I could come with you.”
“Me too,” Blue said.
Chandra smiled down at him. “Maybe we can keep each other company until Leela returns?” He held his palm out.
“Yeah, sounds good.” Blue dropped a kiss on my cheek and hopped onto Chandra’s hand, scampering up to sit on the Asura’s shoulder.
“We’ll be waiting for you.” Chandra reached out to lightly touch my cheek. “You are extraordinary, Leela. I am so honored to call you kin.”
I grinned up at him. “I think we’re more than that by now, don’t you? I think we’re friends.”
His smile bloomed, warm and soft. “Yes, Leela. We are. The best of friends.” He leaned in and kissed my forehead. “Come back to me safely, friend.”
“Go kick ass,” Blue added.
I blew him a kiss and turned to the carriage, determined to be home in time for supper.
Chapter 17
NOW THAT’S A FACE I WAS DYING TO SEE
The journey to the vortex point in the royal domain took less than an hour. The bridge where the vortex would form was guarded, but we were expected and allowed to pass through the arch onto the platform, below which the vortex churned. Two tantric mages stood either side of the arch, their staffs raised, the air crackling with power.
They must be the ones who commanded the vortex.
“It’s been a long time,” Dharma said, her eyes alight with excitement.
I hated these things, but Araz had always made me feel safe. Even when he’d hated me. Gods, I missed him so fucking much. I exhaled and blinked away the threat of tears.
“Leela…” Keyton lightly touched my arm. “May I carry you?”
I saw my emotions echoed on his face. Was he thinking of Priti, of how he’d carried her through the vortex? How he’d protected her?
He needed this as much as I did. To feel useful. To be a protector. And I…I needed to be held. To feel safe.
I nodded and stepped closer. “Thank you.” I looped my arms around his neck, and he anchored me, his arms around my waist.
Bina climbed onto Thalin’s back. Chaya scooped up Dharma, and Mahira wrapped an arm around Joe’s waist, hauling him close.
