He smiled sadly and nodded. “I know.”
“Lila’s promised me she and her team will have the spell fully translated by tomorrow morning. I’ll call you and tell it to you. Memorize that spell so well you can say it in your sleep,” I said. “Don’t just sit on the ship missing me.”
At this, he rolled his eyes. “How do you know me so well?”
“You’re predictable in this sense, dearest.”
One of us had to open the door and force James to go. I did not trust James to be that person. I drew in a breath, then made myself open the door, stepping out. James let out a gusty, resigned sigh behind me as he came out as well. I somehow feltbad about forcing the moment between us to close, but we really had no time. Every second counted in this situation.
It was late evening now, the sun slowly meandering toward the horizon, as the summer made for longer days. I was thankful for that, because we needed all the daylight we could capture right now. The docks bustled with people—soldiers quickly marching on, warhorses and such being loaded—but I could tell most of the ships were basically fully loaded, and we were part of the stragglers. There were calls from the dockmen and officers, issuing orders or shouting out questions. It was an organized bedlam, and few seemed to take any real notice of us.
The wind from the sea was strong, sharp—precisely what we needed now to carry James swiftly to Berengar.
I turned and gave him one more fierce hug before forcing myself back. “Travel safe, keep me updated, and for Vuheia’s sake, do not lose.”
“What do you take me for? I’ll win.” James bent to kiss me, and this kiss was ethereal, it was so gentle. Against my lips, he breathed, “Be safe, my love.”
“I will.”
James kissed me once more, then with vast reluctance in every gesture, he turned and headed for the ship. I did see him pause, his course diverted because an antsy Titan didn’t want to board, but the second James took his lead rope, the horse was quite happy to follow him. Well, it was Titan’s first time on a boat. In this life. Of course he’d be nervous about this big bathtub on the scary ocean.
I watched James go with fear knotting deep beneath my rib cage. It felt wrong to send him off without going with him. Still, I knew my place was here. If, gods forbid, James fell in battle, then it was up to me to lead this country. I also would do no good on the front lines. James would worry I would once againbe killed, and it would destroy his focus in a crucial moment. I couldn’t risk it.
James was the last to board. The second he was on, the gangplank was retracted, and they cast off. I watched the ship go for several moments, battling back tears. I hated this. We’d never been separated since I’d met him in this life. It felt like a detached limb was sailing away. When had I become this dependent on him?
Dammit, no married couple should be forced apart like this so soon after their marriage. It made me hate Valentina and her cohorts even more. Hopefully James got revenge for me.
Sir Seymour cleared his throat from just behind me. “Your Majesty?”
“We can return.” I answered his unspoken question with a long sigh. “I’m just feeling sorry for myself.”
“To be fair, it’s hard letting any spouse go into war, much less a newlywed one.”
Yes, it was hard. Harder than I’d imagined. Still, the only thing I could do was make sure James had every ounce of support necessary to win the battle and come swiftly back to me.
In order for that to happen, I had work to do.
Really, work would help this feeling a little. I desperately needed a distraction.
Turning on my heel, I encouraged my knights to mount back up. “Let’s return. We’ve much to do.”
Seventy-eight
James
After a night of tossing and turning, missing Edwin, and generally wishing I could go beat up on training equipment, I finally rose at dawn and had an early start to the day. We were now halfway to Berengar, meaning we were making excellent time, even though it didn’t feel like it.
I tried to pace myself, knowing I’d need energy later, but right this second, I had a great deal to do. My first order of business was to check on Berengar—make sure everyone had gotten out—so I asked Mage Rexword to make the call.
Only it wasn’t working.
I didn’t like this. I didn’t like this one bit.
I looked at Rexword and requested, “Call again.”
My mage dipped his head in agreement and called again. Still, no one responded.
I’d left four knights behind to guard the portal: Sir Abel, Sir Lanslet, Dame Joan, and Dame Sarra. Someone should have answered.
