I snicker, unfortunately he’s right.
“Add in the warmed pools directly in my lodge, paired with you blocking my way is enough to make me a bastard.” He’s smiling as he says this, the genuine grin spreading his lips wide enough to reveal his bright teeth.
“You do look rather dirty,” I tease back.
Watching Leeson appear into view, I turn forward on Dahla and urge her forward again. Truthfully, we’re all relieved to be ending our journey in River’s End. The fortress itself is able tokeep the king and his riders out, but it’s become home for us as well. We’ve built our lives here, found family we thought was lost, or forged new members to call our kin.
It’s not often you can come home and feel like you’re truly safe—I still struggle even in River’s End with that fact.
But for Caym and Leeson, it’s where they plan to raise a family of their own one day, so I can’t blame them if they loathe leaving in the first place.
The lush gardens that marry the caveline are the first thing to greet us. Tall, thriving trees joined by ornamental grasses and haphazardly strewn flora are a stark difference to the terrain above us on the cliff’s edge. Down here could easily be mistaken for a mystical forest, and perhaps it is.
With enough magic pulsing from those that call it home, surely it feeds off the spent power, absorbing the enchantments.
“I’ve never seen something such as this.” Wonderment fills Kassiel’s words, and I can’t help it when my cheeks pull up in a smile.
“It is rather beautiful. One never gets used to entering River’s End, I think at least.”
“I have seen many beautiful things in my lifetime, but none as beautiful as this particular star that shines brightest despite all of her torment.”
The words leave me feeling like he’s speaking in riddles, but my mind is hazy and tiredness begins to settle in.
I simply reply with, “It sounds beautiful. Where on the continent do you see it? What constellation does she reside in?”
He huffs behind me.
“What is so funny, Devourer?” My mind floats elsewhere, longing to finally rest in my soft bed, though I know the council will be eager to meet with us first.
“Wherever you go, that is where the star resides.” His voice is small, quiet, as if he could hardly admit it aloud.
I peer over my shoulder at him and the intensity coming from his gaze is palpable. I’m not sure why my heart decides to leap into my throat or why my insides feel like they’re bursting with wings, but his words feel like warmth to the frosty thorns that form me.
“Thank you.” I hope he can feel the sincerity in my gratitude.
His thighs squeeze around mine, hugging them for a few long moments before releasing.
“Anything for you, little warrior.”
Gods why is he so flattering?He’s making this council meeting much harder to go to with every lash of his sentiment.
The trail swerves to the right, leaving us in a hidden spot in front of our companions. I hastily turn around and kiss his lips, throwing him off guard. My need for him grows as the reality eats away at my fantasy.
It dawns on me that I’m nervous for him, I’m scared what the council will do. I can beg and plead all day long, but if I’m outvoted, his fate will be left to those who don’t know his circumstances.
Quickly turning back around, I start talking through my plan with my handsome captive.
“We need to have you tell them, the council, everything you know.”
“Alora, I…” His voice trails off, his words caught up. “I’m not permitted to speak on some things, as I’ve been cursed by far worse things than King Euron. The ancient witches of Miera, they’re oracles who can control the fates of many. My curse isn’t a simple one.”
I can sense his hesitation to reveal more.
“Kass, whatever has happened, we have time to figure it out. We’ll figure this, whatever it is between us, out.” Desperation spills from my lips.
“Alora, you strong, kind, blazing star in my darkness… I can tell you what I’m able, but do not put your hope into something the fates have doomed for eternity.”
A phantom ache pains my heart, and I realize that maybe he doesn’t plan to stay here with me. It burns of rejection, turning my body to stone.
