He scoffed dryly.
“It wouldn’t be so bad, would it? You could finally order your family not to be such—” she hesitated, “…turds.”
Cassiel stared at her in bewilderment, then threw back his head and laughed. “Not even by the power ofElyondo I think that would be possible. They would have a fit if they heard you referred to them as turds.”
He laughed again, so freely Dyna laughed with him. It was a rare thing, and she treasured every moment of it.
“It may not come to pass,” Cassiel said once he’d calmed himself, his smile fading. “I assume my father will no longer find me worthy once he learns I have killed humans.”
“You think he would change his mind?”
He plucked a blade of grass and wound it around his finger. “I’m not one to guess the workings of his mind. Suppose it come to pass, do you think you would make a great queen?”
“Me?”
His eyes gleamed in the sun as a smirk once again settled on his lips. “Through whatever means, we are wed. By law, you are now Princess Consort of Hilos. If I were to become the High King, well, that would make you the High Queen.”
Cassiel was teasing, but the air trapped between her lips. God of Urn, she hadn’t thought of that. She was a princess now.
The edges of his subtle smile grew. He stood and helped her to her feet, a soft tingle passing through their joined hands. “Do not be frightened. I would never subject you to such a terrible fate.”
Dyna fell into step with him as they walked back to camp. “Oh, I don’t know. I may like to stride the grand halls with a pretty crown.”
“If it is a crown you want, that is nothing. I will give you as many as you desire.”
She widened her eyes, covering her mouth with false surprise. “Would you? Crowns made of gold with glittering jewels?”
“I will bedeck them in so many jewels you will hardly be able to lift your head. Only the best for the High Queen.”
“Well, that doesn’t sound awful at all. Though, I’m jesting about the crown. I’m more comfortable in armor,” Dyna said, adjusting the leather greaves.
It made her feel surer of herself. An added layer.
“Like the Valkyrie,” Cassiel said.
“The what?”
“I have mentioned them to you before. The Watchers who protect Hermon Ridge. They are a legion of all-female warriors we call the Valkyrie. The Watchers of Hilos pale in comparison. If you ever fear our kind, fear them, for you will have marched through the Seven Gates before feeling the divine fire of their blades.”
Dyna smiled at the admiration shining on his face. She tried to imagine a fierce female Celestial and felt proud as well.
“They certainly would not hesitate to stick their knife in someone either,” he added.
“I won’t apologize,” she said, though a part of her almost had. She still wanted to say it.
“You should not.” He sighed, coming to a stop. “I should, however. My behavior was wholly beyond the bounds of propriety. You have my word I shall never touch you in that manner again.” Cassiel’s stare roved over her armor, and something crossed his face that made her pulse speed.
Without your permission,she thought, he said, but he hadn’t spoken. The way he was looking at her, however, said enough.
Dyna arched an eyebrow. “We’re learning many new things about each other today. I’m violent, and you’re forward.”
“I beg your pardon,” he said with mock offense.
“Well, when you drink.” She laughed, continuing onward. “It’s all right. Let’s blame the fairy wine.”
“I will not.” Cassiel’s stride ate the distance between them until he stood over her. His hair shone midnight blue under the sun, a lock falling over his forehead. His gaze flickered to her shoulders, and she shivered at the phantom touch of his fingers where they had caressed her last night.
“My actions were my own, and I take responsibility for them,” he said.
