That’s what he had promised.
To only stay for as long as she needed. Dyna knew he did so out of respect for her space, but for some reason, disappointment had tangled in her chest.
But it’s what’s best.
Keeping him near wouldn’t do any good, yet why was she so bothered by it?
“Dreams have plagued me, too, as of late,” Aerina said, her burrow furrowing with worry as she looked ahead. “They wake me up in the middle of the night with my worst fears. Most dreams are only due to our minds sorting through our memories and emotions and unconscious desires, fears, and wishes. Other dreams are forewarnings of the future. It is difficult at times to discern which type of dream they may be. That burdens me the most.”
Aerina also had shadows under her eyes. What nightmares must plague her? Dyna didn’t ask. It wasn’t her place. But she knew they would all be about Rawn.
At first, her dreams seemed to reflect her lack of control, but they now felt more like a forewarning.
Her mind was trying to tell her something.
“We will arrive in Avandia tomorrow.” Dyna gently squeezed Aerina’s hand. “I am sure King Leif has not sat idle these past few days. The negotiations for Rawn’s release are likely underway or perhaps complete. He may have already sent for him by the time we arrive. Have faith. You will see him again.”
“Thank you, dear.” Lady Aerina squeezed her hand back. “I have faith. For I believe those meant to be together will always find their way back to each other.”
She gave her a knowing smile as they reached an apothecary and opened the door. Before following her inside, Dyna glanced behind her at the crowded market where Cassiel lingered by a merchant’s stall. His gaze flickered up to her, and she quickly went inside.
The apothecary was much the same as the rest of the city, but familiar with a wall of many herbs. Dyna smiled as she breathed it all in.
“Good evening,” Aerina greeted the Herb Master, and the male elf deeply bowed. “My friend here is in need of herbs, if you could fill her order please.”
“Of course, Your Grace.”
Aerina waved her over.
Dyna gasped. “I-I couldn’t possibly.”
“After what you have done for my family, it’s the least I could do.”
Her throat clamped shut, and she almost broke down there with horrid guilt. “Your Grace, I cannot accept?—”
The door chimed with a tinkling of bells, and Cassiel entered behind her.
“Ah, you have arrived on time, sir,” the Herb Master told him. “Your order is ready.” He brought out a package wrapped in paper and twine. “Ten gold, please.”
“Thank you.” Cassiel placed a sack of cold coins on the counter. “I’ll cover Her Grace’s tab as well.”
Before Aerina could answer, Raiden stormed in. “I will see to my mother, Soaraway.
“As you wish.” He turned toward Dyna. “I have what you need.”
Gaping, she pulled Cassiel back outside and moved him into a private nook between two trees. “What are you doing?”
He frowned. “I acquired the herbs for the tea. I believe they’re the right ones. You’re welcome to inspect?—”
“I didn’t ask you to buy them for me.”
His silver eyes grew upset. “Dyna, please don’t argue with me on this, of all things. You needed the herbs, so I placed the order as soon as we arrived. Take them.”
“No, thank you.”
Cassiel’s chest heaved with a heavy breath. “Can we pretend for a moment you don’t hate me?”
Dyna looked away. She needed to hate him because if she didn’t, her heart would attach to the other emotion she tried to ignore whenever he was near.
