Lord Jophiel’s expression creased on the surface of the water mirror as he searched his eyes. “Cassiel…”
“I am sorry for doubting you, uncle. I lost my way for a time, and it was difficult to find the way back. In my fear, all I could see were enemies around me while forgetting those who have stood with me. I hope one day you can forgive me.”
Emotion crossed Lord Jophiel’s face, and his voice wavered. “There is nothing to forgive, Cassiel. I should have realized Raziel was using me in his ploy. I suppose I didn’t see it because I was consumed with worry for you. I feared you were committing Kahssiel’s wrongs and history would repeat itself once more. When I saw the hurt in your eyes, I knew I had lost your trust. But never would I ever intentionally harm you or your mate.”
How monstrous he must have appeared when he let his ire rule him and his flame. Jophiel could only feel fear, and Cassiel had learned how terrible fear could be.
“Whatever my word is worth now, my only aspiration for you is the same as your father’s. We wish for you to live the life you should have with the one meant for you.”
Cassiel nodded. “Thank you. I have much to atone for. To you and to the Realms. For now, can I count on your support?”
Lord Jophiel’s throat bobbed, and he blinked away his wet eyes before standing and bowing deep. “Before the witness ofElyonand the Heavens I swear my fealty to you, Cassiel.”
“Then I leave Hilos and the Realms in your capable hands until my return … Lord Protector.”
His uncle’s mouth parted with shock, and Cassiel chuckled as the water mirror cleared. Rising with a sigh, he poured the salted water into another bowl and wiped down the mirror before putting it away.
“Is this how you apologize to your uncle?”
Cassiel glanced over at Dyna by the entry of their bedroom, her arms crossed as she leaned against the door frame in nothing but his tunic. Her red hair fell in rumpled waves a little past her jaw, skin softly glowing with divinity.
He visually traced the line of her body from her bare feet to her shoulder, exposed by a fallen sleeve. Residual desire coursed through his veins. He didn’t think he wouldn’t ever not have that reaction when it came to his mate.
Cassiel sat back on the couch and gazed at her with a soft smile. “Did I wake you?”
“Not feeling you beside me woke me.” Dyna smiled back, but he felt the last threads of her anxiety fade now that she was in the same room as him.
He held out a hand to her. Her feet softly padded across the floor to him, and he pulled her onto his lap. Cassiel fed her a piece of fruit from the platter of food left for them on the sofa table. “I have given Jophiel a full pardon and made him my regent. What else should I give him?”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, playing with a lock of his hair. “You mean other than an immense responsibility?”
“He has experience lording over a realm. What are four more?”
Dyna laughed. “I think you’re shirking your duties, High King of Hilos.”
Chuckling, Cassiel ran his fingers through her hair. “The Realms will be waiting for me once this journey is over. In the meantime, I intend to stay right by your side.”
The bond hummed with her happiness.
“Promise?” She meant to sound playful, but her tone wavered, and he felt a tiny echo of her apprehension. That was one thing he had to makedisappear. Cassiel reached for the opal knife on the sofa table. Dyna grabbed his wrist when he tugged open his tunic. “What are you doing?”
“Sealing that promise along with any others you need.”
Dyna stared at him. “You would cut out a piece of you every time you make a promise to me?”
“If that is what you need to believe in me again, I would bear that and anything else I must do to atone for my wrongs and earn back everything I lost. Including your trust.”
“No, Cassiel.” She took away the knife and set it on the table. “We have hurt each other and ourselves far enough.”
His shoulders slumped, and his throat tightened. “Then tell me what you need to feel safe with me. How can I quell your fear that I will leave you again?”
“It’s not that I am afraid that you will leave me again. I am afraid of losing you because I nearly did. You have nothing to atone for.” She looked at the space where his left wing used to be, and her eyes welled. “You gave far more than you needed to, Cassiel. You shattered your soul for me. You went to war for me.” Her voice cracked, and her tears spilled. “You sacrificed for me...”
“Motek,please don’t cry.” He took her face and wiped her tears with his thumbs.
His shadow on the wall looked strange. Incomplete. He didn’t know who he was anymore without his missing wing. It was a miracle he survived its loss. He felt unworthy of it and that he still had her.
But he had the chance to make things right and earn her forgiveness.
