Mark nodded. “We all have to look out for each other. It’s a crazy world we live in.”
“That’s for sure.” No one talked about how things had changed after the last world war around a hundred years ago. The consequences and division had devastated everyone. Not a single area had been left untouched. Many areas no longer existed.
Though it wasn’t discussed, underlying comments were used as a reminder that the war was recognized. On the brink of such destruction, humankind did what humankind did. They survived, and they found a way to get past the horror and look out for each other.
“Life takes on such a different perspective after you get married. And don’t even get me started on when you have kids. Suddenly you see the threats in everything. The youthful invincibility fades away and the reality that you have been gifted people this important and it’s your job to protect them sets in.”
The words hit Carver hard. He hadn’t married her, but he knew exactly what Mark was saying.Did I break up with her because I was afraid to protect her for the rest of my life? Was leaving her actually an act of self protection?“I know exactlywhat you mean.” It was a road of thought he didn’t want to travel. He believed himself the protector; he had done what was right for her, to hell with himself and his feelings. He couldn’t stand the thought that Clara had been right all along and he hurt her, irreparably, in a vain attempt to protect himself.
He turned to look at her walking with Julia. Julia had linked her arm through Clara’s, and Clara walked with the ease of someone who had never gone through anything difficult. He could see the innocence Mark was so concerned about. It was like she was the girl he met at 14 again. Before the world had jilted her in every way possible.
He supposed it was true that no one died a virgin. Life did, in fact, have a way of screwing everyone. Mark bumped Carver with his shoulder. “You should steal your wife back from Julia. We’re not far from the city walls, and you’ll want to see her reaction as we approach them.”
“I appreciate your advice and warning, Mark.”
They shook hands and Mark responded, “Not a problem. You seem like a good man, Carver, and I wish you and Clara all the best.”
Carver sauntered over to Clara, and couldn’t miss the slight shift in Clara’s eyes as he approached. Her smile didn’t falter, but it didn’t overcome her features the way it had a moment before. She used to light up when she saw him. “Julia, I need to steal my wife back from you.”
Julia smiled brightly, “Of course.” She patted Clara’s hand warmly, “It was so nice getting to know you better, dear.”
“You as well.”
Clara slipped her hand behind Carver’s arm, leaning against his shoulder as Julia waved back at them when she caught up with Mark. As soon as Julia faced away from them, Clara returned to a normal standing position, keeping her handbehind his arm but not letting any other part of her body come in contact with him.
“Mark gave me more information about the projects he referenced.” Carver whispered, ignoring the way his heart plummeted when she put the distance between them.
“Oh?” The innocent look stayed on her face, but her eyes scanned his, desperate for the information he was currently withholding. He considered toying with her, but decided against it. They needed to be on the same side as they approached Noxvalis.
“Apparently, Noxvalis has been experimenting with genetic modification as well as biological weapons.”
“We knew they were messing with genetics.”
He nodded, forcing himself to look calm, and she did the same. “We didn’t know they had started mixing animal DNA into human embryos and creating…creatures.”
Clara gasped, but quickly released the surprise as she looked around checking no one had noticed. “That’s what Mark told you?”
“Apparently he’s on the counsel board in Calyndor. He reports directly to the queen.”
Clara’s calm expression faltered yet again, “You didn’t say anything that could cause us to be found out, right?”
“Of course not, I’m not the newbie here.” He grinned, and she shoved him.
He caught her hand and tucked it back in the crook of his elbow. “Careful. Wouldn’t want them to think we hate each other too much.”
She rolled her eyes, a smile across her face. The sun shone on her face, her cheeks and nose pink. She looked adorable, and Carver almost forgot where they were. Momentarily, he felt like he was back in time. Her voice, graciously, shattered that impression, “Does this information change anything for us?”
“It shouldn’t. There’s nothing we can do about it right now. We have to fulfill our assignment. That’s the only important thing right now. We can’t help anyone if our kingdom is obliterated.” He stared straight ahead, unable to watch her any longer. She was too good at her role. She was too much the girl he had loved instead of the lethal assassin he needed her to be. He had to distance himself emotionally if he wanted to follow the rules.
“I love how you manage to say ‘if our kingdom gets obliterated’ while keeping a smile on for the sake of everyone around us.” She quipped lightly.
“What can I say?” His lip quirked up, “I’m just that good.”
“You’re an ass.”
“Oh, absolutely.”
31CLARA
