Savine nodded. He had dealt with the pressure of his role as heir his whole life. He’d give anything for his people, even sacrificing his own needs. He’d already done it when he began the rebellion.
Avery felt the scrape of calluses run against her smooth skin. “Don’t let doubt or fear pressure you, Avery. We will do this. Together.” He took her hand gently and pressed his lips to her fingertips. His touch alone made the tensions between them go taut. “But first, we’ll train. Only two hours of combat training. I do not want your magic wearing down before tonight. Then we will prepare for tonight.”
Chapter fifty-six
Savine
Savine stood near Raikin on the small balcony outside Avery’s room. His spring green eyes looked at Savine with a spark that could only mean that Raikin had something to share. Savine had been so entirely focused on Avery for the last two days that he had only briefly checked in on Raikin or Jay. Savine had no doubt Raikin used his time wisely, though. Whether that was seamlessly blending into his surroundings to gather intel, or socializing with the Nephel Court, Savine looked forward to hearing what Raikin had to say in their situation.
“I hope you have not spoiled your chances of bringing down Jasper,” Raikin said.
Savine crossed his arms. The last thing he wanted was to inform his council members of any part of his sex life. “I made it clear the disaster we would cause if we consummated our bond.”
Raikin glanced past Savine toward the room where Avery bathed. “And how did our little witch take that news?”
“She felt the bond. Avery knows what is at stake here. But she’s afraid.”
Raikin pursed his lips and placed a hand on his chin. “Afraid of the bond or of killing Jasper?”
“Killing Jasper, of course. Why would shefear me?”
Raikin’s eyebrows arched. “You are about to be crowned king. From what I’ve heard, she was a manual laborer in her world. I don’t see how she wouldn’t be afraid of bonding with a king.”
Savine pressed his fingers against the bridge of his nose. He hadn’t given much thought to how he’d turn Avery into his queen, or if she really understood what that would mean.
“She’ll be fine!” Savine protested halfheartedly. What if she didn’t want to help him rule?
“I think you should wait longer than Jasper’s demise to secure your soulmate bond. You cannot take her as your soulmate or your consort before you are on the throne. You need to be prepared to make a show of strength when we arrive in Orofine, and you must think of your alliances and enemies. We will only incense the loyalists if you show up with your father’s killer as your mate.”
Frustration coursed through Savine’s veins. He could feel his essence streaking through his body, ready to fight an unseen foe. “I will do no such thing. I will not be separated from her for one more moment.”
“Ah, foolish man, think with your brain, not your cock! I am not telling you to set her aside permanently. Just wait to bond with her until you are settled on the throne. Keep her by your side and out of sight for all I care!”
Savine released his fisted hand. “I’ll make no promises, but I’ll consider what you say.”
Raikin sighed and looked out over the balcony to the North. To home. “This has been a long conflict. Twenty-five years away from our home. Yet, it is nearly over,” Raikin said with a wry grin. “I will never sleep in a tent again.”
Savine couldn’t help but shake his head at Raikin. Not with Jay as a soulmate, he won’t. “I know she can do it. I won’t take the chanceof this going awry and I’ll help her. But her same old fears surface so easily. She’s not a fighter. And asking her to do this... To kill for me and my country? It’s taking a toll on her. Yet, I am pushing her toward this without looking for another option. I do not deserve her.”
Raikin nodded and continued to look north. He knew what it was to be loved by someone kinder than himself. Jay had a heart of gold. He gave others his good humor and kindness so effortlessly. “Althea has a way of choosing not the person we deserve, but the person we need. Don’t see Avery’s affection as something you’re unworthy of. See it as something you need. I know I doubted she could be your soulmate, but if she feels the tug of your bond too, then Goddess bless you both.”
“Thank you, Raikin. You don’t know how good it is to hear that we have your support.”
“It’s the least I can do. Now, onto what I’ve heard. Jasper is here. He is in the guest towers across the ravine. It seems he and Rylo do not trust each other enough to stay under the same roof. According to the rumors around the towers, he was brought here under the cover of night. He was injured from the fight with you and has been resting and healing since he arrived. I found a maid who served the Latians, and she claims the King is antlerless. Does Rylo still have the antlers?”
Fuck. How could Savine have forgotten about the antlers? Of course Rylo had them.
He didn’t want to let on that he was so swept up with Avery that he completely lost track of the antlers.
“Yes. They are in his possession.”
“It does not matter. If all goes well tonight, you will wear your own boughs and antlers by the end of the evening.” Raikin gestured to the crown already adorning Savine’s head. He’d gotten decent at calling it forth over the last few days, but it still hurt like the Abyss to doso. Savine hadn’t bothered to share that bit of information with anyone. Some sufferings a king must do alone.
“Any word on if my father knows we’re here?”
“He knows you were nearby and knows Avery is here. I think he believes we are planning some sort of infiltration. Ironically, that was our first plan.”
“Thank the Goddess we didn’t have to go through that.”
