I kissed her because her words cut too deep, and I didn’t know what else to do with what I was feeling.
Except that isn’t true. I kissed her because I wanted to.
And that’s something I’m not prepared to examine.
By the time Therin and Vel arrive, I’ve gotten control of myself. They take up positions around the table, and if they notice the tension in the air, neither of them comment.
“I think we need to start looking at doing that supply run.” Therin points at a location on the map. “The village is here. Half a day out.”
I force myself to focus. “Do we have anyone who’s steady enough to hold a glamour?”
“At least three.”
We discuss numbers, risks, and what we need. Vel pushes for a larger group. Therin argues for speed and stealth. The familiar rhythm of their disagreement fills the silence, and gives me something to focus on beside the connection that seems to have become stronger between me and the girl near my feet.
She’s quiet. I told her to be silent and she’s obeying, but it’s more than that. She’s barely present, her energy turned inward.
The conversation moves to the threads of the warriors I can feel beside Therin’s and Vel’s. “They’re clearer now. Two, maybe three. Serath’s is gaining strength. But still nothing from Caelum.”
Therin meets my eyes. “When do you want to move?”
“Not yet. Supplies first, then we reassess.”
He nods. The conversation continues, discussions and arguments that I don’t really pay attention to. Logistics is where Therin and Vel excel. All I have to do is stop them from killing each other.
Below the sound of their bickering, I become aware that the princess’s head has drooped.
I should wake her. Make her hold her position.
Her head drops further, her body swaying, and then slowly, her cheek comes to rest against my knee. My hand moves before I can stop it. My fingers stroking through her hair.
“Cairn?”
I look up. Therin is watching me.
“You have something to say?”
“Several things.” His lips twitch. “But I’ll keep them to myself … for now.”
Vel makes a sound of disgust. “Are we done? I have better things to do than watch you pet your human.”
My hand stills.Pet. The word I used on her.
“We’re done. You can go.”
Once they’re gone, I look down at her. The curve of her cheek, the way her lashes fan out in spikes still damp from her tears.
I reach for the connection.
It’s becoming a habit, checking it and probing its edges,trying to understand what I made. But this time, it feels different. There’s a texture to it I haven’t noticed before. Threads woven through the connection, fine as spider silk.
I follow them. Trace their source.
And recognize them.
The same resonance I share with Therin, and Vel. The one reforming with Serath. The bond that ties them to me through loyalty and blood, and magic.
I look at my hand, still tangled in her hair, stroking her without thought. I think about the way I leaned toward her when she broke, wanting to ease her pain even while I caused it.
