I wished I could take away all of her pain and replace it with nothing but happiness. But that wouldn’t even be remotely possible until after we’d killed Matthieu.
Emperor Lloyd cleared his throat, bringing my attention back to the present. "I genuinely am sorry for the pain I’ve caused you all. You five and Master Fawn are fierce and powerful mages. I wish nothing but the best for you, but because of me, Matthieu was able to strike.” His voice boomed through the hall. “I was told and believed that Matthieu was my immortal grandfather. He caused so much damage to Fawn’s life, but I tried to overlook it because I was told it was for the greater good. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of resentment toward him for what he had done to a young woman, but at the same time, there was a familial reverence that crept in. Matthieu had always been…eccentric, but he was also the man who had been with me and my family since I was born. I didn’t agree with all of his methods, but I still loved him. I still believed he was doing the right thing. That love sustained me during difficult times in my life and helped shape me into the person I am today.”
He let out a shaky breath, and anguish twisted his expression. “Matthieu fooled my entire family and this empire. It’s time we set things right.”
“Why did he let me go?” Fawn’s voice trembled. “If the man that did this to me had never actually died, and his fake son and grandson kept me as the sword, why did he allow the next in line to let me live free?”
Emperor Lloyd shook his head. “I’m not sure. It doesn’t make sense, truly.” He frowned. “I wish I could provide more closure for you, but I can’t.”
I didn’t think Matthieu had a logical reason for anything he did. He was a monster through and through, and his actions proved that. I didn’t think trying to find a reason would help, but I also understood why she wanted a reason.
Closure was something she was owed.
“But my apology isn’t the only reason I called you for dinner,” Emperor Lloyd said, and we all turned to look at him.
“After you informed me of what Matthieu had done, I got in touch with Emperor Lovington. The Allura Empire is falling, and we’ve discussed an evacuation plan. We are sending aid, though not much, as we cannot afford to lose too many guards. He told me that the monsters are worse than they have been, and with the new monster...” He shut his eyes and twisted his face in disgust. “Matthieu,” he corrected. “The monsters have been following him like he’s their leader. And Master Fawn…”
Fawn’s body stilled, and she set down her fork as she stared at him, her expression a canvas of uncertainty. “What did he do?”
“The adventurers guild has fallen in the Allura Empire. From what I’ve heard, the monster’s stampede went straight through it. The entire building, and those in it, perished.”
Her gaze widened in disbelief, her hands trembling as they moved up to cover her mouth. Tears welled up in her eyes, glistening on her lashes, as she processed what Emperor Lloyd had just said.
The muscles in my fingers twitched, and I wanted to reach out to her.
But the twins on either side of her had the same thought, their hands resting on her thighs for comfort.
A mix of emotions washed over the bond between the six of us. Immense sorrow and grief from Fawn, anger at Matthieu from us all, and a desperate desire to bring her comfort from the five of us.
I balled my hands into fists, feeling that familiar sense of helplessness as she sucked in a sharp breath.
“Are you positive?”
“Emperor and Empress Lovington asked me to deliver the news of the guild gently to you. They are concerned for your well-being,” Emperor Lloyd murmured.
As the news sank in, her grief transformed into a mixture of sadness and determination. “If you’ll excuse me for the evening.”
“Of course.” Emperor Lloyd bowed his head.
As she stood up from the table, we all stood to join her, but she held up her hand and swept her tearful gaze over us. “I love that you’re wanting to help me process, but I need time alone to figure some things out. I’m sure Emperor Lloyd has more information to share. Finish dinner, then come back to the room after. I need to make a few calls.”
We faltered, and she turned her back to us as she walked out of the dining room and back toward our room.
“She’s strong,” Emperor Lloyd mumbled with a sigh, and for some reason, that sent irritation coursing through me.
“Of course she is,” I bit out, staring in the direction she left. “Can you speak with the rest of the guys about everything else? I…need to go make sure she’s okay.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Bastian murmured, fumbling with his hands. “She seemed rather sure she didn’t want us to follow her.”
“And you tend to just piss her off,” Jasper added with a bite in his tone as he glared over at me.
“Maybe it’ll be good if someone goes and checks on her,” Aimon said, his gaze fixated on where she had left.
“Fine,” Casper snapped with a sigh as he forced a hand through his hair. “But, Silas, I swear to the spirits, if you make her more upset than she already is, I’ll fucking kill you.”
“I’ll let you if I do,” I muttered, glancing at the Emperor.
“Be careful with that consent,” Jasper growled out. “I can kill you without any real consequences now that we’re immortal, and I’ll make it fucking hurt.”
