The king swirled his hand in that familiar way of his, and a blade appeared. My blade. Mymissingblade. My bound hand made to move for the empty spot as if on muscle memory—and I understood then how they’d tracked me. How they’d trackedus. Thaddeus had something of import to me. Something I’d thought was lost.
“And while the High Lord is grateful for your ability to track her through the missing blade of her set, that does not excuse this transgression.”
Thaddeus bristled, dismissing the dagger. “I’m almost done.”
“No,” Endymion said, stepping to the side of the open gate and swiping an arm to the side in a clear invitation for the king to leave. “You’ll remove yourself at once and be grateful that I haven’t removed you already.”
Thaddeus put his arms out to the side, palms forward, and pulled power forward. Endymion took two large strides. Staring the king down, he said, “Go ahead, I dare you. But I promise, you won’t like what happens when your prey isn’t weakened by tricks. Because unlike them,” he said, indicating the three of us, “I’m immune to the poison required for this cage of yours to work, or have you forgotten?”
I watched carefully as Thaddeus’ jaw ticked. Long, strained seconds passed before he clenched his fists, stopping the flow of power that was poised to head his command. With a huff, he pushed passed Endymion. “This isn’t over,” he threw over his shoulder as he stormed out of the cell. “This isn’t over!” His words echoed down the hall.
As if the magical tendrils binding me needed their maker, they vanished, allowing gravity to claim me.
Endymion was there in a flash, his large hands cradling my neck and the back of my head as he caught me. I gasped from the contact, suddenly unable to breathe from the weight that filled my chest. His eyes went wide. Quickly, he lowered his mouth to my ear. “I need you to stay quiet and pretend like you don’t know me more than that one dance. Understand?” His words were fast but firm.
I nodded, and he pulled back. Pain and anger shone through as he looked into my eyes. “May I?” he asked, and I didn’t look down, knowing what he meant. I nodded, holding his gaze as he fussed with my shirt before the sound of my leathers being closed flitted to my ears.
“I’m going to rest you on the floor,” he said, voice gentle. “Stay there. Don’t move. I’ll be right back.” He made to leave, and my hand shot out, connecting with the leathers protecting his arms. My palm was dwarfed by his as he lifted it from his arms and held it between his. “I’ll be right back, Little Star. I promise.”
Heart pounding. Mind reeling. I didn’t want to let go—couldn’t let go. As if reading my mind, he looked over to the other two, and his brows pulled together in concern. I finally pulled my hand back, knowing they needed help too.
Endymion gave me a small smile before shifting back into the lethal commander. “Soldier,” he called out as he made for the door.
Resting my head on the cold ground that did nothing to stop my shivering, I watched as a male, smaller in stature, gave a small bow before standing tall. “Yes, Sir?”
“What do those weapons symbolize?” Endymion said, pointing to the side, and it was then that I realized all of our weapons were mounted on a wall as if on display. Though, had I not been lying at that angle, I wouldn’t have noticed them.
“They are the weapons of our enemies, sir,” the soldier responded, sounding proud.
“No,” Endymion corrected, “they are a symbol that our opponentis now at our mercy. More importantly that their lives are in our hands. When we disarm someone on the training field, we bow tothem, give thanks, and offer our comrade a hand up. Why?”
“Out of respect, Sir.”
“Exactly. And why do they thank us back with a knee to the ground, head bowed?”
“Because the lesson they learned may save their life one day,” the soldier said without hesitation.
“Correct. Now, please explain to me the part of your training that led you to believe that it was okay to do nothing while you heard what was being done to those that are at our mercy and under our protection—and why you’d let anyone touch a female without her consent, let alone the spark?” His voice rose on those final words, and the soldier wilted where he stood.
Looking down at his feet, the slight male shifted his weight several times before refocusing on his commander, clearly shaken. I watched, wondering what kind of leader Endymion was—curious to see what came next.
A heartbeat later, the soldier dropped to a knee and lowered his head in recognition that he was at his commander’s mercy, showing that he understood the lesson.
“Good. Now, you will go in and heal all three of them,” Endymion said, and it wasn’t until then that I noted that the soldier’s smaller frame was reminiscent of the Spring Court, not Autumn. “Then, you’ll bring a fresh set of clothing, food, and water. Double rations.” The soldier didn’t move as he took his orders, eyes still downcast. “At that time, I shall relieve you of your position.”
The soldier’s head snapped up, light green eyes filled with shock. “Sir, please!”
Endymion held up a hand, and the soldier closed his mouth, still looking up at his commander imploringly. “You will come by my quarters in an hour and collect a letter of recommendation addressed to High Lord Myron.”
Nodding, tears filled his eyes as his heartbroke before us.
His autumn counterpart placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. “Son,” he said, his voice softening. “By now, a soldier of your rank should’ve been able to turn King Thaddeus away. You’re a strong healer and a competent fighter, but war is coming, and Myron could use someone like you in his ranks. You may not understand it now, but I promise, this is not a punishment.”
Hastily wiping at his eyes, he held three fingers over his heart and lowered his head. “Thank you, Sir.”
Releasing his hand from the young fae’s shoulder, Endymion held it out in offering in a way that seemed to mirror the respect shown after a training duel. The soldier grabbed his commander by the elbow, and Endymion pulled him up. With a nod, they released one another, and then, as commanded, the soldier made for me.
Groaning as I sat up, I shook my head. “Sidrick first. He needs it more.”
