"I'm sorry." He let out a breath. "Before Podana, I was told to stay away so no one could accuse you of getting favorable treatment because your brother is a rider. Then, after the attack, I was sent on a special mission. I only returned last night."
I was stupidly relieved to get a reasonable explanation for what I had thought was indifference.
"Let me guess. You are not allowed to talk about where you've been and what you've done."
He chuckled. "I have a feeling that soon your security clearance will be higher than mine, but for now, this is not information I can share with cadets." He cast a glance at my friends and grinned. "I have something that will make you even happier than receiving the medal." He reached into his jacket and withdrew a cream-colored envelope from an inner pocket bearing the Dragon Force seal. "Compliments of General Zorian."
Expecting a letter of appreciation or perhaps a monetary supplement to the medal, I broke the seal, pulled out the letter, and unfolded it. The words swam before my eyes for a moment before crystallizing into meaning.
Cadet Kailin Strom is hereby granted three days' special leave in recognition of exceptional service to Elucia. Transport will be provided by Dylon Strom.
He was right. This was much better than the medal.
I threw my arms around him. "Did you arrange this?"
Dylon squeezed me tight before letting go. "I might have whispered a few words in Commander Ravel's ear, and he later communicated my suggestion to the higher-ups. The best part is that I get to spend this time with you so that we can celebrate your award as a family."
I was going home.
I was going to sleep in my bed, smell my grandmother's herbs hanging from the rafters, and feel Chicha's warm weight against my legs.
The images pulled at something deep in me, a longing I'd been suppressing since arriving at the Citadel.
But then I looked over my shoulder at Alar, and my throat felt suddenly tight. Three days without him. Three days withoutfalling asleep in his arms and waking up entangled in his limbs. I didn't know if I could do that.
The conflict must have shown on my face because Dylon followed my gaze, and understanding dawned in his eyes. "Ah. The Elurian."
"His name is Alar," I said, gesturing for Alar to step forward. "This is my brother Dylon. Dylon, this is Alar."
Alar offered Dylon his hand. "I have been looking forward to meeting Kailin's big brother. She speaks fondly of you."
Something passed between them, a silent masculine communication, and then Dylon nodded, apparently satisfied with whatever he'd seen. "I've heard good things about you as well. Thank you for looking after my little sister."
"We looked after each other. I had a bad case of altitude sickness," Alar said, and I was afraid he would continue in the same vein and say that I had a bad case of acrophobia, but he didn't. Instead, he took my hand. "I will miss you."
"And I will miss you.” I squeezed his hand. "Maybe I can shorten my visit to two days."
Alar shook his head. "Your parents and grandmother would never forgive you. Go home, enjoy time with your family, and I will be right here when you return."
I was about to respond when Commander Ravel joined our group.
"Cadet Strom." He inclined his head formally. "Allow me to add my congratulations."
Unlike my brother, Ravel had come to see me after he'd returned from Podana and had congratulated me in person. This was for show.
"Thank you, Commander." I saluted him.
"I have something for Cadet Tekum." Ravel turned to Alar with a smirk that had my gut twisting. What was he planning for Alar?
He produced an envelope from his pocket that was identical to mine except for the name on the front.
Alar's confused expression echoed mine as he accepted it, broke the seal, and scanned the content.
His eyes widened. "I'm also getting a three-day leave so I can accompany you." He smiled at me and then turned to Ravel. "Thank you, Commander."
Ravel nodded. "I thought that the Hero of Elucia's vacation would not be complete without the man she loves by her side. The General agreed, and he approved your leave."
My heart stuttered. Had Ravel done this for me?
