“I promise you, Ellis, the Black Thorn has already prepared for her to be moved to a secure location. She won’t be leftalone,” the Thorn said earnestly. “I know you don’t trust me, but I never break my word.”
Davin snorted derisively but didn't comment further. Ellis grasped the edge of the sheet covering Rivka’s body.
“I love you, my Queen. Rest well.”
He placed a kiss on her forehead, pulling the sheet over her face, unable to hold back his tears. He stood up, moving to Tristan’s side again.
“Let’s go. The women need us.”
The Thorn rolled her eyes as she turned, but Ellis caught the hint of a smile on her upturned lips.
“The name’s Bronwynn, in case anyone was wondering,” she added, strutting into the tunnel. This time, they followed.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Truth Be Told
Caius
Alex and Althea moved quickly down the tunnel, Althea cradling the bundled babe in her arms. A few feet in front of them, Caius led the way, his stride purposeful and confident. He didn’t look back once, trusting them to keep up and not fall behind.
They took several turns in rapid succession, trying to put as much distance between them and Luther as possible. Abruptly, Caius stopped and turned to them, assessing their appearances. His eyes landed on the now sleeping babe and the dried blood coating Althea’s clothing.
“Are you injured?” The gruffness of his tone seemed to startle them both.
“None of the blood is mine,” she said sadly, grief coating her voice.
Reluctantly, he pulled his eyes away and took in the sight ofhis daughter. She looked ready to crumple. He saw the steel form in her gaze, and when she spoke next, it was with strength that he admired.
“What now? Where are we going?”
“Someplace safe.” He let out a regretful sigh. “Much has happened in Varon that you need to know. Everything else can wait.” He took her face in his warm, rough hands, bracing her for the impact his words would have.
“Sophiana is queen once more. The Tribunal proved their innocence, but not before Evanar suffered at the hands of Luther.”
Althea gasped at the mention of her brother's name. Sensing her alarm, Caius quickly reassured her. “His injuries were harsh but none that he will not heal from, with time. He’s resting comfortably with his queen.”
Althea’s shoulders slumped forward as the tension drained from her.
“Queen Vivian has returned to Rune.” Caius continued. “Queen Galen and Queen Anika spoke in favor of Varon. They will be our trusted allies in the upcoming conflicts.”
“Well, of course, Galen spoke against Vivian,” Althea stated, raising her chin. “Family means everything, and Vivan is a leech on Diathan.”
Caius chanced a glance back at her, watching her fuss over the baby. He had observed her from afar for many years. His duty didn’t allow him many friends, but Evanar had always been just that. They had never dared make their friendship widely known, as there were too many secrets between them, but he loved him like a brother and that love extended to his family. He had always felt protective of Evanar’s youngest sister, and he’d made it his business to watch out for her in her brother’s absence. Though she knew nothing of it. Of him.
A happy sob sprang from Alex’s clenched lips, drawing hisgaze to her. “I would not celebrate too quickly, daughter. While Evanar is recovering, Vivian is spreading lies, feeding the growing unrest in Diathan. Your absence has given her the opportunity to exploit the raids and falsify reports of attacks on the Rune heirs.”
“What attacks? Tristan seems just fine and those idiot twins of hers were too busy attacking me to…” Her voice trailed off.
Caius simply waited for her to realize what he was getting at. That the injuries that she and Davin had inflicted on the twins were what had been used to concoct the story to begin with. She had unintentionally fed right into Vivian’s games.
“Gods damn it!” Alex’s rage erupted. Caius watched his daughter struggle to reign in her emotions as she stalked ahead of him, before pacing back again. Althea shifted the babe in her arms, her eyes tracking Alex’s movements.
“A hot head, that one,” she muttered, bouncing the fussing babe. “Alexandria, dear. Please calm down. We need to hear the rest of what your father has to say before we go on a killing spree.”
Caius was shocked to see his daughter actually stop and mutter a petulant “I’m sorry” to Althea. She wasn’t one to take orders, not even from him. She had always been one to push back, especially against any kind of injustice. To see her not only stop but to apologize to Althea was mind blowing.
“Fine. What else has happened?” Alex spread her hands wide. “Besides the obvious, that is.”
