She didn’t speak, only looked at him, waiting for the rest of his words. He took her hand in his own, “There is a strength inside of you, my girl, that no loss or sacrifice could ever conquer. You are a warrior. You need onlyhave faith.”
His belief in her never waivered, even when her own doubts threatened to drown her.
“Are there going to be any issues with your part of the plan?”
Alex slanted her eyes towards him. “You mean, will I kill the prince in his sleep?” she shrugged. “Undecided.”
A laugh escaped Caius as he reached over and squeezed her knee.
“The chest, Alex, you must retrieve it. It cannot remain in Rune, with Queen Vivian, nor can its existence be exposed. I do not yet know what else she has been able to accomplish with the book, but we cannot allow that risk to continue. You need to retrieve the chest and all it holds. I do not believe Queen Vivian suspects anyone has knowledge of it besides herself and Luther. She is too selfish to share it, even with hersons.” He gave her a pointed look, the meaning clear. “Even if you do not like the company that you are being forced to keep, he plays a vital role in this.”
Alex stiffened beneath his rebuke. “I understand.”
“Is there anyone in Varon that you can trust?”
Alex shifted, considering. Andrew had proven time and again that he would be loyal, and Colin, well, he meant well even if it didn’t always pan out how he planned.
“Besides the Thorns that are already in place, there are a few that I would trust.”
“Good. You will need as many allies as you can find. Retrieving this chest will not be as easy as you think.”
Indignation flared, but he merely pressed on, disregarding her reaction. “The Thorns that I have in place will continue to report back to me. I will send help where I can. But remember, now Luther knows of the underground, the tunnels are no longer safe. You must only use them when absolutely necessary.”
The door swung open as Bronwynn strode out onto the porch. Caius helped Alex to her feet.
“It’s time for me to go, boss.”
Caius flashed a smile in her direction, moving to clap her on her shoulder. “I know you’re ready for this. You’ll lead them well.” His grin widened. “Let’s hope that they’re ready for you.”
Bronwynn let out a guffaw that echoed into the quiet of the night. Alex’s responding smile quickly turned into a grimace as Bronwynn punched her in her arm.
“Stay out of trouble, kid.”
Now it was Alex’s turn to laugh. “You know I won’t.”
Bronwynn leapt off the porch. Her energy boundless, it seemed.
“Give’em hell!” she called, her fist raised in salute as she melded into the shadows, disappearing from sight.
Caius shook his head, most likely rethinking his choice of putting her in charge of the Thorns. The door to the house creaked open again, this time it was Althea who emerged, cradling Kaela in her arms, a bag slung over her shoulder. The energy immediately turned somber.
“Tristan and Ellis have turned in for the night.” Althea’s voice was a soothing balm to Alex’s jagged nerves.
Alex peered into the bundle of blankets Althea held. Kaela’s long eyelashes brushed her cheeks as she slept. Her bottom lip set in a pout. Alex ran a finger down her cheek, causing her to let out a little grunt, her face scrunching in the cutest scowl.
“Do not wake her. I just barely got her down.” Althea chided.
Alex leaned in, placing a light kiss on Kaela’s cheek, a faint scent of vanilla and cinnamon brushing over her.
“I wouldn’t dare.” The tightness squeezed at the center ofher chest. She looked up at Althea, so much spoken between them without words crowding the air.
“I know,” was all Althea said as Alex nodded and stepped away.
Caius embraced her quickly but fiercely, hugging her tight to his chest. “Be safe. Trust in those who are by your side.” He held her at arm’s length. “I love you.”
Alex sniffled, fighting back her tears. “I love you too, Dad.”
Caius released her, bending to grab the pack he had stashed by the railing. “Let’s go.” He said, putting his hand on the small of Althea’s back, helping guide her down the steps. He gave a final wink in Alex’s direction, and then they were gone, disappearing into the dark just like Bronwynn.
