This day had drained her. More than she’d already been. Drained her of things she didn’t even have to give.
“You did well, Mariah.” Rulene’s soft praise had her lifting her head. The goddess’s gaze was gentle. The air was now less stifling, as if her and Callamus had withdrawn their otherness back into themselves at the Elder’s exit.
Mariah gave Rulene a small smile—barely more than a twitch of her lips—before two open, awestruck faces pulled her attention away.
“Ambassador Enoch. Lady Satya,” she said, forcing her smile into something genuine. “What an exciting reunion.”
Enoch shook his head, as if trying to clear his mind, then smiled warmly. “We saw the Council storming this way and knew they planned to ambush you. Figured you could use a friendly face.” He blinked, gaze drifting back to Rulene. “And what an honor it is to stand in your presence, Great Goddess.”
Rulene waved a hand. “None of that, Ambassador. That was all a show before. You showed true loyalty to the queen, and for that, I demand no deference from you.”
Satya bowed low. “We would have come sooner to formally welcome you to Kreah,” she said to Mariah, “but our daughters told us you needed some time to settle.” Her features softened with a mother’s gentleness. “You have no idea how sorry we are, for all that you have endured. If there is anything you need—even if it is simply a place to talk—I am here for you.”
Tears burned behind Mariah’s eyes, a thickness clogging and catching in her throat. Words were lost and hopeless to her, so she simply nodded, clasping Satya’s offered hand.
Satya tightened her grip. “And do not let the Elders get to you. It has been thousands of years since people traveled across borders so freely. Stand strong in your convictions; our convictions are sometimes all we have.”
“Thank you,” Mariah finally managed, her voice cracking and hoarse. With a final squeeze, Satya released her, turning to her husband.
“As exciting as this all has been,” Enoch said, wrapping an arm around Satya. “I think your court has much to discuss. We will take our leave, but please know we are always available to you. Kiira or Rylla knows where to find us.”
The Ambassador and his wife—both with final, deep bows to Rulene and Callamus—slipped back onto the path, disappearing into the grove.
The interaction left Mariah feeling surprisingly hopeful. Her gaze wandered around the grove. Kiira and Rylla excused themselves, chasing after their parents. Matheo, Trefor, and Quentin collected their shirts from the sands, exchanging soft words as they gathered everything from the makeshift training area. Finally, Mariah’s attention landed on Delaynie. Her friendwho was most experienced at politics and the workings of court, and who’d stood still and quiet through the dramatics.
Mariah lifted an eyebrow, seeking some sort of approval. Something that would settle the nagging, helpless feeling in the pit of her stomach, the sense that their troubles were far from over.
Delaynie only met her gaze in silence before giving a subtle shake of her head. Any hope Mariah felt collapsed in her chest.
Things had not been resolved today. It was only a delay of the inevitable.
Whatever opposition they now faced in Kreah was only just beginning.
Chapter 8
The ride through the desert was stifling.
Ciana had grown up in the lands bordering Kreah. It had been hot there, too, living on the cusp of the desert where the lush forests and open plains of Onita transitioned into sand and rock.
Those arid lands were nothing compared to this.
The dunes stretched on for miles in all directions, marred only by the soft rise of mountains in the far distance or the occasional outcropping of trees. There was water here, but it was buried deep beneath the sands, sustaining only the tall vegetation with roots reaching far enough to find it.
Thankfully, their saddlebags were well-stocked, and Ciana had no shortage of water to combat the sweat pouring from her skin under the burning sun. Gods, she would need a bath before this day was over.
She understood why Mariah had asked her to do this. What shedidn’tunderstand was why Priam—the god who was quite literally responsible for this whole mess—couldn’t be bothered to finish escorting these people to Desva. After all, he had rallied and led them here.
Of course, the prick had to abandon them for the comforts of the city at the first opportunity.Gods.
Ciana was so lost in her frustrated musings, she almost missed the larger copse of trees rising from the sands.
An oasis. The first of many they would find along their journey and their resting location for this evening. She nearly sobbed with relief. Even now she could see a few Kreah soldiers milling about, unloading provisions from carts and pallets.
“Oh, thank the gods. I’m not sure we could’ve gone much farther.”
Ciana twisted to her companion riding beside her on a dappled gray gelding. He was a young man, perhaps only a few years her elder, dark blond hair cut short and skin tanned from time in the sun. He’d been riding a bit ahead of the caravan, scouting the path.
Even though he was a stranger, Ciana had preferred to spend the day riding beside him—still within sight of the group—than be stuck with Sebastian, simmering in her frustration.
