“I know. I have an idea. Go take a bath.” He handed her a vial of yellow liquid. “Put this in your water. It will help with the soreness of your muscles. Then come back, settle into this chair, and eat while we bathe Casimir. You can sleep in bed with him while he recovers.”
Ava’s heart leaped with hope. “I won’t hurt him?”
Kai shook his head. “No. As his soulbond, your nearness will help. And I know you want to be close to him.”
“Okay. That’s a good plan.” She turned to her brother. “I don’t know how long it will take everyone to get home, but hopefully they’ll arrive in a few days.”
He rose from his seat. “I’m going to update Aelerion and Thalia. We’re close to finalizing plans to take back their kingdom. Once you’re recovered, Jorrar will train you how to use portal magic with the book and Raine will continue coaching you on your earth abilities. And once Casimir is recovered, we’ll be moving forward with our plans.”
War wasn’t coming anymore. It was here. Beyond the horizon, like a beast preparing to attack. And it was going to get much worse before they made it to the other side.
Ava pulled her robe tight,evaluating herself in the mirror of the bathroom. Her eyes were swollen from crying and dark circles beneath them proved her exhaustion. She’d spent the majority of her bath in tears as she mourned Remy. This time she didn’t ignore it, didn’t shove it away. She was going to let herself grieve openly. She was going to talk about him. Because she didn’t want to handle this death the way she handled Eleanor’s—ignoring her feelings and trying not to think about it. She was going to hold Remy in her heart, along with Eleanor. And her former guard, Zeph, and Sugha, the orc owner of the tavern in Oakshire, and all the others who had been sacrificed in the name of war.
And never forget them.
Ava padded back to the bedroom and plopped in her chair. Cirilla, her room attendant, entered with a tray of food. Titus had already made himself comfortable at the foot of the bed—as if he didn’t want to leave her presence for a moment—his little black body curled in a spiral, rising and falling while he slept.
“Eat,” Cirilla commanded, setting the tray on the small table next to Ava’s chair. “Allof it.”
“Thank you.”
Cirilla paused before her, giving her a nod. “It’s my honor to assist you, Your Highness. You’ve come a long way from the scared woman who first arrived here.”
With a pat on Ava’s cheek, Cirilla left the room.
Several guards entered, lifting Casimir from the bed.
“Can I help?” she asked, starting to rise, but Kai put a firm hand on her shoulder.
“No,” he said sternly. She’d never seen him like that. “Rest.”
Kai’s companion, Ivy, rose from her spot in the corner where she’d been napping and laid her head upon Ava’s lap. Ava scratched the cinnamon-colored deer, paying special attention to the spot behind her ears. “Are you here to watch me and ensure I listen to Kai?”
Kai chuckled as if that’s exactly what he had ordered Ivy to do.
The soldiers carried Casimir to the bathroom. Running water and soft voices floated into the bedroom as Ava grabbed a roll and took a bite.
Twenty minutes later, after having devoured every last morsel on her plate, and after Cirilla had changed the bedding, the soldiers emerged with Casimir. His body was peppered with cuts and bruises, covering his older battle scars.
Ava tried not to cry at the sight of him, reminding herself he was safe. He was alive. They got him settled and left.
“I’m going to come check on him every hour or so,” Kai said. “But you can climb in and sleep.”
“Can I touch him?”
“Yes, but be gentle. His fever is mostly gone so you won’t overheat him. I’ve given him something to keep him asleep for several days because, knowing Cas, the moment he wakes he’s going to push himself too hard and not listen.”
Ava huffed a laugh. “You’re right.”
“Snuggle with him. Skin to skin. It will help.”
He left the room, the click of Ivy’s hooves echoing on the floor as she followed.
Ava rose from her chair on weak legs and removed her robe, no clothing underneath. She climbed over and positioned herself between Casimir and the wall, sliding under the plush comforter and sheets. The scent of him surrounded her and she inched her way closer until she was able to nuzzle into his chest.
Gently, she laid her head on his shoulder and draped her arm over him. He let out a quiet grunt as if sensing her presence, even through his unconsciousness, and his breathing evened out, peace clear on his face.
The steady rhythm of Casimir’s beating heart lulled her to sleep.
