Chapter 37 Samian #2
Stepping into his line of sight, I blocked Aster from view. “If you mean no harm, then form a bond with me. Prove that you mean what you say.”
Hale sighed, his lips dipping in a frown, but reached out his hand.
I gingerly took it, my magic flowing instantly into Hale, tethering my mind to his.
Hale winced at the strength of my magic.
All his memories, his emotions, came rushing into my head, and I tightened my grip on his hand.
Memories of him following Ambrose’s disgusting orders, of him helping servants sneak through the hidden passageways to Ivara’s people waiting at the end, and of him protecting his brother as children, it all came pouring in.
Pulling my hand back, I stared at him with wide eyes, my heart pounding in my chest. “What Ivara said was true? You truly helped those servants? There were signs of them missing or dead.”
“All fabricated,” Hale shrugged. “There’s a village in the mountains, right outside of the Seelie Court. Most of them are there with new names.”
I backed away, falling into the nearest seat, too stunned for words. For all these years, I thought Hale mindlessly followed Ambrose, not caring about anything other than power. I even dismissed Evander for those same reasons.
“Is Queen Cassia really dying?” Aster whispered, fear lining every part of her face.
Her question snapped me out of my stupor, and I ran a hand down my face.
“She is. Ambrose attacked Cassia after finding out Sybil had been talking to her, and she’s refusing to be healed.
” Even the God of Chaos couldn’t change her mind.
I suppressed a shiver at the thought of the male, the pure rage in his eyes as he stared me down in that cell.
I was still in disbelief at how close he and Cassia seemed to be.
It was as if they were old, though reluctant, friends.
Pushing the thought away, I continued. “That’s why I need you to make something that can heal her, even if it is slowly.
I have a feeling she’s refusing so Ambrose doesn’t learn that someone is helping her without his consent. ”
Aster nodded, her face still deathly pale as she moved the bookshelf and left the room. I stared at the empty space, uncomfortably waiting for her return.
“Did you speak with Sybil?” Hale asked quietly. His voice sounded strained enough to make me turn in his direction.
“I did, though I don’t appreciate you going to her when you could have come to me.”
“I figured she was the safest option out of the three of you,” Hale shrugged. “The terrifying leader of the rebellion usually has a kill first, ask questions later attitude toward those like me.”
I snorted and shook my head. He wasn’t wrong about that. I probably would have been defensive as well if he had come to me. “Well, that leader of the rebellion has decided to listen to your request in return for your help.”
Hale’s eyes were lined with tears as relief shone on his face. “I’ll do anything that’s in my power.”
“We need to switch out some guards. Do you think you can help with that?”
Hale scoffed as if the request was nothing. “Done. Do you have people to replace them, or shall I find some?”
“No, we have our own. We just need one or two of the spots opened for them by tonight.”
“Consider it already taken care of. I’ll even throw in some uniforms for them to change into,” Hale said with a wink.
Narrowing my eyes, I studied Hale, my lips forming a thin line.
Though I had access to his memories and emotions, I still felt like I couldn’t get a read on him.
Distrust coiled around my mind, but I kept that to myself.
Instead, I focused on Sybil’s question from this morning. “Why the blood flower?”
Hale rose a brow, a smile slowly forming on his lips. “Ambrose’s supply was running thin. Why else would I tell Sybil about it?”
“You know why he is taking it, don’t you?”
Hale’s smile grew sharper. “You don’t know?
Don’t tell me that the great Samian Olokas has missed something as vital as this!
” Hale let out a low laugh. “Well, if you don’t know, I’m not going to spoil it for you.
That is something you’ll have to figure out for yourself.
But I’ll leave you with a hint. Of all the times Ambrose has taken the blood flower serum, think back to what he did during those days.
I’m sure you’ll find your answer soon.” With a mocking bow, Hale disappeared, leaving me alone in Aster’s office.
I barely suppressed my growl when Aster came into the room, carrying a vial with a clear, purple liquid. “This should help her,” she said, handing me the elixir. “Is he gone?”
“He just left,” I said, my gaze lingering on the space where he’d been. “I’m going to visit Cassia. Will you be okay?”
“You mean with the fact that Hale now knows what we are a part of?” Aster mused, pretending that it wasn’t panic gleaming in her eyes.
“If it makes you feel better, he’s known for a while,” I breathed. Yet, he told no one, not even his brother. I started for the hidden door but stopped before I could open it, turning back to Aster. “Do you know why Ambrose takes the blood flower?”
“No,” she sighed, “but I know that he always seems to take it after large meetings with the lords.”
Filing that information away, I nodded. “Thank you for this,” I murmured, waving the vial before slipping it into my pocket.
Leaving Aster’s office, I followed the passageway until I found myself in front of Cassia’s cell, a curse leaving me when I saw how deathly pale she looked since the last time I saw her.
Opening the door to her cage, I rushed in, frantically whispering her name.
Hearing me call out, Cassia forced her eyes open, groaning as she tried to sit up.
“You look marvelous, my queen,” I joked, though my heart twisted at the sight of her. I checked her wound, finding the skin stitched back together, but her skin was hot and red from infection.
“I’ve been better,” Cassia laughed, swatting my hands away. “What are you doing here?”
“Can a son not come and check up on the female who raised him?” I asked, my tone dripping with feigned insult. “Your wound is getting worse. Let me bring Aster to you. She can heal you enough just to kill the infection so no one will find out, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“I can’t allow you to do that. I have all I need.”
“I don’t understand this, Cassia. Why are you being so stubborn? You even said no to the God of Chaos. He isn’t someone you should take lightly.”
Cassia’s laugh turned into a pained cough. “You have nothing to fear with Soren. He may seem a little rough around the edges, but he will do anything for his family.”
“And you’re his family?” I asked, my voice brimming with skepticism.
“I may be far older than this realm, my son, but I can still have my secrets. There’s a lot that you don’t know about me, and I would like to keep it that way,” Cassia murmured with narrowed eyes.
“Fine, I’ll leave it alone,” I grumbled, pushing down my frustration. “For now, at least.”
Cassia always had an air of mystery that shrouded her, but I never questioned it or her.
When she found me all those years ago, I thought my life was over, yet she raised me as if I were her own.
Even when she acted strangely, like now with this fucking wound, I knew she had her reasons.
I’ve trusted her all my life, and I wouldn’t stop now.
Pulling the vial out of my pocket, I placed it in her hand. “At least take this if it gets worse. I’ll be very angry with you if you die, Cassia. I mean it.”
Cassia laughed weakly, tucking the vial into her dress. “I saw Sybil learned how to break the bargain.”
“Yesterday,” I said, nodding.
“Good,” Cassia breathed. “Good. Now, leave before someone finds you here.” Snorting, I stood and opened the cell door.
I was about to leave when Cassia called my name.
“Keep meeting Soren to yourself. There are games afoot, and things are about to get interesting.” With a wink, she waved me goodbye before settling back down in her bed.