CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
For the first time in weeks, Deckard enjoyed a moment of peace as he woke to the gentle light of dawn.
Usually, the prospect of meeting with the Alliance and hosting Calyn would have him jumping into action.
But today, he chose to embrace the stillness, happily setting aside any expectations of the upcoming meeting and the obligations that came with entertaining guests.
Deckard leaned against his pillow, pulling Evylin closer to him, and surveyed the room.
A small piece of blue fabric peeked out from the edge of the wardrobe on Evylin’s side.
He decided to be charmed by her carefree nature as he shifted his gaze to the long windows on their right.
The thin curtains provided a soft, dreamy view of the early morning skyline.
He could see the wispy, white clouds drifting alongside the dark gray rooftops.
In the distance, the cheerful sound of birds chirping filled the air, and he watched one land on the windowsill for a brief moment before it fluttered off to its next adventure.
Deckard traced a circle on the delicate fabric of Evylin’s nightdress.
The muted clatter of carts passing on the streets below reached him as the sun climbed higher, and its orange-yellow light filtered through the linen curtains.
Deckard furrowed his brow at the brightening rays.
Though he consistently woke with the sun, he hadn’t realized how inconvenient the thin curtains would be for Evylin.
Despite being a heavy sleeper, the brightness of the morning often aggravated her already grumpy mood. Even while she remained asleep in his arms, he could feel her nose pressing against his shoulder to escape the light.
Deckard decided that new curtains were necessary—dark, thick ones that wouldn’t let a single ray of sunlight through.
Indeed, the entire residence required redecoration.
The place appeared stark, devoid of the necessary furnishings to run a household, including a proper tea set and a suitable parlor for hosting guests.
The property currently lacked all the elements that would make it a home.
Though Evylin hadn’t complained, Deckard couldn’t shake off the sense of barrenness. He wanted to create a space where she felt completely at home, like it belonged to them forever.
However, Deckard couldn’t be certain that this would remain their home forever. Given his promise to let Evylin choose their future, she could either decide to stay or leave. There was a possibility that she’d want to depart Loclight to distance themselves from the Alliance and the Relics.
Deckard stared blankly at the window as he let his musings take over, pondering what adventure would most fulfill Evylin.
Over the last month, it became clear that she would not thrive in one location for long.
Her spirit had visibly waned even during their brief time in Loclight, repairing the government.
Having nearly explored everything the Allundan continent offered, Evylin might prefer to venture into entirely new lands.
Exploring Giyda or Matteire could offer the life she truly desired.
Absorbed in his thoughts, Deckard failed to notice Evylin gradually waking up until she stretched, momentarily freeing herself from his embrace before sinking back down to snuggle in closer. “Good morning,” she whispered into his neck.
Deckard rested his cheek on the crown of her head. “Good morning, my love.”
In her languid state, Evylin lounged against him while Deckard massaged her back. These soothing, intimate moments were the ones Deckard treasured most. Being close to her, feeling her heartbeat, and basking in the tenderness they shared fulfilled all his lifelong hopes.
Evylin pressed a series of kisses along his neck, then propped herself halfway onto his chest to gaze down at him. She reached up to caress his jaw, cheek, and temple with her fingers. “I suppose we should get up,” she said. “We have a meeting to attend.”
Deckard tightened his arm around her waist, purposefully blocking thoughts of the Alliance meeting.
For once, he was unconcerned about their possible tardiness or even the risk of missing it entirely.
What mattered to him was simply being with her, savoring the happiness she brought him before confronting a world that expected more than he was prepared to offer.
Deckard smiled up at her, rubbing his hand over her shoulder and arm. “We should go somewhere,” he said.
A gentle laugh escaped Evylin, highlighting the dimples on her cheeks. “We just returned,” she reminded him. His lack of a reaction caused her smile to broaden. “Where should we go?”
“Anywhere you like,” he promised.
“Anywhere?”
“Anywhere in this world.”
Evylin laughed again, her lungs contracting against his chest with the activity. “What if I want to go somewhere out of this world?”
“Then I’ll find a way.”
She scrunched her nose in playful delight. “That’s awfully generous.”
As Deckard entwined his fingers in her hair, he let his smile fade, allowing her to grasp the sincerity in his tone. “I mean it, Evie,” he murmured. “Wherever you wish to go, we’ll go together.”
Her head tipped to the side, likely feeling the urgency of his emotion. “You mean . . . now?”
He nodded.
Evylin’s smile turned to a smirk. “We can’t leave, Jonn.”
“Why not?”
“There are several reasons. First, the Alliance is counting on us to help finalize Allund. Second, we have the Relics, and we can’t exactly take them with us. Nor can we leave them behind unattended. Third—”
“None of that matters,” Deckard said, interrupting her. He didn’t care about her reasons; he had his own. “I made a promise to you. I told you that I would take you anywhere you wanted to go. I intend to follow through.”
Evylin’s concern faded, and her dimples reappeared. “I’ve seen nearly the whole of Allund. Because of our marriage. Because of you.” She shrugged. “Consider your promise fulfilled.”
Disappointment shadowed his chest. Throughout their marriage thus far, Deckard knew of one thing that made Evylin happy. Now, she was taking it away, leaving him with nothing to offer her.
“And I know you, Jonn,” she continued, caressing his face. “Well enough to realize you won’t walk away when you’re needed. When you have the power to change the world.”
Deckard tried to breathe through his frustration. “I only care about changing your world,” he whispered tenderly.
“You already have,” she said, brushing her fingers along the bridge of his nose. “And you’re a Mage. You’re meant to live for more than just me.”
“And what if I don’t want to be a Mage?”
“I’d be rather sad if you weren’t.”
He met her gaze, a glowing amber in the morning light. “You would?”
Evylin nodded, her wavy hair dancing around her face with the motion.
“Why?”
“If you weren’t a Mage,” she whispered, “then I wouldn’t be your Warrior.”
Deckard cupped her face in his hands as a profound wave of devotion flowed from Evylin’s skin into his. “You will always be mine,” he vowed. “Just as I will always be yours. Whether as Warrior, Mage, or whatever else this world grants to us.”
The morning’s lateness and the impending meeting couldn’t stop Deckard from delighting in the moment with Evylin.
He was determined to indulge in her kisses and love for as long as she allowed, even for all eternity if possible.
They ignored their obligations in the pursuit of their passion, losing themselves in their love.
It made them dreadfully late for breakfast.
On any other day, Deckard would have been bothered by Thom’s annoyed yet amused smirk at their delayed arrival.
Normally, he would have felt embarrassed when Calyn innocently inquired if it was typical for city folks to sleep in.
Under different circumstances, he would have hurried to the meeting for which they were already late.
However, Deckard let Evylin enjoy a complete breakfast while he leisurely sipped a second cup of black tea.
“Brea will be there already,” Thom grumbled, his knee bouncing under the table.
“You can leave without us if you’d like,” Deckard suggested.
“To stand around and wait for you to arrive while they ask me why you’re late? No thanks.”
Calyn ripped her toasted rye bread apart to pair with her sausage. “Evie’s always late to everything. I’m surprised they’re not accustomed to it.”
Thom shot her a sidelong glance. “Deckard is never late to anything.”
“Which should earn me some understanding,” Deckard said as he reluctantly finished the small bowl of porridge that Evylin placed before him.
“Don’t worry,” Evylin reassured Thom. “I’m almost finished, and then we can go.”
“I still have half a cup,” Deckard countered.
“Then you’d better drink it fast,” she said with a smirk before turning to her sister. “Are you ready, Caly?”
Thom’s brow furrowed. “Will they approve of her joining the meeting?”
Evylin shrugged. “If they don’t want her listening, they can have someone show her around the palace.”
Shortly thereafter, they departed. As Thom said, Brea was there when they arrived.
The ministers received their lateness and Calyn’s presence with welcome understanding.
They requested that Highlady Grenwood, a Day Mage, show Calyn around the palace while they spoke.
Calyn’s momentary disappointment faded as the charming blonde Mage engaged her in conversation, complimenting her pretty floral dress and offering to show her the art gallery the Ephren kings had filled throughout their reigns.
Once the doors closed behind the two women, Archminister Essen turned to the four gathered.
“Thank you, Colonel, Captain, and Private Deckard, for your efforts over these past weeks. You have exceeded our expectations in everything we set out for you to achieve. Thanks to your success, we can now proceed to the next stage of implementing the Allundan rule.”
Essen rested her wrinkled brown hands on the table. “We, the Ministers of East Allund, are needed in Aulton at the Aulden Palace.”
Deckard and Thom shared a puzzled glance.
Nearly two centuries ago, Aulton served as the capital of Auld.
The Aulden Palace was where the eight Mages governed Auld collectively.
Nevertheless, the inaugural King Ephren made it his mission to obliterate both the city and the palace as his first decree as the official King of Ephria.
Stories of the devastation and brutality involved in the city’s downfall had become legendary within the Ephrian Army.
“Have you managed to rebuild Aulton?” Deckard asked in awe.
Archminister Essen shook her head. “Not wholly, but it’s on its way.”
“It was said to be brought to rubble,” Thom noted.
Essen grinned. “Terrae Mages are especially skilled in such recovery efforts. While the city lay in ruins, the palace remained mostly intact. It would have taken years for Ephren to demolish such a structure, and he didn’t have that kind of time.”
“So you’re leaving,” Deckard said, bringing it back to the point. “I take it you want us to watch over the city for you while you’re gone?”
“No, no.” Essen waved a hand to dismiss the idea. “You’ll be coming with us.”
Deckard, Evylin, and Thom drew back their shoulders in collective surprise, standing a bit taller.
Brea remained relaxed as if this was the news she’d expected. “It’s time, then?” she asked.
“Yes, it is,” Essen confirmed. “As you four accompany us to Aulton, so will Corporal and Highlady Loxley and Mr. Calder accompany the Ministers of West Allund. Here in the East, Highlady Grenwood and Colonel Geis are to be presently married and Bonded. Therefore, they will join us too. We have many trusted Mages and Warriors who will help our clerks keep both the West and East stable during your absences.”
Deckard felt a spike of excitement from Evylin. Not only were they to continue traveling, but they’d also see their friends again.
Essen took a breath before continuing, “While both the Western and Eastern ministers will stay in the city for some time, this will be a short trip to Aulton for the rest of you. It is our intention to finalize the governmental rule of Allund while there. Should all go well, you shall return home within the matter of a week.”
It was as Deckard feared, then. They were going to press them into service. He wet his lips, uncertain how to proceed. “If I may ask, Archminister Essen,” he began, attempting not to sound too frustrated, “why are we necessary to this finalization of the nation?”
“We value your opinion, Colonel,” Essen said kindly, then added, “And it’s a bit of a reward. We intend to celebrate, you see. It is the dawning of our nation. Many feasts and dances will be held, and as your team was instrumental in our victory, we’d like you to be our guests of honor.”
Nudging his moonstone ring, Deckard drew in a steadying breath. It was a celebration. Yet, he couldn’t help worrying that the excursion would end up being a coronation that they didn’t want.
Evylin entwined their fingers. He felt a conflict within her. The undercurrent of excitement remained, but there was also hesitation. “When are we to leave?” she asked.
“Tomorrow morning,” Essen said.
“So soon?”
“I’m afraid so,” the archminister said, giving the three Deckards an apologetic smile. “I know you’ve been traveling for four weeks, but we have another long journey ahead of us, and the country cannot wait much longer.”
Deckard understood that. The country needed firm authority. It needed law and order. Security and stability.
But Deckard didn’t want to be part of that authority, not when it tied Evylin and him to the nation’s responsibility.
They should have run away together. He should have taken her to Audis and those white sand beaches while he had the chance. Now, they were destined for the captivity of rulership or the derision of their nation. And he worried they couldn’t endure either fate.