62. Chapter 62
CHAPTER 62
Cassiel
C assiel’s boots squelched in the mud as he strode over to where Dyna sat by a campfire. Voices swarmed around him, Camsen directing his men to either search for survivors or supplies. The new campsite was set only a couple miles down from where the flood had hit them. It was late into the night when they at last got ahold of Lucenna and Klyde through the water mirror.
Dyna nodded tiredly at the glowing plate on her lap as she said goodbye and the light faded away. She dumped the salted water in the grass before putting the water mirror away.
Cassiel sat beside her, handing her a cup of warm vegetable broth. “Here.”
“Thank you…” She blew on it before taking a sip.
“How are they?”
“Fine, from what I could see. She’s a little bruised but that’s the worst of it. Klyde gave her something for the pain The current took them about twenty miles west from here. Her location spell on Tavin puts him further south. It’s on the other side of the ridge, nearly fifteen miles from our location. I sent Zev to look for him and Von.”
“That’s good news.”
“Yes,” she sighed heavily. “We needed some tonight.”
He and the Valkyrie had pulled many from the water. Dyna had joined Eldred and Raiden in using magic to block most of the current before they lost more. And it had taken a toll on her. Cassiel could feel it as well as see it by her plaid complexion.
“I told them to reunite with us in the City of Evos at the border of Avandia,” she added. “Camsen said we will stop there before making our way to the capitol.”
Cassiel nodded hesitated before saying, “Once you finish the broth you should get lie down.”
She glowered at him and downed the rest of it, then handed him the empty cup. “I will once I have checked on the wounded.”
Cassiel sighed. “Dyna, Eldred can see to them. Your magic is at its limit. I am worried about you.”
“What you worry about holds no weight right now.” Her voice was quiet, cold. Her eyes burned like a raging fire. She was furious. “What is most important?”
He knew the answer she wanted, but he could only tell her the truth. You,” Cassiel said. “The answer is always you.”
Her anger wavered and emotions crossed her face. So swift, he may have imagined them.
“Spare me your concern for my well-being. I will rest once I’m finished.” She walked away toward the camp. “Don’t follow me.”
He halted mid-step and reluctantly watched her walk away from him again.
A chuckle drifted from the dark trees. Cassiel ignored Netanel as he came to stand beside him.
“I like her. She’s stubborn, as are you.”
“Did you see when she wielded her blade against me?”
His spy grinned. “I did. I feared for your life a few times there. She has my respect.”
“I was holding back.”
Netanel gave him a look. “Is that what you call it?”
“She may cut me all she wishes. I would rip myself apart if it would atone for what I’ve done.” Cassiel sighed heavily and pressed on his aching forehead. “She keeps me at arm’s length, and I know not what else to say to her.”
“You mean short of revealing the truth?”
Cassiel glanced at him sharply.
Netanel gave him a desolate smile. “I have come to learn words can only do so much. Dyna is far too hurt to hear anything you have to say right now. The best thing you can do is be there for her and show how much she means to you.”
They looked at each other a moment, then Cassiel looked away. “How?”
“Your queen is made to quell your flames. Likewise, only you can quell hers.”
Cassiel sighed and turned to Yelrakel standing a few feet behind him. “If you are here, I assume you have something to report, General?”
She fleetingly glanced past his shoulder to Netanel then, dropped to one knee, bowing her head. “Yes, sire. I have received word from Nazar. Lord Gadriel wishes to speak with you.”
Cassiel crossed his arms. “Does he? To lure me into another ambush or to beg for his son’s life?”
“He did not say.”
Expelling another breath, Cassiel massaged the knots in his temples. He didn’t have time for this. “Kindly send word to Lord Gadriel that I will not to be summoned at his whim. He will see me at the hour I deem so.”
“Yes, sire…” Yelrakel stood, but she didn’t leave.
“What is it?”
She hesitated. “Forgive me, but is it wise to delay this matter further? The Realms are unstable, and the Lords are revolting. Our people need their king?—”
“I am needed here ,” Cassiel cut her off sharply. “I cannot rule until I can be assured my queen will not be murdered behind my back. You forget. I cannot live without her. If she dies, so do I. Any more counsel you wish to give, General?”
Yelrakel bowed her head. “No, sire.”
“Then do your duty.”
She backed up three steps then flew away.
Cassiel glanced at Netanel. “And you do yours. I told you not to reveal yourself unless necessary.”
“It seemed you needed some encouragement.”
He glowered at him. “I’m not a child, Netanel.”
“Of course not.”
But Cassiel read the hesitation on his face too. “You agree with Yelrakel.”
Netanel wings stretched out as he flexed them. “Only you can decide the future of your reign, Cassiel. But whatever your plan, it must be made quickly. For you have many enemies, and too few allies. The throne of Hilos will not sit empty for long.”
With that dire warning, his spy strode away for the trees and slipped into the forest. They were right, of course. His responsibility as king was to put his people first. Yet how could he rule them when his sole focus was only on one thing.
He watched Dyna move around the open tent set up for the wounded. All he wanted was to take care of her, but it was selfish to impose himself on her. It was best to be nearby when she needed him.
Sighing, Cassiel turned toward his tent.
Nausea sank through him, and he fought a sudden spell of weakness as the world spun. Cassiel whipped around to Dyna in time to see her eyes roll. He was running before she tipped over, caught her before she hit the ground. But that one reached her at the same time, with his presuming hand cupping the back of her head.
“I’ve got her,” Cassiel snarled.
“You did. Once,” Raiden replied coolly. He shifted his position for a better hold. “I will take care of Lady Dyna from here.”
They were locked in a stare, neither budging to let go. Whatever claim this fool thought he had on her, Cassiel was finished allowing it to continue.
“Do you like having hands, Raiden?” His eyes flamed blue. “Then I suggest you remove them off my wife .”
His seraph fire swarmed up his arms and enveloped her in a cocoon of heat. Raiden immediately leaped back with a curse. Standing with Dyna in his arms, Cassiel tucked her against his chest. All eyes followed him as he took his mate away.
In that moment, he carried his whole world.