Chapter 22 #2
“I understand your order more than you might know,” I confess with a glance back at the tent where our mates are enjoying their reunion.
“I am pleased that all the soldiers will be fair game, as well as the mayor. Since we’ll have fewer human males to kill, perhaps we can take our time with them. Make them suffer.”
“Agreed. Yes, we will certainly make them suffer.” King Theron pauses and appears uncomfortable. “Does the lord regent of Frostfall know about his mate?” he asks.
“I sent my brother a letter. I haven’t yet received a reply, though that is nothing unusual, since he doesn’t possess the ability to send messenger birds.
” I draw in a deep breath. “I would assume that even if he didn’t receive my letter for some reason, he will know that Maelissa has departed this realm.
Mating bonds, especially once consummated, are enduring.
Surely he felt the absence… the silence… the moment her heart stopped beating.”
“May the gods watch over her soul,” King Theron murmurs, a faraway look entering his eyes. He keeps glancing back at the tent, no doubt contemplating the agony he would endure if something happened to Helena.
It’s a sentiment I share. Isabel has become precious to me in ways I never imagined possible.
Until feeling the tug of our bond, I never realized just how strong the tether that binds mates could be.
Yes, I witnessed the affection my parents shared, but it never truly clicked until the night I first dreamed of Isabel. My little moth.
“Maelissa’s death, as well as all the others, will be avenged tonight,” King Theron announces.
“Tonight?”
“Yes. I am eager to resume our travels north,” he says. “Tonight at dusk, when it is most difficult for the humans to see us coming in the waning light, we will attack.”
“A good plan,” I say, though my surprise quickly gives way to relief.
Tonight. The battle will occur tonight. Not only will I have my revenge very soon, but Isabel will be pleased by the mercy that the Winter King intends to show the people of Hollins.
By this time tomorrow, we could be on our way to Frostfall. My spirits lift.
“Have you received word from Lord Blackthorne yet?” I ask. Though I’ve sent messenger birds to my old friend, I have not received a reply since he was apparently sent on a mission by the king to locate another missing human woman.
“No, I have not received a reply from him since he set off to search for Gwen Whitmore, a friend of Helena’s who was taken as a slave on Tribute Day but then suddenly disappeared.
However, I have learned that when it comes to Lord Blackthorne, he rarely responds to a missive unless he has something new to say, which leads me to believe he hasn’t located the young woman yet.
I have faith that he’ll find her, though.
He is our best aerial scout and tracker. ”
I nod as I consider his words. He is correct that Lord Blackthorne rarely replies to a missive unless he has new information to share. When it comes to my old friend, no news simply means… no news.
“Where do you plan to keep your mate during the battle?” King Theron asks. “The cabin you’ve been staying in? The one you mentioned in your last letter?”
“I had planned to keep her there, yes. With a series of wards placed around the structure and several soldiers stationed outside.” I turn to face the king as he pauses on the edge of camp.
“Helena is welcome to stay at the cabin with Isabel during the attack. In fact, I know my mate would like that.”
“Very good. It is settled. Our mates will remain in the warded cabin farther down the mountain, guarded by a contingent of fifty soldiers.”
Fifty soldiers? It takes all my self-control to keep my expression neutral.
Truly, I am surprised. I had hoped to arrange for a dozen soldiers to guard the cabin during the battle.
Fifty is a large number for what many among us might consider a personal reason that has little to do with warfare.
I suspect some soldiers in our camp will whisper among themselves when they learn about King Theron’s orders, but I can’t say I care for the opinions of males who don’t yet know what it is to have a treasured mate.
“Thank you, Theron,” I say, daring to utter his name without his title one last time before we return to the crowded camp. “I appreciate you sparing such a large number of soldiers.”
He smiles, though there’s a weariness to his expression that gives me pause. “My mate has no difficulty walking through my wards or wards created by others. But hopefully she will stay where I order her to stay.”
He resumes walking, and I accompany him back into the camp.
After informing our mates of the plan, I escort the women to the cabin with the contingent of fifty soldiers.
It’s a testament to the king’s faith in me that he would trust me to escort his mate anywhere, and I am again relieved that he so easily accepted my resignation.
With a fleeting glance at Helena, I can’t help but wonder what other changes she will influence.
Because surely she is to blame, or perhaps to thank, for the difference I have noticed in the Winter King.
My heart softens as I glance down at Isabel. She’s been strangely quiet since we departed for the cabin, and I know the impending battle weighs heavily on her. I also know she’s thinking about her father.
She meets my eyes, and I send her a wave of warmth.
There is something I must tell you, little moth, I murmur through the bond.
By order of King Theron, only the soldiers from Hollins will die tonight.
Well, the soldiers and the mayor. No one else from Hollins will be harmed, and as I already promised you, your father will remain safe.
I will personally verify his well-being before I return to you.
Shock ripples through her. Are you certain? she asks. The king really doesn’t plan to kill the regular citizens who are caught in the streets, or those who foolishly try to fight back?
Only the soldiers and the mayor will die, I tell her.
The king did not explain his reasoning to me, but I have my suspicions.
I would wager all the gold in the coffers of Frostfall Manor that his new mate had something to say about the killing of…
innocents. Though I suppose you can ask Helena about it yourself after I leave you both in the warded cabin.
Her eyes dance with hope. Oh, Gideon, this is wonderful news, she says. Yes, I plan to interrogate Helena and ask her how she managed to civilize the king. She gives me a sly look. I suppose I need some ideas.
If you think you can civilize me, little moth, I may have to remind you of exactly who tamed whom last night.
A little gasp leaves her, and she blushes profusely.
I draw her closer, wrapping an arm around her as the cabin finally comes into sight. Though I’m still burning to seek my vengeance against the soldiers from Hollins, I am reluctant to leave Isabel behind. And for just a moment, I waver.
You don’t have to go, she says. The soldiers will die no matter what.
I must go, I tell her. I kiss the top of her head. But I will return to you, little moth. And then we will start our new life together.
Do you promise? she asks softly through the bond.
Yes, little moth, I promise.