Chapter 70 Dianna #2
Samkiel had done this. He brought peace in a time of war, and the cities we had been to, the people we helped, could finally laugh, joke, and play peacefully here.
Homes were built along the cliffside and in the inner city, with shops lining the border offering an array of clothing, trinkets, and food.
Everyone wanted to help make this city grow to protect it, and a part of my cold, dead heart split wide open.
I knew that feeling so well, of finally finding a place you could call your own, a place you could call home.
My chest swelled, knowing Gabby would have loved this.
In her name, in his and mine, I would die protecting it.
“You’re playing against children,” I yelled to Cameron, who stopped his dancing. “You’re eight feet taller than them. Stop with the victory dance.”
“Winning is winning, baby,” Cameron said, pointing at me and winking.
Samkiel sighed next to me. We were dressed in matching swimwear, just like on Rashearim, except this time, I’d wanted pink, and he hadn’t minded indulging me.
Children laughed at his antics, their ages ranging from nine to well past Miska’s thirteen.
Cameron picked up the ball again, gently kicking it into the air, showing off for his audience.
“Should we embarrass him?” Samkiel asked at my side, hands on his hips.
“I love it when you talk dirty.” I winked at him, smirking wickedly.
Samkiel clapped. “Okay, one more.”
“Sure, if you guys want to lose again,” Cameron said, spinning the red ball on the tip of one finger, the kids squealing with glee.
“Ha ha ha,” Samkiel said before steeling his face. “Okay, pick your teams.”
The children scattered. Miska, of course, ran to us, and Cameron yelled, “Traitor!”
She giggled harder as she came to a stop between Samkiel and me, copying me and planting her feet in the sand.
“THIS IS CHEATING. Somehow.”
“Well, someone had to cheer too loudly about his wins,” I complained, eyeing Cameron accusingly.
Both of us swung off one of Samkiel’s shoulders as we tossed insults to each other like children. Miska giggled like a maniac from where she clung to Samkiel’s leg as he carried all of us past the finish line.
Cameron huffed, still trying to throw Samkiel off balance. “If I had a weak ego, it would be in shambles.”
As soon as Samkiel’s feet crossed over the line drawn in the sand, he dropped Cameron on his ass.
He shook me off as well, chuckling when I hit the sand.
Miska let go almost instantly, still giggling as she hopped up and ran to the group of girls that were a part of our team.
They all squealed as they whispered about the game.
It was nice to see her make friends with those her own age, especially after the way she was treated in Jade City.
“We win,” Samkiel said to Cameron, smiling triumphantly as he held the makeshift ball in his hands.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Cameron said with a scowl.
His team hollered and laughed, jumping up and down in excitement. It seemed that nearly the entire city was on the beach. Some were laughing and playing in the waves, while others watched the game, and still others smiled and relaxed for what seemed like the first time in their lives.
“And Reggie just watched,” Cameron called toward him.
We all had given Reggie enough shit that he’d finally decided to come with us and unwind for once.
He even wore a swimsuit, although he initially protested vociferously.
It wasn’t until Miska begged that he finally agreed.
A small smirk formed on my lips as the fate stood like a disapproving father, scowling at Cameron from a few feet away.
It would be very intimidating if both men weren’t currently wearing the paint Miska had made on their fingernails.
Apparently, in my absence, she had decided they all should match, so blue nails for all it was.
Reggie held up both hands. “I was but an innocent bystander.”
Cameron tossed a handful of sand his way, knowing it would never reach. “My point, exactly. You were supposed to referee.”
Reggie’s lips pressed into a thin line as if he had forgotten. “Ah, yes.”
“He wanted me to lose. I know it,” Cameron huffed.
Samkiel tossed the ball back to the kids, who were waiting to continue playing, then turned to me and held out his hand.
I took it, and he pulled me to my feet. Cameron was already stomping toward the fate.
Samkiel wiped the sand from my butt, innocently acting the perfect gentleman, but I knew if he had his way, the man’s hands would never leave my body.
“They argue like they’re related,” I said, leaning against him.
Samkiel smiled as we watched them bicker together. “It’s good for them both, especially now.”
I nodded. “How much longer do we have before we go back to war plans?”
Samkiel squinted as he looked toward the horizon. “Until Kaden and Isaiah come back.”
I nuzzled against his chest, hoping Samkiel’s plan worked and would help us at least a little.