CHAPTER THIRTY #2
Before any of us can open our mouths the Vathian army general comes striding out between the tents heading in our direction, with two others flanking his side.
“Lord Aemon, thank you so much for coming. I see you brought others.” His gaze brushes past myself and the others before landing on Ravina.
“And a female,” he states, shock coating his tone.
“I wasn’t aware you added a female to your wing.
It wasn’t stated in any of the reports.”
Ravina places her hands on her hips and raises a brow at the male and I barely hold back the smirk at her small display of offense.
“It’s a new development,” Aemon says in a low tone. “We thought a visit from the future Queen of Damorleia would be an even better morale booster than the united provincial heirs would,” he casually adds, as he and Jesper rest their hands on the pommels of their blades.
The general’s gaze widens before whispering. “Princess Maeven Pendroko? You’re saying the rumors are true?”
Her eyes harden at the name, but she gives a slight dip of her chin. “I prefer to go by Ravina now. We should really send out a notice or something,” she mutters under her breath.
He drops onto his knee. “Your Majesty, please forgive me. The troops are not up to par for a royal visit—”
She raises her hand, silencing him, gesturing for him to rise.
“There’s no need for theatrics; we are at war.
I don’t expect a grand welcome. I just need the tyranny of the Lords to come to an end so our citizens can be at peace again.
” What the male doesn’t hear is the undercurrent of the need for revenge in her voice, but I’m all too familiar with it.
We all are. “Is there somewhere we can speak privately?”
We know the plan and we know how hard stepping into this role is going to be for her, but we all agreed—even Talyn—that she will need to earn the respect of the general and the army. She needs to act like a Queen. She needs to become a leader. Which means we need to be a united front.
“Of course, your Majesty. This way, please.” He spins and strides back the way he came and Ravina follows, not looking behind to make sure that we are following. She knows we will.
We fall into step, flanking her sides but slightly behind her, and I can’t help but keep my gaze glued to her.
Her shoulders are stiff as are the rest of her movements, and I’m positive it’s not the armor she dons but the fact that even though she was raised for this role, she didn’t remember until the short time ago her memories were released.
As familiar as the protocols are to her, I’m sure it’s uncomfortable, but she’s doing great.
She knows she has us to help guide her through this.
Aemon has practically been ruling in his mother’s stead for ages, and can assist politically.
Jesper and I will keep her safe from any threat that even breathes wrong in her direction, and while I may not be able to make her laugh like he does, I’m fine with being her silent guardian.
And once Talyn comes to terms with his most recent trauma, he will be the glue that holds us all together by being the leader we all know he is when she can’t carry the burden on her shoulders alone anymore.
Not that she’s ever alone in this, but even from a young age she preferred to do everything herself and we can’t let her do that. We won’t let her do that.
As we head to wherever the general is taking us, I notice other fae, both male and female, stopping as we pass, their gazes following us curiously, a few whispering with widened eyes.
I’m sure there are rumors of the Princess’s return, but it could also be about us.
We’ve never openly betrayed the Lords before, preferring to keep our work in the shadows as we tried to avoid mass casualties.
So the five of us here at the front lines after a devastating blow would be something nice and chewy for the rumor mills, and I’m sure Aemon’s spies will keep him notified of whatever is being said.
We walk further into the encampment and we begin to see the casualties: tents upon tents of injured warriors, some laying in cots, others sitting on the dirt.
Ravina stops and then takes a step towards the injured. “We need to do something,” she whispers in horror.
Without thinking, I place my hand on her armored shoulder, my gauntlet clinking against her. “We will,” I rumble. “Come on, Little Warrior. There’s nothing you can do for them right now.”
She glances up at me with a hardened expression and something passes between us. An understanding and a promise for revenge.
I’m lost in her sapphire eyes, and all I know is I will destroy anyone she wants.
I will be any weapon she needs me to be, the silent protector in this war-ridden realm.
She will never have to worry about her safety.
Not even from me—because the biggest danger to her right now are these undeniable, all-consuming feelings I have for this tiny female. I will not hurt her. Not ever.