23. Slipped Through the Cracks
Slipped Through the Cracks
Cahira
If the wind blew her way, Cahira swore she would fall over.
Fatigue filled her shaking muscles and it took everything not to fall over when Kaiden began his speech.
The pain in her shoulder stole any excitement away.
She looked around and knew the worn people of Vidrena felt the same.
Excitement was replaced by weariness, fear replaced with curiosity.
Although the two armies fought together to defeat the skaraks, Arkan remained on shaky ground with Vidrena to say the least.
One speech after a barely gained victory wasn’t going to change everything overnight but it was at least a start. A large hand wrapped around the side of her waist from behind. She knew only one person brave enough to touch her in such a way.
She leaned back into Fintan.
He rested his chin on the top of her head and she felt his deep sigh as he wrapped his arms around her.
They didn’t fight after battles. No matter what was said before or how much they avoided the truth between them.
This was the only time their walls came down, and the comfort they both had survived wrapped around Cahira as tightly as Fintan’s embrace.
When the sun came up tomorrow, so did their game of denial.
For now, she didn’t mind the sweat and blood.
Nor the feelings which hummed deep in her core when in his arms. When she was with Fintan the realm was right again.
She would allow herself to feel safe, just for the night.
Kaiden’s voice floated in the wind, touching everyone in the square.
He spoke of unity, the true villain, Ukoron, and the change he wished to bring about.
Cahira’s attention traveled throughout the crowd.
She had heard it time and time again as they planned their own changes they would make together.
Her heart, however, still swelled with pride at finally making strides.
Movement caught from the left corner of her gaze and she turned, expecting a threat. The back of Aradia’s head came into view and Cahira stiffened.
“Oh, depths,” she whispered.
“What?” Fintan followed her gaze but Aradia had already blended into the sea of people listening to Kaiden.
“She’s leaving.” Cahira jerked away from Fintan and ran down the steps.
She caught the curious glance of Kaiden as he ended his speech. She shoved through the crowd in search of her. People moved in masses, reaching and applauding the warriors who saved their city.
“Blessings.”
“Thank you, princess.”
“May the gods and goddesses bless you.”
Men, women and children bowed and shouted at her as she squeezed through the space of bodies, making her way toward the spot she saw Aradia.
Cahira nodded as she went along, offering a tight-lipped smile in response to the blessings and prayers.
Kaiden had spent the past half hour uniting people through his words.
She forced herself to not be the one to unwind his hard work through shoving people out of her way.
No matter the urges making her hands clench into fists of frustration.
She jumped onto the ledge of a brick well. Her gaze finally traveled above the people’s heads.
“Where are you?” she whispered.
There was no sign of Aradia.
Cahira ground her teeth and held back a growl as she scanned the crowd.
Aradia’s last words rang in her ears, full of anger and betrayal.
She wasn’t sure why it bothered her so much.
They weren’t friends. Yet, Cahira had grown oddly comfortable with a woman companion.
A soft and much better smelling contrast to the men who made up the inner circle.
Her heartbeat quickened as she made way to step down from the well. She not only pissed off and betrayed a powerful priestess but now lost the only leverage they had against their father.