EIGHTY
WILLOW
“Do you need more water, Maeve?” I hold the canteen above her as Juniper adjusts the pillows under her head.
“No, I’m all right, dear.” She stares up at the gray ceiling of the bunker. “I hate it down here. The last time I saw this place, my idiot brother had gotten into a feud with the king of Vanora. Bombs everywhere.”
“This is mad,” Juniper mutters, pulling a quilt over her mother. “My brothers and cousin are putting their lives on the line. I never pray to The Regals, but I pray to the good ones that they’ll get through this fight.”
She kicks a crate of fruit away, searching for Maeve’s elixir.
When she huffs under her breathe, Maeve takes her hand and makes her freeze. “They’re strong,” Maeve murmurs. “They’ll make it back to us.”
“I dunno, Mum. They’ve fought before, but not like this. Never against monsters. Dragons and giants?” Juniper swallows, peering around the spacious bunker. “It’s maddening.”
I look with her at the tribe of Kessel women and children. The mothers are holding on to their little ones while a few of them braid hair or nibble on fruit and jerky to keep distracted. A small group of the children surround Minka and Maia, who are helping Carra knit a skirt.
“These poor children,” Juniper whispers. “And Hassha’s twins. What happens when they realize she isn’t coming back?”
Juniper’s eyes flick to mine. I don’t know what to say to that so I lower my head and press my lips. Maeve’s warm hand wraps around both of ours.
“Stop fretting, both of you.”
“I’m going to check on Carra and the twins.” I place a kiss on Maeve’s cheek before leaving her be on her cot.
Carra’s eyes slide up to mine, but she rapidly looks away as I approach. She’s scared but keeping a brave face for the girls. Minka and Maia notice me and hop to a stand.
“I brought my sword,” Minka says, revealing the hilt of it at her waist.
I laugh, lowering to one knee. “And what do you plan to use it on?”
“Anything that tries to come after us,” she states proudly.
“That won’t be necessary. We’re safe here.” And I believe it more than anything. The door is sealed with magic, glowing with purple and blue waves.
“Do you think my mum will be okay?” Maia asks in a soft voice. Her eyes are wet as she gazes into mine. “I’m really scared, Willow.”
I glance at Minka who shifts on her feet. Though she seems like a fearless little thing, there is still panic deep in her eyes. Worry.
Oh, they are going to be shattered.
“Aw, girls.” I hug them tight. “Your mother is strong. She beat Selah before, and she’ll beat her again.”
I hope.