33. Astraea #3
“Taken? Who—” I can’t even say what I’m thinking.
My mind is desperately trying to process this situation.
Did he say people died? Who did she kill?
“—Who does she have?” I try to speak my thoughts clearly, but as soon as the question leaves my lips, I know the answer.
It’s written plainly in the darkness in Kyros’ eyes.
Every emotion slides from my face as my heart falls into my stomach.
“Mavros.” I say, watching as the muscle in his jaw feathers and he nods, confirming my speculation.
“My brother is strong. Smart, even though he has a flare for making things extravagantly worse sometimes. But this is different. I have no doubt that he will be ok.” He swallows hard.
“But?”
“But…I’m told that they have Zinya, too.
I’m not worried about either of them being harmed, and I was assured that they are mostly well…
What I am worried most about is what my brother would do to make sure it stays that way…
” He pauses looking down at where he still holds my leg.
“He and Zinya may not have the same bond as we do, but I know them both almost as well as I know myself… and I know I would do anything it took to make sure that you would be left unscathed.” Putting my foot down on the wood floor, he stands, reaches for the holster, and helps me into it.
Such a different emotion is driving this interaction compared to the last time he was touching these leather straps, but now my mind finally understands what he is saying.
Run. He wants me to run away from the trouble that has found us.
“We can’t keep running away from them, Kyros.” I look up to meet his gaze, finally finding my voice, and before I even finish the thought, he’s shaking his head.
“We have to learn what it is they want with you, Astraea. I’m not going in there without knowing what it is that Phaedra is after.
I refuse to allow you to be hurt just because I want to find Mavros.
I know Mavros and Zinya will be okay. I can’t say the same will be the case if I walk into a room with Phaedra and her sights are set on you.
” His eyes are pleading as they bounce between mine.
“But how, Kyros? How do we learn anything without facing her directly? All we have to go on is riddles from an old ‘could be’ prophecy and the ramblings of a crone…” Running hasn’t gotten me anywhere.
Heat rises into my cheeks as he starts shaking his head again.
I push away from him and his refusal to understand, but he pulls me closer by the holster.
“No. Rowan and Ruaan think they found something. We need to go to the Dead Sea, but first, we need to go back to Diemos.”
“Diemos? I thought we couldn't face Phaedra yet?” I ask, reaching for his hand. He looks down at me as he takes it. The smirk that pulls at his lips is one I’ve never bore witness to. Devilish and devastating.
“Phaedra is in Eathian, and as it stands, she’s left her throne up for the taking.” My heart drops from my chest and lands heavy in my stomach. Another throne stolen…
“You don't have warriors… how would you take Diemos?” I try to drop his hand, but he holds firmly as he stares down at me. I see his thoughts spiraling in those dark eyes right alongside my own. Why would you take Diemos? I don’t ask the question, but I’m sick just thinking about what the answer could be.
I don't want to be the reason for another war.
My father always reminded me that everything he did was for me…
but is that not what Kyros just told me?
He would do anything to make sure I was unscathed.
Would he really do anything to make sure that my safety comes first?
Does that mean that he is willing to slaughter another kingdom just so he can sit on a throne?
Would he try to secure their army to kill even more?
No. Kyros wouldn’t do that. I know him better than that. He can be ruthless and his morals are askew at times, but he is not evil. He is not like my father.
“I have spent the better part of my adult life earning the respect of the people of Diemos… or scaring it into them. I know that when I return, I will be accepted as their King. There would be no question that I am the appointed heir of Diemos. I will lay claim to the throne. What happens when we face Phaedra, we will deal with later. There are things in the Diemos Palace that could benefit us. For one, their library.” Kyros looks to the door behind him as muffled shouts come from outside.
“Okay, fine. We can go to Diemos." I finally say, placing my hand on his cheek and pulling his attention back to me.
“But you have to promise me that once we get these answers, we will not run from whatever comes of it. Whatever it is they want with me—we deal with it.” Again, the muscle in his jaw ticks this time under my palm, and even though I see the reluctance in his eyes, he nods.
“No more running, but you agree?” He asks with determination brimming in his eyes, and my brows furrow.
“Agree?” I ask, confused by what he is even asking. He drops to his knees where I sit on the edge of the bed. Bold, black eyes burrow into mine as he pulls both of my hands into his.