Page 54 of The Dawn of the Cursed Queen

I glanced at him, noticing his apprehension. “What of you? How does one become an ex-commander? Defection usually means death.”

His smile lost its shine. “I told you before. It’s always about a woman.”

“You lost someone.”

Orym lifted his blanket and turned on his side to face me. “Not just anyone. The one.”

My heart sank. “Your amata.”

He nodded. “She was . . . everything. She died along with many more when Nismera destroyed my world.” I listened to his heartbeat. It thumped, not in the erratic way of fear or lying, but like he was excited, as if my existence meant something to him. “Her rule is to join or die after she conquers, and we chose the latter. My sister and I joined the legion after admitting defeat, or so she thought. We have been working ever since to undermine her. We moved behind the scenes, collecting information for The Eye and waiting for your return. But you didn’t show, and then the sky bled.”

I swallowed the aching guilt that bubbled in me. “I did not know what was happening behind the realms. They were sealed because of me. I felt nothing until they opened. I am sorry for your loss.”

Orym shrugged. “We all know the pain of loss. The only joy I find now is that one day, I’ll see her again. So until we are reunited, I’ll help as many as I can.”

“That you shall.” I let loose a breath and absently cradled the wound across my abdomen. I turned onto my back, the new position giving my side some relief.

“I knew it was you when you arrived,” Orym said. “They tossed you in the cart, and I saw that gash on your side. That’s where she stabbed you?”

I shook my head, my hand fisting in the fabric. “Not her. My . . .” My voice trailed off. Kaden was my brother, a truth a part of me hated to admit. “Someone else did.”

Orym made a noise low in his throat. “How did you not die?”

I met his gaze, a soft smile playing on my lips as I heard Dianna’s laugh echo through my mind. “Someone I love very much found me and saved me.”

“Ah.” I could hear the smile in his voice. “In my culture, we don’t refer to them as just amata. They are your great love. Is she your great love?”

I nodded, staring at the top of the tent. “The greatest.”

“Is she . . .?” His voice trailed off.

I knew his question, knew what he was asking. He wanted to know if Dianna was still alive, and I knew she was. I knew it with every fiber of my being, even if I could not feel her from here. I could not explain it even if I tried, but that warmth, that spot inside my body that burned only for her, still burned vibrantly. That light had not gone out.

“She is.”

Orym yawned. “Well, then, I hope you see her again.”

“I have no doubt I will. I only worry about the world until she finds me or I find her.”

A short laugh escaped him. “So she is a warrior like you? It would make sense.”

“She is. She is also brave and way too smart for her own good.” I couldn’t help the smile that broke across my face thinking of her.

“Is she nice? My Wyella was kind. She would give her last breath to those she cared for. She did exactly that.”

I turned my head toward Orym as he spoke of his lost love, and I wondered if he needed a friend more than rescue.

“She is kind . . . well, it depends, honestly. She loves very deeply and cares for those who are hers, but she has nothing but fury for her enemies.” I smiled to myself. “I always suggest getting on her good side.”

“Ah.” Orym grinned. “You have a fiery one.”

My smile was pure and genuine. “Oh, you have no idea.”

Orym nodded, his smile slowly fading. “Protect it. What you have with her. This world will strip it bare. It’s not the same realm you and your father left. Only death lives here now.” The tent fell into solemn quiet. The fire crackled outside, slowly dying, and Orym nestled down to sleep, placing his hand over his face.

TWENTY

CAMERON

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