Page 49 of Lich's Mate

“Any questions so far?” he asks.

I swallow hard, my stomach melting with a strange sense of headiness.

“Is there anything else I can do on this mission, other than freeing the slaves?”

He smiles.

“Your eagerness is admirable. The plan still needs further revision, so I’ll smooth out the details and let you know of any updates during our journey to New Solas. We’ll leave in an hour’s time.”

I’m standing waiting in the foyer when the time to leave comes. In my arms is Kavian’s cloak, and slung over my shoulder is a small sack of clothing and essentials.

The demon emerges from around the corner, wearing a fierce look of courage on his face. I almost feel sorry for the xaphans knowing this is their enemy. Almost.

I’m more than glad Kavian is an ally. As he approaches, I think of him purchasing me the other day, not knowing I was walking into the opportunity of a lifetime.

And the weirdest thought of all… a future with him.

Am I in over my head once more? I should be focusing on the mission, but…

“Kavian, before we go, I just wanted to say thank you for?—”

The rest of my sentence never makes it out of my lips, for Kavian presses his against mine. His strong arms grasp the small of my back, pulling me closer. He pulls back and runs a finger across my bottom lip as if savoring its texture for later.

He says not a word, but he doesn’t need to. His gesture has displayed a rare glimpse into the depth of his feelings, the tenderness he keeps veiled behind his hard shell of an exterior.

I pull him down for another kiss, his tongue putting a silent end to the train of thoughts in my mind. All I want to focus on is him.

With my hand in his, he leads us out of the mansion, departing on our mission.

A few hours later, I find myself mulling over the coming task, mindlessly watching the waves crash over themselves as the boat rocks over the sea.

I can’t stop my knee from bouncing, trying to collect myself while intertwining my fingers and rubbing my thumbs on sweaty palms.

“Meera, you need to calm yourself.”

Kavian joins me, his hand grazing my arm before resting on the deck to my side.

“I know but it’s easier said than done. I just can’t help thinking what if it all goes wrong.”

He nods patiently, looking away to the water for a brief moment of thought before answering.

“Have you stopped to contemplate on the plan going right?” he asks.

“Well I…. no,” I mumble in embarrassment.

“Don’t be ashamed. I understand your concerns, but worrying about failure won’t help.” He gestures for me to follow him, turning for the quarters area. “We’ll go over the plan again. The more we review it, the higher our chances of success will be.”

Taking a deep breath, I remind myself that I’m in capable hands with Kavian. He’s right. If I get caught up in my worries, I’m only doing myself a disservice.

He opens the door and allows me to enter first. I step into the private quarters, taking a seat on the double bed while he fetches the plans. After he lays it out on the table, he pulls from the bedside cabinet a small blanket and throws it over my shoulders.

Kavian pulls a chair over from the desk, seating himself facing me. Reaching out, he brushes my stray hair behind my ear, giving me the most intense gaze yet.

“Everything will work out. You can’t let your nerves get the better of you.”

I nod in acceptance, telling him I couldn’t possibly agree any more than I already do.

“Remind yourself of your goals with this mission,” he says.

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