Page 79 of Their War

“Good timing,” I told her with a smile. “Well, what did your mother say?”

Taking a step back, her hands dropped to fiddle with her fingers as she said, “She obviously didn't take the request well, but after my father stepped in, she granted me permission begrudgingly.”

“I don't have to look over my shoulder for an avenging mother, do I?” I asked with a tilt of my head.

“Oh! No!” She rushed to assure me.

Laughing, I pat her on the shoulder. “Good, because I have enough on my plate without having to deal with her, too. She's formidable, and I don’t want to cross her.”

“Of course not,” Cyerra said. “I would never ask that of you.”

“I'm sure you wouldn't.”

“What's going on?” Lennox asked me, wrapping his arms around me from behind.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you. Cyerra here will be coming with us when we return.”

“Why?” Arryn asked me, confused.

“She's Brannoc's cousin, and she's tired of being sheltered. The only way her mother would allow her outside of the enclave was with family,” I explained.

“And just who is her mother?” Arryn asked.

“Why do I get the feeling we're not going to like the answer?” Callum groaned behind me.

“My mother is Chieftain Revna,” she chimed in with a smile, oblivious to the dynamics that were currently at play.

“Shit,” Callum swore. “Seriously, Trouble?”

“What? It's not like it was my idea,” I reasoned with him, a mischievous smile gracing my face.

“Of course it wasn't,” he said, his eyes narrowing on me.

“She can hold her own. She is a Raven after all.”

“Rhowyn's right. I promise I won't be any imposition. I just really want to see the rest of the world. I can't take another day stuck here, hiding out while the world burns around us,” Cyerra pleaded with the guys.

Arryn sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. “If Rhowyn has agreed, then so it shall be.”

I swatted his arm. “Stop that.”

“What?” He narrowed his eyes at me.

“I may be the one in line to be queen, but I don't want you all to kowtow to me just because.” My hands were now on my hips.

He stepped into me, running his nose along the curve of my neck, my eyes closing instinctively as I leaned into him. My libido took off at a sprint at his nearness. “If you think that I won't punish you later for this, then you are sadly mistaken.”

Holy shit! Now I needed a fresh change of panties. I squeezed my thighs together as he pulled back, smirking as his nostrils flared, my arousal clearly evident to everyone present. “Asshole,” I grumbled at him, stomping forward and leaving him behind.

Chapter Forty Six: Rhowyn

Our return to Brannoc’s home was uneventful. We split into three groups, Cyerra, Brannoc, and me carried us all back to the hideout successfully, though there was very little time to talk. Jude and my father greeted us upon our arrival, and immediately, Brannoc began preparing dinner for us all. Still, I participated very little in the discussions going on around me, too concerned with what would happen now that we were on this course.

The plan was decided that after dinner we would call it an early night, and then, in the morning, we’d start the ascension and communion with Avalonia. A task that still felt very vague and daunting. I didn’t argue or fight, simply agreeing when I should and only speaking when absolutely necessary.

After eating and procrastinating as best as I could, I finally had to admit defeat and attempt to get some sleep. My grandfather was right, I did need rest if I wanted to be fresh for my communion with Avalonia tomorrow. Of course, that idea was easier said than done. I kicked off the covers, flopping onto my back with a huff. My body was burning up, the temperature fluctuating dramatically depending on the cold sweats. My nerves were getting the better of me and were sending my body into overdrive with these adrenaline dumps, my mind racing with all of the possible outcomes for tomorrow.

My door creaked open, and I sat up, instantly on high alert, settling before the person made their presence known, the bond humming with pleasure. “Arryn,” I said in greeting.

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