Page 105 of Secrets of Avalon

My father gives a slight motion with his hand and the messenger bows and leaves. Then my father rises from his chair and we all do the same. “I’ve lost my appetite,” he says. “Wife, we have much to attend to. Son, we will speak later.” He takes my mother’s hand and leads her away from the table and out a side door.

We all bow and do not sit again until the door closes behind them.

A few seconds later Wraith drums the table with his fingers a few times and leans back in his chair. “I expected another attack. That Camelot was in ruins. Or that armies were pouring into Avalon… but I did not expect your brother to do that.”

“Neither did I.” I pick up my cup and take a sip of the sweet ale.

“Were there signs?” Boaz asks, popping a grape into his mouth.

“None that I saw,” I say, putting a small bunch of grapes on Melinda’s plate along with a honey cake. I know she likes them and she hasn’t eaten anything since last evening before I stole her away. I fill her cup with ale from the pitcher next to me as well. I lean close, putting my lips on her ear. “Eat something, my sweet girl.”

Her pleasure flares in our bond and I lean back to admire the soft blush now coloring her cheeks.

"Do you think he has designs on your coronation?"

The question hangs in the air, heavy with implications. I pause, my mind racing through possibilities, each more unsettling than the last.

"No," I say finally, the word tasting bitter on my tongue. "My brother desires power, that's certain, but marrying Vencia wouldn't get him closer to the throne." Even as I speak, doubt gnaws at the edges of my conviction. What am I missing?

"Perhaps not, but it must get him something," Boaz says, his eyes sharp with suspicion.

I lean back, running a hand through my hair. What could Destrien gain from this union? Political allies? Resources? My gut twists with unease.

"A cold woman for a wife," Wraith says, putting his cup down on the table and refilling it with ale.

A humorless smile tugs at my lips. "Cold indeed. But dangerous too. We need to be prepared for whatever game they're playing."

The words are inadequate, barely scratching the surface of the doubts churning within me. Betrayal, hot and sharp, wars with a deep-seated worry. Destrien might be selfish and power hungry, but he's still my brother. What desperate circumstances could have driven him to this?

I take a long drink, the ale doing little to soothe my frayed nerves. One thing is clear–the pieces on the board have shifted and there are pieces in play I can’t see yet. My eyes find Melinda's, drawing strength from our bond. Whatever comes, we'll face it together. I am whole because of her. Now, I must help my brothers find the same peace.

"Speaking of preparation," I say, my gaze sweeping across my brothers-in-arms, "We need to gather more information. Any thoughts on where to start?"

Wraith leans forward, his eyes sharp. "Ares first. We should try to connect with him, see if he's learned anything new while he was on Olympus."

Boaz nods, adding, "And we need to know how the power in the council broke whose side they all stand on. Do you think Destrien was allied with Darkwood? Could the marriage be about that?"

"I don't know," I admit, grateful for their quick minds. "But you're right, we need all the information we can get."

"I can reach out to some of the rebels who came into the city," Fen offers. "They might share what they know about the council or Vencia's family."

"Good thinking," I agree. "And while we're at it, let's see if we can find out anything more about Atlas, too. He was able to help Melinda when I wasn’t. I want to know why."

Wraith's expression turns grim. "Consider it done. We'll divide and conquer – I'll take Ares, Boaz can dig into the council, and Fen can make nice with our new rebel friends." Wraith's gaze shifts to Melinda. "Your mate looks like she needs a break, Hawke. Perhaps you two should rest while we dive into all this."

“I’m fine. I don’t want–” She folds her napkin and shakes her head. “There’s so much to do. I can help.”

“Sweet girl. I’m not sending you off on espionage missions. You have a wedding tomorrow. You deserve rest and pampering before we’re rudely interrupted again by council bullshit.” I stand and slide her chair back, taking her hand. "Melinda and I will retire for now. If you need us, send for us. It was a long night and an even longer morning."

"We'll reconvene here for the evening meal," Boaz suggests. "Compare notes then?”

The others nod in agreement. As we move to leave, Kellan rises too, taking up position right behind Melinda.

As we walk Melinda's hand remains in mine, our fingers intertwined. I can’t stop touching her. I want her close to me every moment. I never thought I would feel this way about a woman. I believed for so long that I was doomed to die alone and lost in the darkness that had threatened to swallow me for so many years.

And now she’s here. Now I’m not alone.

I have a mate. A soul match.

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