Page 112 of A Sun Scorched Bloom

"I forgive you, Thomas." The words were freeing.

Thomas’s smile finally met his eyes, and they held each other's stare for a moment. Like a key turning over a lock, everything felt like it was back in place. "Glad to hear it," he said, handing the sword back and slinging an arm around her shoulders. "Do you have any more questions about how it works? Or what it can do?"

"Nope. I think I get it. Wanna grab some dinner?" Lea held her stomach dramatically. "I’m starving."

As if on cue, Thomas’s stomach growled. "Let’s go. Should we grab Janelle and Emma?"

"Emma, huh?" Lea teased. "Need to make sure your girlfriend eats?"

"She’s not my girlfriend," Thomas rolled his eyes, but his cheeks turned pink.

"Why not? If you love her, tell her. A war is coming, Thomas."

"I don’t love her. That’s ridiculous," he argued, but his words lacked conviction.

Lea’s sword warmed in her hand. A lie.

"Sure you don’t—"

"Azalea!" Gray called as he rounded the corner of the training room, followed by two young rebels. "There you are." His eyes were dark and his hair mussed, as if he’d been running his hands through his chestnut locks in frustration. "I just received word from my scouts that we have an incoming visitor. Thomas," Gray said, spinning to face him. "Find Erik. Tell him it’s urgent."

"Yes, Commander." Thomas nodded, striding away with determined steps.

"What’s happening, Gray?" Lea asked, calling fire to her fingertips. "Who’s coming?"

Shadows floated from Gray’s hands and smothered her flames. "You don’t need those. Not yet, at least. But we need to prepare. It’s my mother. She’s headed this way."

Chapter 74

Lea

"Shewasalone.Ourmen intercepted her a day’s ride away and sent word ahead. She went further west than the village. According to your mother, she didn’t want to lead Alaric here, and knew we would intercept her if she got close enough," Erik explained hours later in Lea and Gray’s quarters. It was as nondescript as all the others within the cavern, with a domed, rocky stone ceiling and standard black metal bed frame and a small vanity. Attached to the bedroom was the sitting room they were now meeting in, standing among the tan canvas couch and chairs.

"Did she tell you what she wanted?" Gray lowered his voice as Lea stifled a yawn. They’d been waiting hours for Genevieve to get here, and she hadn’t been able to calm her mind enough to rest.

"No. She said she’d only speak to you…" Erik paused. "And to Lea."

Gray’s shoulders stiffened. "I will speak to her alone."

"No, you won’t," Lea said gently. "We will speak to her together. Please, go get her Erik."

A protective rumble left Gray’s chest as he sighed and leaned down to kiss her head. "Fine. Did she have any weapons?"

Erik shook his head. "Not a single one."

"Search again. If she’s clean, you may bring her in."

Several moments later, the door opened again, and Erik walked inside, followed by Queen Genevieve. Lea wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but it certainly wasn’t for Genevieve to run to her and crush her in an overly enthusiastic embrace.

Immediately, Gray pulled his mother away with his shadows, wrapping them around her wrists to restrain her. He’d mentioned that he didn’t quite trust her, that she had always remained so neutral that he wasn’t sure whose side she was truly on, but as Lea looked into her eyes, she had no doubt where the queen's loyalties lay.

Tears streamed down Genevieve’s rosy cheeks, her nose growing red as she stepped back and sniffled. Even crying, she was beautiful as ever, her waist-length brown hair windblown from riding. She tried to blink away the tears that trailed from her piercing green eyes before stepping back toward Lea. It was as if she couldn’t stop herself from getting close. "You have no idea how hard it was not to talk to you at the castle." Genevieve said to her. "I knew it wouldn’t be safe. For either of us. I can’t believe you’re actually here."

What is she talking about, Azalea?Gray spoke into her mind.

Lea pressed closer to Gray, feeling a little uncomfortable and confused by his mother’s attention.I have absolutely no idea, she answered silently before looking back at Gray’s mother. "I’m sorry, but I’m not sure what you mean."

"Of course," Genevieve laughed uncomfortably, "You wouldn’t, would you?" She raised her restrained hands. "My arms, please, Evander. I hardly think I’m a threat to either of you."

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