Page 190 of Blood Feast

Cassia peered inside, then pressed a hand to her mouth. “Seeds.”

Ariadne nodded. “Her Majesty plucked every winter weed that prevails in the scorched earth of Patria. She said you would find hidden power in the plants that others cast aside.”

Cassia held the pouch close. “I will. Give her my love.”

Eudias smiled. “She speaks of you all the time. She can’t stop boasting of your fangs and had lovely tales to tell of your avowal celebration. I wish I could say this under better circumstances, but congratulations to you both.”

The words reached Lio through the horror around them and proved there was still gratitude in him. “Thank you.”

“We’ve heard wondrous rumors of your spells, Cassia,” Eudias added. “I hope for better days when you two can tell Ariadne and me all about your magic studies.”

“I’ll hold that hope with you,” Cassia said.

As they prepared to go, Benedict approached her. He had the look of a supplicant, but Lio still moved closer to her and glared at the knight.

Benedict avoided his gaze and addressed Cassia in a surprisingly humble tone. “Genie told me what you did with your magic.”

Cassia said nothing. The silence became uncomfortable.

Benedict looked away, at Genie. Then back at Cassia. “When I knew Castra Augusta was under attack, and I couldn’t get to her…I would have done anything to save her. I would have broken my vows as a holy knight and used any magic, no matter how forbidden.”

Cassia’s aura softened. “You should tell her that.”

His gaze fell. “I have work to do to be worthy of her. But after looking into my own heart tonight, I cannot fault any of the choices you have made for love.”

“I hope you will not fault your own choices either, Ben. Love is nothing to be ashamed of.”

“I am sorry I shamed yours. I beg your pardon and your patience as I continue trying to understand your true beliefs. Can you forgive me?”

She held out a hand to him. He took it, and instead of kissing it as if she were a lady, he held her hand in both of his like a friend.

“Yes,” she said warmly.

“You have always been too generous to me,” he replied.

“Someone ought to be, when you are so hard on yourself. I’m sorry I lied to you.”

“I cannot fault you for that, either, when I gave you no reason to trust me with the truth.”

“Can we trust each other again?” she asked. “Can I still call you friend?”

“If you will have my friendship, Cassia Komnena.”

At his use of her true name, she smiled at him.

Lio would have liked to see Benedict grovel longer to earn back Cassia’s goodwill, but if she was satisfied, he would call a truce. He extended his hand to the knight. Benedict clasped his wrist the Hesperine way.

When they had all said their farewells, Mak put an arm around Lyros’s shoulders. “Ready to return to our tower, Black Roses?”

Cassia clicked her tongue at Knight, and he somewhat reluctantly left the children. “Ready.”

“Almost,” Lio said. “There’s someone I’m bringing with us.”

Lyros frowned at him. “What?”

“Who?” Mak demanded.

“The survivor I found,” Lio replied.

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