Page 28 of Of Flames and Fallacies

We’ve been caught.

thirteen

A MISTAKE

“Cap! Wait—”

I turn to face the approaching voice. Archie bounds toward us, the modest brown military clothing a size too large for his lean frame.

“We needed you to...oh. Who is this?” Archie’s eyes widen as they connect with mine. The daylight catches the dirty blonde wisps of his hair and meld it into a golden halo behind him.

Cole interjects before I can respond, “This is Kat…”

A bearded man approaches us. The man’s weathered face pulls into a suspicious expression, his long light hair swept neatly to the side as he strolls toward us. “Captain,” the man nods in greeting and flicks a hard look at me, “I wasn’t aware we were having visitors.”

Shit. The military doesn’t allow visitors.

Daeja’s weight is awfully heavy on my shoulders, and I fight the temptation to shift my posture. I’m praying to the gods she continues to stay quiet. I only know how panicked Cole isthrough the years I’ve known him–a very slight twitch sparks between his thumb and forefinger.

But his voice is as smooth as water. “Good morning, Carlisle. Meet my sister, Katerina. She’s not a visitor. Her mentor passed away recently, and I thought we might be able to use the extra help.”

His sister, of all things? But perhaps I don’t have to play the part for long.

“And you got approvals from the General?” Carlisle challenges.

I steal a glance at Cole and the muscle flickering in his jaw.

“No. Not yet. I planned on including the request in this month’s report. Marge desperately needs the help, and I imagine the General would approve the urgent request.”

Carlisle watches me with narrowed eyes. I’m unsure if he buys it or not. My heart hammers in my ears as I ponder what it will mean for Daeja and I if they turn us away. If we end up having to venture to the Dragon Lands alone, without Cole’s help.

Carlisle clears his throat and flicks his attention back to Cole. “I suppose we could use extra healers.”

I swallow, darting my gaze over to Cole. Ahealer?I have no experience or knowledge. I can try to fake being his sister, but how can I fake being a healer?

Cole dips his head. “Thank you, Carlisle. Could you assist us in finding Katerina her own room? Preferably close to mine and the outer west wing if possible.”

Carlisle blinks at the request. “We can relocate some of the supplies in one of the northern storage tents.”

“If that’s all we have, then that will work. Thank you.”

“I’ll assign it right away. In the meantime, this is for you. It’s urgent.” Carlisle hands a letter to Cole and disappears off into the camp.

The corners of Archie’s mouth stretch into a wide grin, the gesture wrinkling his brown eyes as he holds out an open hand to me. “Hi, Kat! What an honor to meet you, I’m Archie Stormbane.”

My heart races as I eye his open hand, my own slick with sweat. In one motion I wipe my palm on my side before I meet Archie’s hand and shake it. “Nice to meet you too, Archie.”

An awkward, tense silence falls between the three of us. I’m starting to wonder if Archie can hear the pounding of my heart or see the fidget of Cole’s anxious hands.

“Is there…there’s something in my teeth, isn’t there?” Archie asks and closes his mouth as he works his tongue over his teeth.

Cole tucks the letter Carlisle gave him into the chest pocket of his jacket. “Arch, do you mind securing an extra seat at breakfast for Kat?”

“Of course! Right away, Cap!” Archie bows and turns on his heels to stride back to camp.

Cole chuckles as he watches Archie go. “I keep telling him not to bow. That’s reserved for the King, but he’s adamant.”

“You have an admirer? That’s sweet.” I breathe a sigh of relief. Turning my head to the side, Daeja’s hot breath whispers against my ear.

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