Page 82 of A Dagger in the Ivy

“Good to see you, Commander.” Giorgi takes the reins from me as I dismount. They give me a nod, their gaze only momentarily shifting to Dante.

Dante dismounts and pats Lightning, and Giorgi tentatively extends a palm, indicating that Dante can hand over his horse. Dante inclines his head a fraction of an inch, allowing them to take the reins, but says nothing.

Feeling the awkwardness pushing in on us, I decide to speak up. “This is Lord Dante Stregasi, brother to the prince.”

Mylo holds out his hand to Dante. “I remember seeing you back at Ivystone. I’m Lieutenant Mylo Yaroslav.”

Dante shakes the man’s hand, his expression unreadable. He’s stated his mistrust and aversion to my people, and I suspect he’s curbing his animosity, but I know he’s not foolish enough to start a quarrel when he’s outnumbered five to one.

“Lord Stregasi,” Aila repeats. “Not sure if I’m supposed to bow or curtsey or something?”

Dante stands taller. “The only thing you have to do is stay out of my way.”

So much for not being foolish.

Aila narrows her eyes. “I’m Sergeant Aila Chen.” She stands with her fists planted on her sides, all thoughts of convention or manners cast aside. “That’s Giorgi who took the horses to the river, and that’s Isaac.”

Isaac lifts his head, casting a glance at Mylo. “Since when do we recruit outsiders?”

“He’s not recruited,” I reply, keeping the authority in my voice. “But our lands have an agreement. We’re on the same side.”

Dante crosses his arms. “Just so we’re clear, I’m onlyhalf-Hederan. You shouldn’t assume to know where my loyalties lie.” His eyes scan my squad. “That said, I’ve made a promise to look out for my brother’s future bride, so I aim to do what I must to keep her safe.”

“I’m not sure she needs anyone watching over her,” Aila says as she unscrews her water flask. “She’s got a fire in her. She’s a force of nature.”

“So I’ve noticed.” Dante eyes me before he turns toward the river. He continues on toward Lightning, passing Giorgi, who has come back to join the squad, on the way.

“There’s flooding from last night’s rain, mainly along the Sage River.” Isaac’s focus remains on the map. “But if we go east and cut around, we could avoid it.”

Giorgi looks over Isaac’s shoulder at the map and shakes their head. “Gods help me, I don’t even have time to tell you how wrong you are.”

“It’s right here on the fucking map.”

“You’re holding it upside down again.” Giorgi turns the map the correct way. “It’s called a sense of direction, Isaac. Give it a try.”

“How are we on supplies?” I ask, attempting to sway the conversation away from my soldiers insulting each other. I know it’s just banter, but it’s been known to escalate, and what we need right now is solidarity.

“Actually, really well.” Mylo walks over to me and puts his hand over the thick, leather belt strapped around him. It has sheaths containing daggers and other contraptions. “Hedera came through and delivered weapons and tactical gear.”

“Yeah.” Aila pulls out a short dagger from her own belt and spins it in her hand before sheathing it. “I guess the king kept at least one of his promises.”

“Except this promise was made by the queen.” I smile to myself, relieved that at least one of the royals can be trusted. “What about the borders? What’s the word on the refugees?”

“Hedera has troupes standing sentry,” Aila says. “But we haven’t heard much about what activity is taking place.”

“We did hear that a few of their soldiers were lost during the last carnoraxis attack when they crossed into Delasurvia.” Mylo shakes hishead. “But as far as refugees go, things have been pretty quiet.”

“Maybe we can head up there,” I suggest. “Assess the situation.”

“Yes, Commander.” Aila nods.

I glance toward the river. Dante is adjusting the straps on his horse and petting its neck. I feel like he has been forced to be here against his will, but I have to give credit to his loyalty to his brother. There’s a lot to say about someone who is willing to be surrounded by people of a land they’ve held a hatred for in order to keep a promise to a family member. So I can’t blame him for wanting to keep a distance.

I turn back to my squad. “Have we received any goods from Mersos?” Though there was no news on the progress of the treaty, I still have hope that Mersos would have agreed to feed our people.

Aila’s lips are pulled down into a frown, and she crosses her arms as she shakes her head.

“Not yet.” Mylo, clearly disappointed with the situation, has a dark fire behind his eyes.

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