Page 57 of A Dagger in the Ivy

He bristles.

And I feel a pang of guilt for saying it.

“I can assure you, Highness, my presence here is much more accepted by the king than yours.” He glares at Mylo and Aila. “Or theirs.”

Mylo appears at my side. “Is there something wrong, Commander?”

He’s a head taller than Dante, but it doesn’t seem to faze Dante in the least.

There is a silent moment where Dante and I hold our glares. His brows lift ever so slightly, as if daring me to start an argument.

“No,” I say, still keeping my eyes on Dante. “Lord Stregasiwas just wishing us a pleasant journey.”

“Yes.” Dante tilts his head. “May the gods smile upon you.”

The encounter with Dante stays with me during the first leg of our trip. Mylo and Aila catch me up on what I’ve missed while I wasn’t at the Garrison. I’m relieved to learn that at least King Silas kept his word about sending weapons and soldiers to reinforce the regiment. A part of me feels the queen had something to do with him keeping his promise. It’s late afternoon when we stop to rest at Brooke Bend until the next part of our journey.

While Mylo leads our horses to the lake’s edge, Aila sits beside me on a log.

“So are you going to tell me who that was and what that was all about?” she asks.

I stretch out my neck. It’s been hours since we last spoke, so I don’t assume to know what she’s talking about. “What? Who?”

“That man you were speaking so passionately with back at the stables.”

“‘Passionately’?” I scoff. “That’s a strange way to phrase it.”

“I call them like I see them.” Aila removes one of her boots and turns it upside down to clear it from debris. “So who is he?”

“Well, did you know the king has a bastard son?”

“I might have heard that. I wasn’t sure it was true, though. So that was him?”

“Yes. Dante. And if you didn’t notice, he isn’t quite happy with me being at Ivystone, not to mention marrying his brother.”

She smirks. “I don’t know. I saw the look in his eyes. There might be a reason he doesn’t want you to marry his brother, but it might not be the reason you think.”

I shake my head. “I thought you were supposed to be the smart one. You’ve gone mad since I last saw you. Dante detests me. I’m pretty sure he wants me dead.”

“Hmm. Maybe. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t want you in his bed.”

“Aila!” I playfully smack her arm.

Before the conversation can go any further, the sound of approaching horses makes us stand. Isaac and Giorgi approach, and Aila leans on me as she pulls her boot on. Giorgi gives us a wave as the two stop their horses and dismount. Seeing them get closer, my heart lifts with a mix of relief and joy.

It feels like coming home after being lost in a storm. The past month has been a whirlwind of courtly duties and suffocating formality, and I’ve missed the camaraderie and shared purpose that define our squad. Their familiar faces bring a sense of belonging and strength. Isaac, with his usual grumpy expression, and Giorgi, with their calm, reassuring presence, remind me why we fight and what we fight for. The bond we share is unbreakable, forged in battles and tempered by trust.

Giorgi salutes me. “Great to see you, Commander.”

Aila puts one arm around me and one arm around Giorgi. “Back together at last.”

“Hey, you made it.” Mylo comes back from the lake and claps Giorgi on the back.

Isaac sets his fists on his sides. “Look. If this is leading to a group hug, leave me out of it.”

I can’t help but smile. “Glad to see you haven’t gone soft, Isaac.”

Before we head to our next destination, we take a brief respite to prepare ourselves. Isaac sets up a small cooking fire, and Giorgi distributes rations, ensuring everyone gets a moment to eat and recharge. Aila takes a moment to check the condition of our weapons, sharpening blades and tightening straps, her hands moving with practiced efficiency. Mylo scouts the immediate area for any signs of movement or potential threats, his keen eyes scanning the horizon. I use the time to review the map and our planned route, discussing strategies with the squad, ensuring everyone is clear on our next steps. The camaraderie during these breaks is palpable, with light banter easing the tension of the journey ahead.

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