Page 62 of Of Vows and War: Special Edition
We could not allow him to change his mind. Nicola had warned us, and I was ready.
“What do you think will happen if you back away now, Mordicai? Do you think your kingdom will be spared? Do you think you will be forgiven for your previous allegiances? What happened in Behman was awful, but no more so than what has been happening across my realm for months.” Pivoting, I lookedthe mortal king in the eye, wishing more than anything that I did not have to do this shit anymore. That I could rest. “Now, the kingdom of Heratt must choose what it wishes to risk its soil for, because no matter what, you will face death head-on.”
Mordicai remained silent as I patted his shoulder, walking away towards where I knew Anastasia waited. On my way up the longest set of stairs in Pike, I was met with not only Ray, but Lara too. The two had grown close, forming a sort of friendship as they gardened. Now they ate, walked, and trained together daily. Cyprus hated it.
“Sir, this could not be more perfect timing!” Ray said, beaming at me before she leaned down to sort through her absurdly large leather satchel. As she did so, Lara patiently and stoically remained at her side.
The whisp wore a vibrant shade of blue leathers that matched her small, haunting eyes and offset her cascading dark hair. Ray, on the other hand, wore a casual pair of brown trousers and a plain white blouse. Like usual, she had her mousy brown hair cut to her chin, displaying her sharp jaw.
“I have a letter for you from someone named Nyla Atrofious.” I snatched the paper just as Ray freed it from her bag.
“Thank you, Ray. As always, you prove just how excellent you are at your job. Take the rest of the day off. The two of you should consider expanding the garden.” Something to keep them busy. Away. Unaware.
If Ray or Lara suspected anything, they did not let on. And I was not keen on allowing them the time to address any concerns or theories. So I dashed away, the letter tight in my grip and my magic flaring.
I wanted to read it right away, but I needed privacy just in case this was not what I hoped—the queen promised by Nicola. While I was lost in thought, a voice cleared. Looking up, I found Noe smiling broadly my way as if she had been there awhile.
“I just heard from Henry, he and Genevieve will be ready whenever we need them. But, for now, they are safe.” Her relieved breaths and joyful crinkling eyes almost made me forget about the missive in my hand. About the war itself.
It was so nice seeing her happy.
“Good. I hate that they were made to split up,” I grumbled. There had been no stopping it. If Nicola told us to slit our throats we just might.
“So what is that?” She asked, pointing at the rolled-up paper. I handed it to her, watching her every reaction as she opened it and read.
Surprise. Curiosity. Was that anger? Yes, definitely a bit of fury. Then there, at the very end,relief.
I felt the same spread through my body, relaxing my muscles but fortifying my resolve. Taking it as she offered it back, I too read the missive from the queen of Yrassa.
Prince Bellamy Ayad,
How strange it is to write your name after so many years of the mere idea of The Elemental haunting my nightmares. I was told as a child that you were of the Underworld—a curse upon the gods that sought to wreak havoc in their holy lands. Even future queens were told bedtime stories made to encourage subservience. Truly, all of Yrassa was taught about you and the blood you could shed. Now though, I see you for what you truly are: scared. Perhaps even more than I was at merely ten years.
There is something so freeing knowing that even the immortal feel terror. However, I think it best we stifle such a thing as war looms. Genevieve Windsor swears that your side is the one to be on during this chaos, and I have the strangest urge to trust her. So, Yrassa’s military forces are yours with the condition that you not only begin trade with us if we survive this mess, but that you shelter my children. Theyare young and they deserve the chance to live. Keep them somewhere safe, somewhere full of that magic everyone tells stories about, and Yrassa is yours to command.
Sincerely,
Queen Nyla of Yrassa
“She wants us to take in her children as wards?” I asked, baffled. It was so strange that I could not fully wrap my head around it.
“If you think about it, she has the right idea. After what happened in Behman, she is likely terrified. She knows that both sides put her at risk, but it says a lot that she feels her children are safer if she rallies behind us. Perhaps you should offer King Mordicai the same thing. Maybe it will make him feel less uneasy.” Noe shrugged, tapping my shoulder in solidarity before walking away. Seconds later, I heard her shout over her shoulder, “The not-goddess is looking for you, by the way!”
“Way to ruin the joy of the moment!” I shouted back, chuckling despite myself.
This though, was a vital moment. We were closer and closer to getting Asher back, I could feel it. Could sense it in my soul itself. Nicola’s plans were coming together in what felt like the perfect storm.
Not even Stassi could ruin that.
Surprisingly, she did not seem as though she wished to when I walked through what had once been the door to my room. Ever since she had commandeered it, I had been sleeping in Henry’s. Which was unfortunate, seeing as his smelled atrocious from the sweaty and dirt-ridden clothing he had carelessly strewn across the space.
“Excellent, you’re here,” she said, barely looking up at me. I shut the door, making my way to what was now her bed and looking at what she was reading. Asta’s journals, no surprisethere. She had been obsessing over them every day since Noe brought them.
“Did you find something about Stella?” I asked, hoping that she would soon leave and rid me of her presence. For an all-powerful high demon, she sure was lazy and annoying.
Stassi did not move anything but her eyes, which were reading across the pages like it was a race. After a few torturous seconds of silence, she responded, “Yes.”
I waited for her to add more, but she went silent again, back to reading.
