Page 116 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
Orion pulled away, relief on his face. “I want to see them.”
Ruari felt terrible for his nephew, who couldn’t possibly understand the circumstances of this war. His parents could fly back to the keep, but it would cost them valuable resting and healing time. The long battles at night, followed by the gathering of the wounded and dead, left them wholly drained by the time they finished. He had no doubt they would come if they could.
“I will tell them,” he promised. “But it could be a while yet.”
Disappointment filled Orion’s eyes. “Okay.”
“Why are you still awake?” Ruari asked, thinking the child should have been in bed hours ago.
His lips trembled. “I had a bad dream and couldn’t go back to sleep.”
From what he understood, they came almost every night. “What was it about?”
“Fog and monsters.”
As Ruari suspected, his nephew had caught glimpses of the war again. There was none of the toxic gas last night, though, so he wondered if it was a future night. He wished the child had not inherited this aspect of Uncle Kade’s gifts, especially at such a tender age. It would force Orion to mature much faster than he should.
“Poor dear.” Freya picked him up and held him close. “How about you have something to eat with us, and then we’ll help you get back to bed. Would you like that?”
For such a tough female, she was always gentle and sweet with their nephew. Ruari had never considered having children before, but lately, he thought it might be nice with his mate. Shewas very good with others’ offspring and could make up for his shortcomings.
“Yes, please,” Orion said with a jerky nod.
They headed inside and walked through the great hall, finding a few shifters eating at the main table. For the duration of the war, the castle kitchens would always have a couple of people on duty to serve those up at odd hours. Ruari was grateful for that.
Moments after settling into their seats, a human male came with tankards of mead for them and juice for Orion. He gave them respectful looks. The servants within the castle understood that shifters were fighting for their lives out there to keep them all safe, and everyone played a part in the war effort. This man might not think his duty was essential, but keeping them fed certainly ranked high on Ruari’s priority list.
“Thank you,” he said, lifting his cup.
It occurred to him then that he never used to thank the servants. Still, between his father’s death, losing status under Nanoq’s leadership, gaining a mate who forced him to see things differently, and a brother who gave him tasks that forced him to work with “lesser” people, he’d learned all deserved fair treatment. Apparently, they had feelings worth considering.
The man bowed. “I’ll bring freshly cooked food for you in a few minutes.”
“That would be much appreciated.”
While waiting, Phoebe entered the great hall from the back corridor. Dark circles lined his younger sister’s eyes, and her black hair with a silver streak was mussed from sleep. She wore a simple gray sleeping gown that only reached her knees.
“There you are,” she said, narrowing her gaze on Orion.
He cringed in Freya’s lap. “I had a bad dream.”
“Another one?” she asked, expression softening a little.
Orion nodded.
“Return to your daughter and get some sleep,” Ruari said, taking pity on her. “We will bring him to your room when we finish eating.”
His sister balanced caring for the children while managing the castle’s defenses—all while pregnant. He’d heard that females were especially tired while growing a hatchling in their bellies. They were like little leeches, apparently. He did not see any reason for her to be up at this time when it wasn’t necessary, and they could help. Orion was tolerable for a little boy, after all.
She drew her brows together as she looked at him. “Are you sure? You two must be tired after working all night and morning.”
Phoebe’s face revealed more exhaustion than he and Freya had on theirs. “I know I have not been the best brother, but I can do this simple thing for you.”
“Thank you,” she said, speaking in the kindest tone she’d ever directed his way.
The pregnancy must have addled her mind.
Freya gave her a shooing motion. “Yes, please. Get some sleep. Spending time with our nephew is certainly the most enjoyable chore we will perform this day.”
