Page 51 of The Last Strike

“Do I want to know what she’s doing there?” Asher asked, rubbing his jaw. He had to stop grinding his teeth.

“She wanted to discuss IFRT’s files on the men in the videos. She thought Theodora might be able to fill in some gaps. We assessed the risks of transporting her and deemed it low given that everyone now thinks Theodora is dead. So, I gave permission,” James said.

Asher nodded. He wished Abi was here now so he could apologize and fix that problem, at least. But it would have to wait.

“I need to go inside and do some work. I’ll catch up with you later tonight and provide an update on the borders,” James said.

“Thank you,” Asher said. “I’m going to stay here for a while. It’s easier to breathe outside.” Mentally, at least.

“Asher,” James said before he turned to leave, “don’t torture yourself. Don’t wish things were easier, becausewishingwill lead to nowhere except resentment.”

Asher looked to him and nodded. He wondered how many times James had wished his life to be easier. Many, he concluded.

Asher walked toward the garden bench and sat, looking over Patmos.

God help me to protect you, he thought as he swallowed the lump in his throat and did his best to ignore the storm cloud of anxiety building in his chest.

He sat for hours, thinking, plotting, planning.

He didn’t hear her come up behind him.

“You wanted to see me, Your Majesty?” Abi asked from behind him. Asher assumed James had sent her out, because judging by the tone of her voice and the formal title, Abi was still pissed.

He stood and walked around the bench toward her, taking her hand. He brought it to his lips. “I’m sorry, Abi. I lashed out at you because I was angry, because I was scared,” he admitted. “It had nothing to do with IFRT or with you at all. You were right to tell me, rather nicely, to shut my mouth,” he said with apologetic eyes.

“I’m on your side, Asher. Always,” she replied quietly. “Do you really think I would get involved in something with IFRT that would cause trouble for you? I was only looking at some past files to help Rachel with something.”

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I love you. I’m sorry, and in the future I’ll unleash my anger on James Thomas instead.”

Abi laughed. “You’ll get your ass kicked for that.”

She sat beside him and they looked over the city lights twinkling against the red-lit sky as the sun faded into the horizon.

Asher had always thought the best sunsets in the world were in Santina. Tonight confirmed that.

Abi snuggled into the curve of his arm, her head resting on his shoulder. “I think we should get married right here, at sunset,” she said, dreamily.

He smiled against her cheek. “Nothing would make me happier.”

They stayed like that until it was so dark the city lights were twinkling against a black sky.

“What were you scared about, Asher?” Abi asked gently.

He sighed heavily. “Of failing. Today I was given a list of our soldiers who have fallen. There are hundreds of names on the list, and it’s only been a few days. This war may go for months, if not years. How many more are going to die? I feel responsible for their deaths, and if we don’t win this war, it will all be for nothing.”

She squeezed his hand. “Look at those lights, Asher. They belong to the people of Patmos, and there are many more homes with their lights on in Santina. Adani will not hesitate to destroy anyone standing in their way. People—soldiers and civilians—are going to die, and that is tragic, but how many more lives will be saved because of the brave decisions you’re making? If you’re going to count the deaths, you also need to count the lives you save. It goes both ways.”

Asher cupped her cheek and pressed his forehead against hers. “I just want it all to stop for a moment,” he said quietly. “I want a few hours where I don’t have to think about the war and Santina and King Khalil. I just want a moment of peace.”

“So take the night off. Even the King of Santina gets a night off occasionally,” Abi said.

Asher grinned. “Is that so? And what do you think the King of Santina should do to enjoy his night off?”

Abi thought for a moment. “I say we open a bottle of wine and play blackjack.”

Asher raised an eyebrow, not hiding his surprise. “Sometimes I really have no idea what you’re thinking,” he said with a laugh. “I thought you were going to suggest watching a movie.”

She waved her hand at the suggestion. “I think we can recruit a few people to play, and even a dealer. I know my father has cards. You keen?”

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