As the sun splits through the clouds, shining through the window of the balcony doors, I watch Willow sleep. The warm rays spill onto her bare back as she rests on her stomach, breathing softly. Her warm brown skin is smooth to the touch as I run a finger down her spine. She sighs in her sleep, and I smile before focusing on that glint of sunlight.
It’s interesting because the sun hardly reveals itself in Blackwater, yet it shines today after all that chaos like a symbol of victory. It’s a brilliant reminder that life goes on, and that I still have much to be thankful for.
Hell, perhaps the rising of the sun is the work of Hassha. She knows what we’ve gone through, and she controls the way the sun, moon, and stars work. Regals supposedly feel and know nearly everything about the people they encounter, and I’m sure they can sense the dread that has filled me that is bordering on depression. The only reason I’m not losing my mind is because of Willow. She’s been with me all night, not daring to leave my side. I’m grateful for that—to have someone who cares. Someone who can be right here with me without it hurting.
She held me the majority of the night until she drifted to sleep, her head on my chest, her soft palm on my stomach. It felt nice, and I savored every second of it.
With the comfort I have here in my bedroom, I can’t bring myself to go downstairs with my family right away. I hear them as they march through the corridors. Killian and Rowan are usually early risers, but no one beats Maeve. Despite the largeness of the house, I hear her in the kitchen making a ruckus. I bet she’s wishing Della were here.
Della…
I keep asking myself if it hadn’t been Della—Regals rest her soul—then it could’ve been one of my other clan members. How do I face them knowing one of them could’ve died? Knowing they could’ve been taken from me within the blink of an eye?
The question torments me and I sigh, picking up my case of blooms from the nightstand and walking to the balcony. I step out, sparking it and inhaling, allowing the smoke tendrils to wash away with the breeze as I exhale. The sun rays bathe me in their warmth, and I draw in a cleansing breath, slowly releasing it before taking another pull of the bloom.
I have so many regrets. Though the sun shines and it’s a new day, my family won’t be safe forever, and neither will Willow. But I have power. And when I think of that power, I pull from my bloom again and stare out at the sea. There’s work to return to, and nothing about my role has changed.
The Council still remains, and I’m certain I’ll hear from them soon about the trip to Inferno Isle, that wretched island made of lava, flames, and creatures that can kill a man with one swipe of its claw. I’m positive they’re aware of the events that have occurred with me being sent to Earth and dealing with the Regals but it’s highly unlikely for them to cut me a break. They’ll be chasing me down soon. Then there’s Rami’s son, the boy I’m supposed to mentor and train to become a monarch. I must get to him before people fill his head with ruthless thoughts and lies about me. There are the rubies we must mine for, for the Rippies. I’ll have to chat with the Blackwater citizens, lay it out on the table and let them know the truth about the mining, but in doing that, I’ll have to reveal who my mate is and why I acted against Rami in the first place, and that doesn’t come without jeopardy.
Still, it must be done. Monarchs don’t get days off to mope around and grieve. I’d love to be locked away in this room another day with my mate, forgetting about the world and all the anarchy and destruction it brings, but I can’t.
I take one last pull from the bloom, stab it out on the ashtray, then step into the bedroom again, shutting the balcony door behind me.
Willow remains asleep, her dark locs strewn over the pillow, half of her face buried into it. She sleeps soundlessly, peacefully. It’s good she can now that Decius is gone. No longer will he haunt her dreams.
I don’t bother to wake her. I did last night, interrupting her sleep to bury myself inside her another time. I wanted to stop my mind from racing, and she was so tired, but she sleepily opened herself up to me. As soon as I was inside her, all the questions and tension melted away. The way she makes me feel is worth more than words. I crave her even now, but I bet she’s feeling raw now, and it’s best I let her rest.
I make way to my closet, taking down a fresh set of clothes and a hat. I take a quick shower, rake some pomade through my hair, and dress for the day.
Before I go, I scribble a note on a notepad, fold it, and place it on Willow’s side of the bed. I stifle a laugh. Willow’s side of the bed. That’s got a ring to it. I like it. I’ll share everything with her, so long as I get to keep her.
I give her one last look over my shoulder before leaving the room and shutting the door quietly. As I walk out, I spot Rowan leaving his chambers from the other side of the castle. He’s tucking a gun into one of the holsters at his waist as he rounds the curve of the banister.
“Caz, brother!” He raises his hands in the air and starts to hug me but stops just as quickly. “Good to see you’re up and at it.”
I clap him on the shoulder. I don’t care about the burn. “It’s gotta be done. Listen, Willow told me about what happened in Rukane Forest. She said you saved her several times from those shadows, risked your life for her, even. Thank you for that, Rowan. I know you didn’t have to.”
Rowan dons a proud smile, raising his chin. “Oh, it was nothing. You should’ve seen me though, Caz! I had my gun and was blasting those fuckers to smithereens with the Luxor bullets! They didn’t even see it coming!”
I laugh. “Yeah, I bet. Which gun did you take? I noticed a laser on one of them.”
“Oi, that’s my GX-36. You know I love it.”
I continue a smile as we near the bottom of the staircase. I spot Killian walking around one of the corners with a bowl of cold oats.
“It’s about time you two came down.” He slurps a large chunk of wet oats into his mouth. “Simpson says you have some things to sign off on, and I was thinking, Caz, about the mining for rubies thing. There might be a way we can mine for them for the Rippie debt without putting anyone’s life on the line.”
“Well go on then. Let’s hear it.” I stop at the bottom of the staircase as Killian places his half-empty bowl on a nearby table.
“I wanted you to hear from me first that Whisper Grove is waking up from some sort of spell. Pretty sure it has something to do with Decius. Last night, one of them stopped by Blackwater Tavern looking for you. He said his name was Conan and that he’s been in Whisper Grove for nearly four hundred years. Apparently, he couldn’t remember what happened before Decius arrived until last night. This Conan person was Whisper Grove’s tribe leader up until Decius took over and altered their memories to make them believe he was their rightful leader. Turns out he’s been controlling them for centuries, Caz.”
“Four hundred years?” My eyes round. “That’s way before our time.”
Killian nods. “Right.”
“That would explain the attack against Beatrix and why that barman Alexi was there,” I add. “Decius must’ve been controlling them.”
“Exactly. Anyway, This Conan man is desperate right now. Their fields are dying at rapid speed, they have no electricity, their horses are suddenly sick, and it turns out they have no rubies or gold. All of what they’ve had the last four-hundred years was some sort of illusion. The truth is they weren’t living. They were just existing while Decius hid in plain sight. It was a cover up of sorts.”
“Shit.” I lower my gaze a bit, letting all of this new information sink in. “How couldn’t The Council see this?” Or perhaps they did but decided to ignore it. Ignorant fucks.
“This is a great opportunity to have Whisper Grove help us in the mines,” Killian goes on, running a hand over the top of his head. “Sure, we’d have to mine for more to cover their asses down the line, seeing as they need rubies, but maybe Alora can help us with getting them some gold, and even give them horses and food and whatever else they need in exchange for their assistance in the mines. This way our men can work their regular hours and the Whisper Grove people can take shifts.”
I blink at Killian. “And you came up with this solution today?”
He nods, shifting on his feet. “I did.”
“Well, damn, Kill. Who would have thought you had brains behind that beefy head of yours?” Rowan teases.
“Shut up.” Killian jabs Rowan in the chest, but not without smirking.
“That’s very smart, Kill. Really smart. I’m proud of you for thinking this all up while I took time to myself,” I say.
His smile grows a bit wider, his head higher. He’s proud of himself too, as he should be. “Just wanted to lift some of your burdens.”
“I appreciate that. It helps a lot.”
Something clatters in the kitchen, along with shattering glass, and Maeve hisses a curse word that travels down the foyer. “That’s it!” Maeve stomps around the corner, her face red and her dark hair strewn all over her head. “I can have children and raise them, make a pot of tea, and make a simple dinner, but what I can’t do is be a house maiden. That’s not my place. We need to hire another one, Caz. I know it’s soon, and I apologize if the timing seems inappropriate, but this place will turn to shambles if we don’t get help.”
“Don’t stress yourself, Maeve. Everything will be fine,” I tell her. “See if you can find someone who’s willing to help. Run background checks, be thorough. You know how it goes.”
“Yes. Of course. Thank you.” She softens a bit, moving closer and placing a hand on the arm of my jacket. “How are you feeling?”
“Better today.”
“Good. Blackwater won’t survive without you, you know?”
I smile at her as she pats my arm then rises on her toes, kissing my cheek. Her kiss, of course, stings, and when she pulls way, my cheek feels like it’s on fire, but I endure it.
“Will you do me a favor?” I ask her.
“Anything.”
“Willow needs clothes. Can you see to it that she has something to wear for today, then take her to the village so she can pick out more clothes she’ll be comfortable in during her stay. Normally Della would—” I clamp my mouth shut, the mere mention of Della making my chest twist.
Maeve gives me a warm smile. “I’ll take care of it. Don’t you worry.”
She then kisses Rowan and Killian on the cheek and coos with a smile, “My boys. I remember when you stopped at my shoulders and would sneak all the chocolates from my purse. Whatever you do today, be safe, do you hear? Caz, I’ll be using your office to put together a list of house maidens. Contact my transmitter if you need me. Killian, take that bloody bowl to the kitchen sink and wash it while you’re at it. Rowan, you still have crust in your eyes. Why didn’t you wash your face? And where the hell is Juniper? She was supposed to be helping me this morning. Juniper!” Maeve marches up the stairs on a mission to find her daughter.
Killian takes his bowl and ambles toward the kitchen as Rowan stands by the door, digging into the corners of his eyes. I fight a laugh as I make way to my office and retrieve my transmitter. When we’ve all met again, I let them know we’re going to the tavern first before heading out the front door. I stop immediately when I spot a barrel at my doorstep. It’s charred at the bottom, soot clinging to it. I make my way down the steps, taking off the lid of the barrel and finding Trench tree weapons inside.
“What is that?” Killian asks, stepping to my side.
“A gift from Hassha,” I tell him, replacing the lid. “Right, let’s get these in the car, bring them with us.”
“What do you need us to do today?” Rowan asks as Killian hauls the barrel up and tucks it beneath his armpit as best as he can.
“First thing we need to do is get to Blackwater Tavern so I can sign off on papers. Second, we’ll contact Alora, see if she’s willing to help with this Whisper Grove situation if it holds true. She’s never had any animosity with Whisper Grove, so I’m sure she won’t mind. Third, we make a trip to Whisper Grove with a small fleet so I can speak to this Conan person face to face. Make sure his confessions are true and that his story holds up. After what went down with Decius, I don’t want any more surprises, so contact Veno and tell him to round up a few men from the Barix. Tell them to bring guns and to meet us at Blackwater Tavern, and to be subtle about it.”
“I’ll make the contact,” Killian says as we near the garage where Rowan parks his car.
“And I’ll drive,” adds Rowan.
Killian dumps the barrel in the trunk of the vehicle, and when we’re nestled inside, Rowan starts the car but gives pause as he clutches the wheel.
“So…with that Decius creature gone, does that mean Willow will be staying in Vakeeli now?” he asks.
I keep my eyes ahead. “She’s still thinking about it.”
Rowan grips the wheel, reversing with a slow spin of the steering wheel until we’re on the concrete path. “Well, I hope she does,” he says, driving forward now. “She makes you give us compliments.”
I huff a laugh. “What?”
“It’s true. I don’t remember you ever telling me that I’m smart for anything,” Killian interjects with a chuckle.
“I’ve called you smart before,” I counter.
“Sure, you have,” he boasts. “Sarcastically.”
Rowan breaks out in laughter, driving onto the main road that takes us away from Blackwater Manor and toward the village. As he goes, my eyes fly past the dark trunks of trees that stretch to evergreen treetops.
“She’s putting a change in you already.” Rowan turns on the air conditioning. “Keeps you looking ahead. Makes you smile. You needed someone like her in your life. I swear you were a desolate bore before.”
“She saves you from yourself,” Killian adds.
I angle my head just enough to see Killian in the backseat. “I thought you didn’t trust her.”
“Long and gone, brother,” he declares. “After all this Cold Tether shit, it’s clear she has your best interest in mind.”
I stare through the windshield, my heart thumping. Love of Vakeeli, my heart is jumping around in my chest like a wild rabbit thinking about her.
“She’s my better half,” I say, and though it’s out loud, I say it more to myself. “I’ll do anything for that woman.”
