I don’t waste much time after the decision is made. I round my clan up and tell Killian and Rowan to get a fleet together.
“I’ll need at least thirty men,” I tell them as they stand by the front door of the castle, ready to make necessary calls and moves. “Let them know no one is to have their guard down, and to load our best weapons. I want all the gear properly checked so we don’t end up with any surprises. I’ll meet you all at the Barix.”
“Got it.” Killian nods, taking off with Rowan.
“Juniper, Maeve.” I turn to face the women of my clan, sighing. “Juniper, get Willow dressed accordingly then take her to the armory for weapons. Maeve, I know you have things to do, and you have to see to the new house maiden, so you stay here, keep an eye on castle grounds. If anything happens while I’m not here, you let me know immediately.”
“Will do,” Maeve returns.
“Come on Willow, I’ll help you,” Juniper calls, already making her way up the stairs.
Willow shuffles past me, but I catch her hand before she can get far, turning her to face me again. “I have to run to the Barix, but I’ll be back.”
She nods. “Okay.”
“Promise me one thing.”
“What?”
“Promise me that when we go, you’ll listen to everything I say. I’d prefer you stay here with Maeve, but—”
“Not on my life,” she argues rapidly, brows stitching.
“But,” I go on, looking deeper into her eyes. “I know you won’t. And I respect that, but when we go to The Trench, I want you to respect my wishes as well. I can’t protect you if you’re reckless. Do you understand?”
Her eyes soften, and she lowers her fingers, clasping my hand. Bringing my knuckles to her lips, she kisses them. Not once, but twice. “I understand.”
“Good. Go with Juniper. Get ready. I’ll return shortly to pick you up.”
I watch her jog up the stairs, and when I can no longer see her, I grit my teeth and step back. I don’t want her to go. In all honesty, I’d prefer to run to the Barix, meet my men, then head straight to The Trench to handle it myself, but she’d never forgive me. This is her brother we’re talking about. Her twin. I can’t do that to her, no matter how scared I am for her safety.
“You can’t protect her every second of her life, Caspian.” Maeve’s voice is nearby, and I look to my right. She’s standing near the office, arms folded, shoulder pressed to the wall.
“I know I can’t, but I can damn well try.”
“She’s a lot stronger than you think she is. Once she adapts, I have a feeling no one will mess with her. She has this fire in her that lights up a room. I can’t quite explain it, but she’s a survivor. Don’t doubt her.”
Maeve walks away, drifting down the foyer, and I turn for the door, leaving the castle.
