Page 20 of Journey to the Elderoak (Daughter of the Earth #2)

C asimir sat at the round council table, maps of Eorhan spread out before them with figures to mark Deidamia’s forces.

He observed the argument ensuing between his king and one of his advisors, Desmond.

Thorne was tapping his fingers together in his usual tell, his temper on a tight leash, while Desmond pushed to move on Deidamia’s army sooner rather than later.

“Remind me why he’s still on the council,” Raine whispered beside him.

“He may be brash,” Casimir whispered back, “but he’s loyal and one of the few who was around during the first wars. We need his insight.”

Raine grumbled under his breath, taking a sip of tea.

A breeze from the wide balcony wove through the space, blowing the vines hanging along the ceiling. A wooden chandelier made of tree branches held candles to light the space and the walls were decorated with tapestries in their kingdom’s colors of green and gold.

“I insist we march on the daemon queen within the next month,” Desmond said, his face red with irritation stark against his short white hair. His animal companion, a cerulean blue snake, slithered around his neck as he spoke. “We must take her by surprise.”

“That’s asking for half our forces to be wiped out,” Thorne replied. “We need more allies first.”

“Besides,” Quinn interjected from across the table. “Until Ava has her magical abilities to banish Deidamia, we’d be losing men for no reason. Unless you’ve forgotten the daemon queen cannot be killed.”

Desmond whipped his head to Quinn. “Don’t presume what I have and have not forgotten. I’ve been around far longer than you, captain.”

“Enough,” barked Thorne. He brushed his long scarlet hair behind his shoulder. “I am not my father, Desmond. We will take the time needed to plan accordingly to ensure our success.”

“You’re right. You’re not your father. He wouldn’t have hesitated to immediately face this threat.”

Thorne narrowed his eyes. “And that’s what got him killed. I won’t risk my people because you want to go barreling in without a plan.”

“Do we have an exact number of their forces?” Vivienne, one of the other advisors, asked. Her dark blue eyes flickered with irritation at Desmond. Her own animal companion, a large red fox, sat dozing in the corner of the room.

“While they were in Saxumdale?—”

“Getting attacked by daemons,” Desmond interrupted Quinn, glancing at Casimir and Raine.

Casimir bristled at his tone but held his tongue, knowing it would stress out Thorne further should more arguments erupt. But he didn’t appreciate the accusatory stare from Desmond, as if it had been Casimir’s fault they were attacked.

Quinn ignored him and continued, “I was able to get the numbers of their main camp. They have about a thousand soldiers, and hundreds of creatures.”

“We have three thousand once we combine our forces with Saxumdale,” Desmond said.

“I’m not finished,” Quinn said. “That’s not accounting for the thousands of daemons residing in Frosthaven and Igneothenia. Though we haven’t been able to get an exact count, we estimate it’s closer to five.”

“If we can garner help from Caelestia,” Vivienne said, “we’d get closer to that number.”

“And no one has heard anything about where those who fled Igneothenia may be hiding?” Thorne asked.

Jorrar shook his head, his ebony skin warm against the morning light. “After their kingdom was taken over, they disappeared. No one knows where they are. I’ll send Percy to look again. And see if he can gather any information from the other creatures.”

“Please do. We need whatever forces they may have left.”

Jorrar turned to his owl, seated on the back of his chair. After a brief silent conversation, Percy ruffled his gray and black feathers and took off with a hoot, disappearing into the trees.

“Your Majesty,” Vivienne spoke. “I’d like to request we increase patrols in some of the outlying towns.”

Thorne looked at Vivienne. “You have a sister living in Oakshire, correct?”

“Yes. With my nieces. Those towns aren’t protected by our mountain range and are much more vulnerable.”

Thorne looked at Casimir and raised a brow.

“I’ll see if we can spare some soldiers to send out to those towns,” Casimir said.

Vivienne nodded her thanks.

“Anything else?” Thorne asked, scanning the room.

“We’ve increased weapon production, thanks to the ore we received from Saxumdale. They’re doing the same. Right now we focus on keeping our kingdom safe, watching their movements and finishing our plan to retrieve that book from their camp,” Casimir said.

“And Ava?”

“She’s improving daily. If she pushes past her fears, she will complete the journey. I’m sure of it.” Casimir turned to Jorrar. “Have you found any information about it yet?”

“Only that it’s an annual occurrence. However, I can’t determine when exactly. The text I found is mostly burned.”

That demented king sure made things difficult for us , Aro, Casimir’s animal companion, said.

“Yes, he did.”

“How has she been since everything that happened in Saxumdale?” Thorne asked, concern on his face.

“She’s fine,” Casimir said.

You just lied to your king.

“I don’t want him to worry about his sister.”

But you’re worried about her.

“And I’ll handle it.”

Thorne seemed to accept his answer and moved on, bringing their discussion back to the war preparations.

Casimir walked the halls of the castle, free of the arguing that barely accomplished anything.

Desmond had relented, agreeing it was impulsive to make any moves before they bolstered their forces.

He ensured he would oversee the weapons production, promising to keep it organized and efficient.

Though old and cantankerous, Desmond flourished when he was given a task and Casimir knew he’d take this one seriously.

Vivienne had offered to help Jorrar search the archives for more information on the Elderoak. Everything felt as though it was at a standstill until Ava became fae and they could retrieve the book from the daemon camp which would teach her how to use her portal magic.

Stepping outside, he found Ava alone in a training ring, flinging daggers at a target. Her aim had improved but he could tell she was still struggling with her technique.

“You’re letting go too soon,” Casimir said as he stopped next to the low stone wall.

Ava gasped and fumbled with the dagger in her hand. “You’re always sneaking up on me.”

“Sorry,” he said with a laugh. “Are you ready?”

Her shoulders slumped. “The obstacle course…”

“Yes, but let’s try something different first. I think it will help.”

“Okay.”

He led them away from the training field, but paused when they saw Aro asleep under a tree with Luna snuggled in his fur.

“Uh…” Ava said. “When did they start doing that?”

Casimir chuckled. “I just noticed this morning.”

They walked toward the animals and stopped before them, Luna’s feline snores blending with the whispering breeze.

Sensing their presence, Luna opened an eye.

When she noticed Casimir, she climbed off Aro and padded toward him, winding in between his legs and chirping.

Titus appeared from his perch in the trees and gave a friendly snarl as he flew down and landed on Ava’s shoulder.

I like that cat , Aro said.

“Well, it seems she likes you too.”

You know why.

“I’m aware,” Casimir replied .

But you won’t tell Ava because you’re scared.

“Since when did you become well-versed in the ways of fae relationships? ”

Since the day you found her in the woods and couldn’t stop obsessing over her, Aro responded.

“Stupid bear,” Casimir muttered out loud.

Aro released a chuff resembling laughter as he ambled off.

“Having a fight with Aro or something?” Ava gave him a suspicious look.

“Or something.” He grinned at her as he leaned over and lifted Luna, cradling her on her back. She licked his face.

Ava was astonished. “I’ve never seen Luna let anyone pick her up.”

“She just likes me better.”

“What do you think you’re doing, Luna?”

Ava tilted her head as she listened to Luna’s reply, her face blushing as she met eyes with Casimir, and looked away. He held back a smile at her discomfort.

Luna jumped from his arms, running in the direction Aro had gone.

“What did Luna say?” Casimir asked as they walked toward the woods.

“She said you need a bath.”

“Uh huh.”

They followed a dirt path weaving through the trees and he glanced at her again, noticing the weariness on her face.

“You look exhausted,” he said.

Her brow knitted. “That’s not something women want to hear.”

“Oh?”

“Women want to hear things like ‘you look beautiful,’ not ‘you look tired.’”

“You always look beautiful,” he said, matter of factly.

She did. Every moment of every day. Whether she was wearing a fancy gown or covered in sweat and dirt, she took his breath away. Her stunning green eyes, the luscious curves of her body, the dusting of freckles across the bridge of her nose. He wanted to count them and kiss each one.

“I—” she looked at him, but he was staring ahead as they walked, keeping his expression unreadable. “Oh.”

They made their way through a group of trees opening into a small clearing with a miniature obstacle course in the center. Several low balance beams, stepping stones and small pillars were interspersed throughout the grass.

“This looks like a children’s playground,” Ava said.

“It is.”

“Okay…”

“You rely too much on sight. You need to learn what your body feels like as you make it through the course. It’s about muscle memory.”

“How are we going to do that here?” She looked around the clearing again.

He pulled a piece of fabric from his pocket. “The only way to get better at using your other senses is to remove the one you rely on the most.”

“Is that a blindfold?”

He nodded. “Because I know you’re going to ask,” he said before she had a chance to say anything else. “I promise I won’t let you trip and land on anything perilous.”

“Does this mean you expect me to do the other obstacle course blindfolded?”

“No. I just want you to practice here and pay attention to your other senses.”

Ava bit her lip. Fuck, he loved it when she did that.

“Fine. I’ll do it.”

Casimir walked up behind her and put the blindfold over her eyes, securing it with a knot. He could smell the lavender shampoo she always used, and it took every ounce of his self-control not to lean in and nuzzle her gorgeous hair .

“I’ve never let a man blindfold me before,” Ava said, obviously trying to make a joke to ease her nerves.

He finished tying the ends and leaned closer, whispering low into her ear, “I’m honored to be the first one.”

She let out the tiniest whimper as he allowed his fingers to brush along her neck and backed away.

Her breathing had quickened, and she stood still, seemingly lost in thought.

He tried not to laugh at how easily riled up she was with the brush of his fingers, the touch of his hand.

What else could he do to make a sound like that escape her lips?

“Ava. You’re already getting distracted.”

“Maybe you should stop distracting me.”

“Okay,” he said. “I’m done distracting you…for now.”

He liked flirting with her. Flirting was safe. It was easy. Soft touches, jokes, teasing each other. Poking at her to irritate her or make her nervous.

It was the rest that was difficult. Complicated. Feelings and words and deeper truths he was ignoring. Besides, she’d been through so much he didn’t want to cross a boundary. And, admittedly, Aro was right. He was scared.

Scared of opening himself up; of pushing too soon and causing her more distress; of losing her like he’d lost his family.

“For now? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means nothing,” he answered. “Alright. Can you see anything?”

“No.”

He took her hand and led her to the start of the small course. “Right in front of you is a low balance beam. I want you to feel around for it with your foot and make it across without falling,” he said, letting go.

She followed his instructions and found the beam. Shuffling her feet, she walked, arms out as she tried to stay balanced.

“Arms down,” he stated .

She grunted in frustration but did as he said.

Moments later, her foot slipped. She found the beam again and continued forward but was unable to make it without sliding off.

Every time her foot hit the ground, Casimir grabbed her hand and led her back to the beginning, instructing her to start over.

It took her half an hour to get across the balance beam without fumbling, but she got the hang of it.

Next, he led her to the stepping stones and she struggled with this even more. “Memorize their locations when you make it to the next one.”

“I don’t know how to do that,” she said. “I don’t have the same senses you do.”

“Try.”

She did. Hopping to the next and only landing accurately about thirty percent of the time.

But she lost focus, apparent exhaustion catching up with her.

Leaping to the next stone, her foot slipped yet again, and she fell forward with a shout.

Casimir was there in an instant, catching and steadying her on her feet.

Their bodies were closer than he’d intended, his hands resting on her hips.

He wanted to pull her flush against him.

Kiss her soft lips and comb his fingers through her hair.

Run his hands along her body and touch every dip and curve until she begged him not to stop.

But it wasn’t just a want. It was a need.

He needed her like he needed air to breathe, and it took every ounce of self-control he had not to act on it whenever she was around.

She reached to pull off the blindfold, but he grabbed her wrists, placing her hands on his chest. They remained pressed against each other, neither willing to break contact.

He leaned in and whispered in her ear, “I can hear your pulse racing.”

She shivered at his words, and he cupped her face. His thumb traced her bottom lip and he allowed his gaze to rove over the delicate curve of her nose, the blush on her cheeks, her soft full lips.

“Ava,” he groaned, stepping closer.

She sucked in a breath, as if she was waiting for him to do something. To make a move. But he knew he shouldn’t while she was still learning how to cope with her trauma. So, he backed away with a sigh and disappeared into the woods, leaving her standing in the clearing.

Not yet , he told himself.