Page 17

17

A fter the altercation with the Vulcanians, Valda took one of their horses and gave it to Maris. Despite her appreciation, it was drenched in blood. Maris proclaimed she was an Asclepius worshiper, but the sight of blood still made her squeamish. As Maris wiped the mare down, Valda gathered supplies for their trip.

After their fight with the small troop, Maris was nervous they would encounter more along the road—or worse, Arwin’s men—the ride was uneventful. They only stopped to recoup, eat, rest, and continue their journey. The nights were quiet save for the popping and crackling fire Valda built to keep them warm, and Cerberus’ loud purring. The large cat had taken to sleeping with Maris but rode with Valda, curled up between her thighs or behind her.

Titania was a safe place, guarded by allies. They defended the soldiers inside the city and kept them protected. So, when the city guards noticed their arrival, they sent the word to Isen, who waited patiently outside the inn with Melvian by his side. As soon as Maris saw her friend, she jumped off the horse and ran to meet her in a tight and warm embrace. Valda bowed her head low to her captain, who reciprocated the salutation.

After squeezing her tightly, Maris finally pulled away to check Melvian over.

“I am fine,” Melvian said, her smile never leaving her young face. “Isen took care of them. ”

“Oh, I saw. Still, you can’t blame me for worrying about you,” Maris said, holding Melvian’s shoulder before she pulled her friend back into a hug. “I thought I was going to lose you.”

“You can’t get rid of me that easily. I still have two Sealians to give birth to,” Melvian chuckled, pulling away and cupping Maris’s cheeks. She inspected Maris’s face, confusion racking through her. “Huh, I swear I saw those soldiers beat you up.”

“I took care of it,” Valda interrupted the sweet interaction as she jumped off her horse, handing the reins to a soldier while Cerberus jumped from the horse to Valda’s shoulder. “I had some Sealian water on me.”

“Smart move,” Isen said before patting Valda’s empty shoulder. “Welcome. We were worried when you didn’t arrive here at the same time we did.”

“We ran into some trouble and had to find refuge in the rocky formations.”

Isen frowned. “What kind of trouble?”

Valda opened her mouth, but Maris was faster. “Vulcanians. We encountered a large group, but we took care of them.”

Melvian nodded. “That explains why your horse is covered in blood.”

“Also explains why you’re beaten up,” Isen added and looked down at Valda’s thigh, then at her cheek. “You need to rest. The inn already has our rooms ready for the night.”

“We need to talk before resting, Isen,” Valda said, leaving no room for discussion.

“Of course. The tavern downstairs is preparing a hefty meal for their queen,” Isen said, grabbing Melvian’s hand and heading towards the tavern.

“Wait, where are the Sealians?” Maris asked as she followed them.

“Don’t you worry about them. The people in the city basically adopted as many as they could and they are hiding in their homes. The others are in Cressida, and they are being welcomed with the same hospitality as the ones here.”

Maris released a sigh of relief. “That’s amazing.”

“It is.” Isen nodded and pushed the door to the tavern open.

Inside, a large group of Skylian soldiers raised their mugs as both Valda and Maris entered. Their amused hollers, celebrating their victory in the settlement, made Maris grin and tear up. These people were all on their side. They would give up everything, including their lives, to protect Valda and the Sealians.

A round table was waiting for them, and just as the four friends moved to settle down, a distinctive blue-haired woman walked into the tavern. Isen was the first to notice his sister. Clueless about what had happened between Eyphah and Maris, Isen welcomed his sister with a loud greeting.

A nervous knot formed in the pit of Maris’s stomach. She looked over at her mate, who appeared to ignore Eyphah’s presence and was more preoccupied with getting drinks for everyone, including Eyphah.

“Sister! Join us! Let us celebrate our victory.”

Maris noticed Eyphah’s inquisitive gaze. The silent question hung in the air for some seconds. Should Eyphah join them? Maris glanced at Valda and couldn’t quite pick anything out of the ordinary from her mate. There was no anger radiating from their bond, only tiredness. Looking back at Eyphah, Maris nodded at the other Sealian’s silent request, and Eyphah sat between her and Melvian.

The server brought the drinks to the table, and Valda quickly took hold of the mug. Cerberus finally jumped off her as she downed a couple of large gulps.“A nice cold beer after days under the sun surely is a blessing.”

“Agreed,” Isen said as he wiped his mouth. “Now, what did you want to talk about?”

“We were attacked by a group of Vulcanians on our way here. I took it upon myself to grab one of them and ask her where they were coming from,” Valda said, taking another sip.

“They are in Prospero,” Maris added.

“Prospero? Impossible. The city is too small!” Melvian said, appalled.

“That’s why it is perfect,” Isen mumbled before locking eyes with Valda. “What are you thinking?”

“You know exactly what I am thinking.”

“When do we leave?” Isen straightened his back.

“I wish we could leave right now. But we need to gather our men, see how many lives were lost in New Agenor as well. We need supplies and to heal wounds.”

“Good thing we have two Asclepius worshipers here!” Melvian grinned before looking at Maris. “We can divide and conquer. You can head out to Cressida and see how everyone is doing I can stay here and—“

“Absolutely not,” Isen snarled before his attention fell on Maris. “I beseech you to stay with us. I know Melvian hasn’t told you because she is stubborn, but she has been having contractions.”

Maris widened her eyes and turned to her friend. “Are you?”

“It’s nothing, really. ”

“Melvian.” Isen’s warning came in a whisper.

“If you are having contractions, I think it would be wiser if I stayed.”

“I am fine! Really! I—”

“I would feel more at ease if you stayed,” Isen said, placing a hand over Melvian’s lower back, yet his attention was on Maris.

“I will stay for the time being,” Maris said, ignoring the exasperated sigh coming from her best friend.

“If you are going to travel to Prospero, then you must be extra careful. We don’t know if the city has been taken over by Vulcanians,” Eyphah said, making everyone at the table tense up. “There is a large possibility that Princess Kenna—”

“Queen…” Valda rectified. “She is now queen.”

“Queen Kenna,” Eyphah wetted her lips as she said the name and continued. “She could be there. Tartarus, for all we know, she probably turned the place into her very own New Vulcan.”

“That is a possibility we will have to deal with in due time.” Valda’s voice was controlled, serene, and calculated. Maris noted her restraint, talking to Eyphah without letting the anger poison her tone.

A minute later, food was brought to the table. Stews and rice, and many cuts of meat were placed before them. The mugs were refilled, and everyone ate quietly, except Isen, who kept asking Melvian how she was feeling. Maris’s heart warmed at the quiet interaction between the two of them until her eyes trailed to Eyphah.

She had caught the Sealian looking at her from time to time and Maris wished she would stop. She didn’t want to imagine what would happen if Valda caught on to what she was doing. Before asking Eyphah if she was fine, she stood from her seat.

“Is everything all right?” Isen asked as he popped another piece of cheese into his mouth and then offered a bite to Melvian.

“I am fine. I just need to use the latrine,” Eyphah said and waved her hand dismissively. “Go on without me.”

“Oh, we will,” Melvian said before plucking a piece of meat from Isen’s hands and taking a bite.

Maris watched Eyphah until she exited the tavern before returning to her stew. She dipped a piece of bread in it and brought it to her mouth. Valda’s quiet demeanor was making her anxious .

Valda shook her mug and let out a frustrated sigh before standing from her chair. “I am going to get us some more drinks. I will be right back.”

Maris frowned. Before she could say anything, Valda walked away, exiting the tavern, followed by her faithful companion.