Chapter Forty-Six

O rion had gotten Solon far enough out of the city that he could rest and shift safely without being seen. The great dragon had taken to the skies not long after Orion departed, flying to Beitar on swift wings to report on all that had occurred.

Orion knew Evienne had left so suddenly to protect him, and he could understand her reasoning. He likely would have done the same in her position. His mate was here, though, and he was going to get back to her.

He shifted and ran as fast as his four legs could carry him back into the city. He didn’t stop, not caring about the gasps and screams from revelers crowding the streets. He bounded straight up the palace steps and didn’t hesitate to run into the grand hall.

He could feel that she was here, and he called to her mind, “ Evienne, my mate, where are you?”

She didn’t answer, so he rushed into the throne room to find her standing alone against Aldith’s rage. What happened next was a blur. Evienne’s scream of rage still filled his mind as the silent aftermath of the confrontation settled over the room. Now he watched as she knelt with Léhiona’s head cradled in her lap, Cecelia and Sylvain close beside her.

Tears traced down her cheeks; he could smell their salt on the air.

“She’s not quite gone, but,” Evienne said through her sobs. “I can’t do anything, I don’t know what to do,” she said as she looked up into his face.

The great hall, still full of nobles, observed in shocked silence.

They all looked up at the sound of footsteps clicking on the marble floor, and an older woman who Orion realized must be Hestia stood before them.

“Well, Dove, you certainly handled things.”

Evienne started at the sound of Hestia’s voice addressing her.

“Hestia, I,” she began, her voice a broken rasp.

“It’s alright, Dove, we’re here to support you. I know it feels like a mess, but you’re showing us why we chose you,” Hestia said, leaning down to give Evienne’s shoulder an encouraging squeeze.

“We’ll have time for introductions later, but these are some of your new colleagues,” Hestia continued, her voice lowered.

Orion watched Evienne look up to see the several rather regular-looking people gathered around her mentor. She seemed too overwhelmed to really take in their faces, her eyes glazed over. Hestia began speaking again, pulling his attention back to her.

“You’ll need to stand up with us and join hands if you want to save her,” Hestia continued, beckoning Evienne to stand. Orion took her arm and helped her up, wrapping his arm around her waist in support.

“We’ll hold her in stasis while her healing gifts do their work. She will be alright. Come here, Dove.”

Orion helped Evienne into position between her mentor and a kind-looking man who bowed his head slightly to her in greeting. Hestia closed her eyes in focus and Orion felt the rush of power filling the room.

Léhiona lay perfectly still, her body now covered in a gentle glow; the white light made her look otherworldly. Orion stood behind Evienne, steadying her as she worked with the other Contrapensae for long moments.

After what felt like hours, Hestia took a deep breath, and the hum of power ceased. Léhiona still lay unconscious, but the ghostly pallor of blood loss had left her features. She breathed easily. The palace healers rushed forward then, lifting her gently onto a cot and carrying her to her rooms. Cecelia hurried after them. Evienne leaned fully on Orion in exhaustion.

Once they were gone, Hestia’s voice again cleaved the tense silence to address Evienne. He honestly couldn’t believe she was still conscious, but she seemed determined to stay awake. Orion wanted nothing more than to take her out of this room and take care of her.

“Here’s your second official lesson as a Contrapensa, Dove: when dealing with transfers of power, time is of the essence.”

“I think I understand, Hestia. You mean we need a new ruler. As soon as possible,” Evienne said, her voice a bit hoarse.

Hestia nodded. “Where is Prince Sylvain?”

“I just saw him leave with Léhiona,” Orion said, caressing Evienne’s waist where his hand supported her.

“Very well. You will rest, and then you will talk with Sylvain, Evienne. There will be a coronation in the morning. We will keep order for the rest of the night,” Hestia said.

Orion didn’t need to hear anything else—he scooped Evienne into his arms and made his way to her rooms.