Chapter 2

Calen

The log burning in the fireplace cracks loudly behind me as I re-read the same line over and over again, not registering a word. Finally giving up, I put the stack of paper down and lean back on my chair to take in the room. Empty leather couches are arranged around a low table and bookshelves line the walls of Azran’s office. An ornate gold-leaf frame encircles a vivid oil rendering of Averion’s signature white-domed buildings on the wall opposite the mahogany desk.

I release a huff as the irony hits me. This room clashes drastically with its owner. Warm, welcoming, comfortable, and the exact opposite of Az.

The thought brings a smile to my face, a nice reprieve from the constant worry that comes from being responsible for the affairs of the realm in his absence.

“Whatever you are up against, brother, be careful out there,” I murmur to the empty room.

A courier arrived with a missive from him several days ago, confirming his arrival in Nyths and intention to visit the royal palace.

A pit opens in my stomach, as all I can do is wait and pray to whoever is listening for his safe return. Ela will kill me if something happens to him. That is, if she ever awakens, and crippling guilt hasn’t already driven me to my knees.

I take a sip from the amber drink I’ve been nursing for the better part of the evening before returning to my correspondence with emissaries from Brimora. Who would have guessed dealing with human royalty could be such a pain?

A chuckle escapes my lips at the pointless question. Frankly, I could have guessed that, which is why I’ve never shown interest in being anything but the General of the Fae armies. But in times like this, there is no staying away from politics. I have to deal with the long line of Lords, Ladies, and emissaries waiting to bring matters to the High Lord of the Fae’s attention.

Following Braern’s attack on Brimora, the humans stationed their army to guard their northern border and Queen Aanor has proven defiant and on edge, understandably. It’s taking great effort and diplomacy to restore communication between our two people. Undoing centuries of barbaric acts and misconceptions will take time. The battle in Adria was months ago, but its scars run deep.

I’ve just finished drafting a response and begun sorting through what’s left for the night when a sharp knock sounds on the door. Clearing my throat, I invite whoever is on the other side to enter.

My mood immediately improves when the redheaded Captain of the High Guard walks in.

Vesta stops at the wooden desk and drops off a report. I barely look at it, too hypnotized by her. The red and gold armor hugs her curves perfectly and makes her emerald eyes pop. This night is taking a turn for the better.

“General.”

“How many times do I have to tell you not to—“

“Fine, Cal. Here is the weekly report on the High Guard.”

I raise an eyebrow in response.

“Is everything okay?”

“Sorry.” She releases a sigh. “There’s just a lot going on right now.”

I nod patiently, letting her decide if she wants to confide in me.

“The training of our new recruits is going well. Amrynn is still in Morilanthe, cooped up in her palace, her public appearances few and far between.”

I’ll take that as a no, then.

“So, nothing outstanding?”

She shakes her head and looks towards the door, eager to be dismissed. I’m tempted to let her go, but tormenting her is one of my very few pleasures these days.

“You’re doing great, V. I know you didn’t plan for these responsibilities, but that’s where I need you right now.”

She nods.

“Once everything is back to normal, you’ll be able to go back to the best depravities Averion has to offer.” I wink. “Hell, I would even tag along.”

“My true calling,” she says, lifting a brow teasingly.

I chuckle, relieved that my lame humorous attempt found its target.

Her face resumes its serious air seconds later.

“Things will go back to normal, right?”

“I’ve never lied to you. I can’t predict the future, but I can promise that I’ll do everything in my power to get you your life back. I swear it.”

Her eyes light up as a corner of her mouth lifts briefly.

“I miss Ela. I miss my friend.”

“She has a history of defying authority and being a pain in my ass, but I miss her too.”

“That’s Ela, all right. Never one to submit.” Her crystal laugh fills the room and air catches in my throat. She laughs so rarely these days, leaving my heart strained as the demons of her past haunt her and I look for ways to bring a smile back to her lips. Though we never talk about it, we have all considered the unsaid. Elanor may never come back to us, and that threat alone has the power to crush a soul and stir painful memories. I’m sure Vesta’s late mate, Elis, is among them. “I still don’t understand what happened in Adria, or why she won’t wake up. It’s been months.”

I step around the desk and stop a few feet from her.

“Me neither, but she is the reason Az is still roaming this earth. I do not know how, but she kept him alive until I could get to them with Mor.” I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose before continuing. “This world has taken a lot from her already.”

“It sure has.” She gives me a sad smile and takes a few steps towards the door.

Not ready for her to leave yet, I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind.

“I was about to send for some dinner. Do you want to stay and go over the latest reports on the army together? I’m sure there’s a thing or two I could teach you.” I wiggle my brows. “After all, you’re in the presence of the General of the Fae armies of Lóna, as you so mentioned.”

I can read the doubt in her eyes, but I stay still, waiting to see what she’ll do.

“How generous of you, General. Offering your precious time to a common soldier.”

A smile tugs on her lips and my shoulders relax. I motion towards a leather couch with an extravagant and dramatic bow.