Page 79 of The War God’s Favorite

“Jump on the horse!”

Her friend hesitated for a second before obeying, unsure. She landed safely and looked back, holding her hand out for Cassandra to take. She hurriedly joined her on the horse’s back, as the chariot was abandoned in the snow behind them.

“Crap…” said Nebora, looking at all their purchases scattered around.

At least this mess, and the chariot falling back disturbed the felines enough for the horse to get some distance. She was faster with only two women on her back, both of them not too heavy either.

As the servant had said, it wasn’t long until the snow leopards caught up to them though. Cassandra heard their growls only a few seconds after they had parted with the chariot, and looked back.

Three of them were chasing behind in a triangle formation waiting for the right moment. Cassandra was at the back, if the leopards attacked they would either get her or the horse.

“Cassandra! Look!”

To her surprise, Nebora was pointing forward. After a few seconds Cassandra saw it. A large human figure standing in the middle of the road ahead of them. She couldn’t see his features, but she still knew instantly.

“His Highness.”

Kairen stood there waiting, two swords in his hands. When the two women and their horse crossed his path he didn’t flinch, his black eyes fixated on the creatures behind them.

The snow leopards didn’t miss the new target in front of them. The large human standing still was such easy prey. However, as they approached, some of the felines slowed down by mere instinct. Two young ones didn’t though. They jumped at the same time.

Blood stained the snow and the felines dropped dead at the Prince’s feet. Their peers growled, angry. Some were still lurking around, but were either too smart or listening to their instincts. They didn’t dare approach within reach of the Prince’s swords.

Cassandra wasn’t sure if they were supposed to wait for him, but Nebora didn’t stop. She watched the silhouette as they rode away. Once they arrived at the castle a few minutes later, Patrina and the girls ran to them.

“Lady Cassandra! Nebora! How could you come back so late?! Are you both alright?”

“We’re fine, Patrina,” sighed Nebora. “Just had a big fright.”

“His Highness stayed behind,” said Cassandra, worried.

“Don’t worry about him,” replied the old woman. “Come on, come inside and drink some hot tea, both of you. You’re freezing…”

“I’m damn sweating!” groaned Nebora. “That was the most hellish ride of my life. I need a bath. And Olive deserves a treat too.”

Cassandra patted the poor horse. It had been very brave to bring them both back safely. Marian and Helmond hurried to take care of the horse, taking it back to the stables, while Bina and Prunie accompanied the women to the kitchen. Patrina made some hot wine for both of them to drink after Nebora insisted. Cassandra, however, couldn’t swallow anything. She was too worried for her Prince.

“Don’t worry, Lady Cassandra, His Highness is too strong!” said Bina.

“She’s right, you know,” added Nebora. “He won’t be taken down by a few big cats. He’ll be back perfectly fine in a couple of hours, you’ll see.”

However, Kairen wasn’t back two hours later. Cassandra, who had finally drank some wine and was exhausted, even fell asleep in the kitchen waiting for him. Nebora helped her up to the bedroom since she was half-asleep.

“Don’t worry, sleep. He’ll be fine.”

Cassandra couldn’t find a peaceful sleep. Why wasn’t he back yet? And where had Krai gone, so far from its owner...?

The next morning Cassandra woke up early, around sunrise. Someone was slowly caressing her hair and bare skin. Remembering the events of the previous day, she opened her eyes and checked around, worried.

“My Lord!”

Kairen was indeed there, on the side of the bed, sitting there while watching her. She jumped, her arms wrapping around his neck to hold him, letting out all her worries from the previous night. Cassandra was so worried, she even checked his torso for injuries, but he only had a couple of thin black scale lines on his arms, already healing themselves. She let out a long sigh of relief and the Prince put his hand around her neck.

“I was so worried.”

“You’re fine now.”

Didn’t he understand that she was worried about him at all? He only kept looking at her for a long time, like he was trying to capture her face in his mind, until Cassandra blushed. Kairen seemed a bit odd this morning.

---