Page 15 of Her Cruel Redemption

Meira frowned. ‘You’re bold to presume you know anything about our interests. You, who have held yourself apart from our community, refused to heed our warnings and treated your welcome here with such negligence.’

Rhiandra held her gaze, undaunted. ‘I don’t need to be a part of your community to know your only chance at determining your own fate hangs in the balance here. Side with Draven and be party to whatever destruction he wreaks, or get this mad, valiant girl to Oceatold and help her build this future she’s willing to risk her life for.’

‘We don’t meddle in human affairs,’ Meira replied.

‘Oh, I know,’ Rhiandra said, tone irreverent. ‘That’s why Draven has been able to tempt so many of you to follow him. So keep doing nothing if that’s how you’d have it. Watch your community splinter around you and leave your future to other people’s whims. And then if we fail to reach Oceatold, know you could have made a difference and chose not to.’

‘You’re going with her?’ I asked, suddenly realising that Rhiandra had already known of this plan. That Gwin had spoken to her about it, but she hadn’t told me.

‘Yes.’

‘Why?’

Rhiandra’s gaze dropped to Gwin, her eyes softening. ‘Because she’s brave enough to care about something bigger than herself and inspire a cynic like me to believe in her. I want to see what she becomes.’

Miera’s expression had grown thoughtful as we’d spoken, but whatever response she’d been about to make was paused as Gwin opened her eyes. Her blue gaze roamed around for a moment before fixing on me. She pushed herself up to sit.

‘Careful,’ I said, helping her. ‘Take it slow.’ She pressed a hand to her forehead and cast her eyes to the ground.

Rhiandra crouched down beside her. ‘Has anyone got any water?’ With some shuffling around, Mae produced a flask, which Gwin accepted, taking tiny sips between steadying breaths.

‘Are you alright?’ I asked her, and she nodded, but her gaze remained turned down. ‘Let’s get you somewhere more comfortable,’ I said, getting to my feet and helping her to stand. I wanted to carry her, but didn’t attempt it with the eyes of the Song still on us and her tilting her chin like that, trying to appear strong, so instead I supported her with an arm around her waist, absorbing the tremors still wracking her body. I didn’t take her far, just to a grassy spot near the amphitheatre presided over by a huge mulberry tree, its branches sweeping around a natural archway that led to a pocket of privacy, shielded from prying eyes by thick foliage.

Gwin seemed relieved to sit again, taking steadying breaths with her knees hugged to her chest.

‘Why didn’t you tell me you were planning on leaving?’ I asked as I knelt before her, tucking her cloak around her shoulders.

‘I thought you might try to talk me out of it. And maybe you would have succeeded.’ She smiled ruefully. ‘Because I don’t really want to leave.’

‘But you feel like you have to.’ I brushed her hair out of her eyes. ‘I’d never try to talk you out of something so important to you.’

‘But if you’d told us, we could have been better prepared,’ Mae said, as she shuffled into the space beneath the mulberry tree, followed by Rhiandra, Tanathil, Goras and Daethie. ‘We could have started sourcing supplies already. We’ll need clothes and tents that won’t draw attention among humans, and some of us don’t have strong skills in disguising our appearance, so we need to figure that out, too.’

‘I want another rider with us,’ Goras grunted, folding his tattooed forearms. ‘We need someone else familiar with weapons.’

‘You can’t take Ignis, Goras, she’d draw too much attention,’ Mae returned.

‘A rider, not a wyvern. I’ll find someone.’

Gwin stared blankly at him. ‘What? Are you saying… you’ll come with me?’

‘Surely that was never in question.’ Tanathil flopped down next to her. ‘Who else did you think would be taking you to Oceatold?’

‘But… the elders—’

‘—have made a decision.’ Elder Miera appeared at the archway, ducking her head beneath a bunch of ripe mulberries. ‘Princess Gwinellyn.’ She inclined her head. ‘I appreciate your courage in coming before us with your request. You spoke well, and all who looked could see you spoke in earnest. However, it has long been our practice to steer clear of humanity, and we are not ready to relinquish that strategy and enter the fray of a war. Even if there are some of our own among the number of those who fight it. That being said…’ She paused, surveying us with a stern gaze. ‘We will not stand in the way of those who choose to follow you. And I’m confident you’ll have some volunteers. In a show of support, we’ll provide you with whatever help we can in the way of supplies for your journey, and you’ll always find welcome in the Living Valley and help when you’re in need of it.’

‘You’ll support me?’ Gwin echoed, eyes wide with surprise. ‘Even though… well, you don’t think I’m mad?’

‘Of course not.’ She smiled warmly, then, her eyes crinkling at the corners. ‘For what it’s worth, I’m eager for you to achieve your aim. I think you’ll make a magnificent queen.’

‘Thank you.’ Gwin released her hold on her knees so she could straighten up. ‘I meant everything I said. When I take back my throne, I’ll end the blood trade. You’ll be able to stop hiding.’

‘I know you meant it. And I’ll own that I’m relieved that you’ve shone a ray of hope for a different future over us. Now, I’ll leave you to your friends, but when you’re ready, come and see me to make arrangements for your journey.’

‘I will.’

When Miera withdrew, Gwin looked to Rhiandra, who was watching her with a pointed, satisfied smile.

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