Page 120 of The Stolen Kingdom

Maris squeezed Valda’s forearm. “That explains why we haven’t heard from them.”

“Did you kill them all?”

Kenna inhaled deeply. “I killed those who fought me.”

Maris felt Valda’s arm muscle shifting under her touch. “Valda,” Maris whispered and shook her head, trying to get her to calm down.

“You killed Vulcanians too…” Kenna said, her purple eyes remained on Valda, as if daring her to make a move.

Valda’s upper lip twitched as she crossed her arms over her chest and took a step back. Turning her attention to Kenna, Maris took a deep breath and said, “Queen Kenna, please. You said it yourself. The Sealians have nothing to do with this war. Your mate… Eyphah is a Sealian. She wants to go home.Wewant to go home.”

Kenna’s jaw clenched before turning to face the cabin where Eyphah was. “My mate deserves peace,” she muttered before flicking a braid behind her shoulders. “I will help you move the Sealians, but only because I want my mate to be safe.”

Valda released the breath she was holding, as did Maris. “Send your men to Prospero and let your people know we are heading there. We are already packed to move.”

Kenna nodded, threw her head back, and whistled sharply. In seconds, one of her men stepped forward. She gave the man instructions in Arevulcan and waved her hand dismissively. He bowed his head low and left.

“Done. What else do you need?”

“Kayden…” Valda swallowed hard. “Where is he?”

Kenna locked her eyes again. “In prison for treason.”

“Treason?” Maris asked, grabbing Valda’s hand.

“He revolted against me when he heard what happened. He kept claiming you were innocent. Harmonia did not join in the war. So we cut all food supply to them. He tried to kill me using his little tricks.”

“He is alive?” Valda asked. Her grip on Maris’s hand tightened.

“He is,” Kenna answered.

Valda let out a relieved sigh, closing her eyes tightly as she brought Maris’s hand to her lips. She pressed her clammy forehead against it, murmuring a soft prayer that Maris couldn’t quite make out.

“I should’ve put him to death, but his mother begged me not to.” Kenna grunted and shook her head. “It was hard to see a woman as Leida Poyraz, a sobbing mess because of her son.” Kenna stopped talking as a Sealian and Skylian walked by holding plates filled with food.

They handed a meal to everyone before leaving. At first, Kenna stared at the mixture of Skylian and Sealian food. After inhaling the smell, she took a bite of what appeared to be chicken. She ate quietly, while Maris kept her gaze on her.

After a couple of mouthfuls, the Vulcanian queen sighed happily and said, “I will send word to release Kayden. That way, he can join us.”

“Thank you, Kenna,” Valda said, sitting on the ground to further enjoy her meal. Maris took a couple of bites, since her attention was fixed on both Valda and Kenna. It was weird seeing Valda dressed as a Vulcanian. The makeup and dirty chest wraps accentuated her rugged look. Valda was tired, while Kenna looked… refreshed.

“How are you able to wield your gift for such an extended period and not get fatigued?” Maris asked, taking Valda and Kenna by surprise.

Kenna was in the middle of another mouthful of chicken. Her face scrunched in confusion before looking at Valda. She scoffed and shook her head condescendingly. “We are not merely blessed with these powers.” She snapped her fingers. A single flame floated from her palm. “We are the gods’ vessels. Their essence runs through us. Wearethe new gods of this time. It is a matter of overcoming your mortal limits. Don’t be afraid of death, for you will be reborn again.”

Valda chuckled, raising her cup to Kenna. “Is it enough to kill an actual goddess?”

Kenna shrugged, lifted her cup as well and touched Valda’s with it. “Three goddesses with their holy weapons will always be stronger than one any day.”

***

Maris grabbed the horn of the horse’s saddle and pulled herself onto the animal. She adjusted the trident behind her, pulled on the reins, and turned on her steed to look at the movement behind her. She watched Isen carefully settle his sister next to Melvian, who sat on the wagon bed with baby Ciel in her arms. Maris could see the emotions pouring out of Eyphah as Valda placed Struan in her arms. The wagon had a cloth tarp to protect them from the horrible heat and sun.

They were half a day away from Prospero. They had food and more security, thanks to the Vulcanians. Kenna stayed at the rear to keep the Sealians safe from any attack from behind, although she commented repeatedly that she wished to be near Eyphah. Watching the two women interact was awkward, to say the least.

Kenna was very passionate and possessive, while Eyphah wasn’t even sure how to act around her, which Maris found odd. The woman had always wished for a mate. Now that she had her, she wasn’t sure what to do with her.

Maris pulled her horse towards Valda, who looked up at her with a soft smile. Cerberus lay on her shoulder, and as soon as she saw Maris, she leaned close enough to jump on her lap and curl up.

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