Page 55 of The Stolen Kingdom

Maris was happy without her.

Tired, Valda released her grip on Cerberus. The cat wandered off into the night, blending in with the shadows. She wasn’t aware of how long her pet was gone. It wasn’t until Valda was alerted by footsteps that she called out with a low whistle.

Within seconds, Cerberus ran back to her, quietly jumping on her shoulder and pressing her head to her cheek. The footsteps sounded again.

Between the foliage, Isen’s horse peeked through.

With a hand on the handle of her sword, Valda scoffed before patting Cerberus off her. “I thought you would be staying the night.”

Isen’s brow furrowed. “That’s what I wanted to talk about.” He jumped off his horse, his gaze locked on the ground. “I won’t be staying. There is much to be done, and I need to make sure that everything around New Agenor is safe. I can’t…” He swallowed hard. “I need to keep Melvian safe.”

“Believe me, I understand,” Valda said, looking down at Cerberus, who sat comfortably between them.

“I get you saw your mate?” Isen asked.

“I did.”

“Sheis training with Eyphah and learning the way of the Asclepius follower with Melvian. She is…” He rubbed his head. “So hardheaded. Spending time with Melvian is making her just as you Skylians.”

Valda chuckled at that, to think that traces of her personality rubbed off on Maris. “I feel there is something else you want to tell me, Isen. Speak.”

“She is up to date with everything that has been happening with us. She… wishes to keep the Sealians away from whatever war is going on.”

“Understandable. I would’ve done the same. Keeping your people safe is crucial.”

“We need more hand to keep our people safe, Your Highness…” Isen said, finally locking eyes with Valda. “Ineedto keep everyone safe.”

“As do I, Isen.”

Isen pursed his lips, clutching his sword tightly. The man seemed so lost in his own thoughts. Taking a step towards him, Valda took in his tensed shoulders and brow. She squeezed his arm, until he spoke again.

“My mate and I are having twins,” he muttered, a soft curve forming at the corner of his lips.

Valda’s eyes widened, and she exhaled. “Well! That’s wonderful news, Isen! Congratulations!”

Isen didn’t smile as brightly as she thought he would. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Silence fell between them once more and in between checking their supplies and talking about what they would do next, they both jumped on their horses with Cerberus snugged inside Valda’s bag. They would head back to Cressida, where they would send yet another message to Harmonia, hoping that by some miracle Kayden would answer back.

Kayden was still nowhere to be found, and she feared the worst. Maybe he never got the letter, maybe he arrived at Oberon castle and Arwin killed him. He could’ve been dragged to serve the new queen of the Vulcan Kingdom, Kenna Hagan. Maybe he even joined their army willingly.

No, Kayden loved her like a sister. He must know something was amiss. She would never harm a king or queen unprovoked, but what if he believed Arwin’s lie claiming that the late Vulcanian king killed her mother?

Valda decided it would be best to not think about Kayden and focus on pooling more resources. Sending a large troop to Puck, a small town near Ophelia, would be her best bet if she wanted to keep an eye on Arwin.

According to reports, Arwin’s army had also been moving into Umbriel, possibly looking for her. Many of his men had already perished by Vulcanian forces.

Good.

The Vulcanians were out for blood,Skylian blood,and Valda doubted they cared if those they killed were with her or with Arwin.

But the enemy of her enemy was her friend, and if she could get a hold of Kenna, then maybe the balance could be shifted. Maybe there was a chance they could win the war. Isen had revealed how Maris didn’t want to get involved in the war, how she wanted to keep her people safe. But that wasn’t for her to decide. As long as Maris was alive, and the Sealians were in Skylian territory, they would have to decide who they would fight for.

If the Sealians already pledged their loyalty to Arwin and Eris, then they would be required to join forces with Arwin. And if they refused to do so, they would be digging their own graves.

With Valda’s strength, and Kenna’s firepower, she wouldn’t need to involve Maris and the other Sealians. She could march right into Oberon Castle and take back what was rightfully hers. But first she needed to find Kenna.

11

---