Page 96 of The Stolen Kingdom

“Another one for the collection,” Valda said, stealing Maris’s focus from her scarred leg and back to her face. “I don’t mind as long as you don’t.”

Maris shook her head tiredly. “I don’t,” she whispered and leaned back before letting out a soft yawn. “Are you leaving now?”

“I have to,” Valda said, giving the wraps one last tug before putting her blouse and pants on. “If we want to get all of this done before another raid,” she sighed and hurriedly moved to the bed to give Maris a terse kiss. “Cerberus can stay with you.”

“She is your cat.”

“Ah, you see, she is your cat too. I think she likes you better.”

“That’s because I give better scratches.”

“Can’t argue there,” Valda chuckled, gently grabbing Maris’s face to peck her lips. “Remember what I told you.”

She remembered. They had stayed up all night talking about their plan. Valda was going to Cressida with at least three soldiers to not draw attention to herself. She would deliver the news to the Sealians, then reunite with Maris at the formations before going to Prospero and making the Vulcanians join them. It was a big stretch, but with the three kingdoms united, Maris was sure they could take on Arwin, Eris, and their army.

“Stay safe. Stay hidden. When in doubt, run.”

“And?” Valda raised her eyebrow.

Maris rolled her eyes and sighed. “Don’t fight if you don’t have to.”

“You are such a good girl for listening to your mate.”

Heat rose to her cheeks, and just as she grabbed Valda’s blouse to pull her down for a kiss, Cerberus jumped on the bed and came between them. With an annoyed grunt, Maris released Valda to pet Cerberus behind her ear. “You better leave before I make you late, darling.”

“I will,” Valda said, sounding more like she wanted to stay.

Maris didn’t want her to go, not when they started healing and getting comfortable around each other again. Yet, she allowed her to, pleading to Asclepius to keep her safe. Before Valda closed the door, she called Cerberus, who jumped on her shoulders.

From inside the chamber, Maris could hear the horses outside the inn, and even though Maris wanted to sleep for a couple more hours, she got up from the bed and watched from the window as Valda left the inn. Two young soldiers waited for her while a third one tied supplies to their horses.

As if being called, Valda turned, looked up at the window, smiled, and waved before hopping on her horse. Cerberus settled in her usual spot behind her. Maris returned the smile tenfold, waving her hand and chanting one last prayer for Valda’s protection. She watched her leave, a guard in front of her while two more guarded her flanks. It wasn’tuntil she couldn’t make her out in the crowd at the city entrance that she finally pulled away from the window.

Yesterday, after their meeting, the news of the Sealians moving was spread by Valda’s soldiers. For once, Maris had to admit that she missed Eyphah. She always had a way with words and with her people, and found ways to persuade them into doing what she believed was right. The city folks in Titania gathered everything they could for their fellow visitors. Wagons, horses, food, and supplies were all prepared for them to leave, and Maris couldn’t help but feel her stomach turn. She was sure Valda could feel her hesitation and weariness because she, too, felt Valda’s soft tug. A reassurance that everything was going to be all right, that she was there, and she wasn’t going anywhere.

Maris decided that a couple more hours of sleep wouldn’t harm anyone. When the sun’s rays seeped into the small window, it was time to get up. It didn’t take Maris long to get ready. She took a cold bath and prepared for the arduous task of riding a horse through a scorching desert. She dressed in light colors, as Valda suggested, and left the room with the trident in her hand. Many dipped their heads to her before continuing on their way. With how things were running, she guessed she would get a move on before midday.

Excellent.

On her way to the welcoming arches by Titania’s entrance, Maris caught a glimpse of both Isen and Melvian. The captain was on top of a wagon, moving some cargo around enough to make some space for Melvian. Melvian was the first to notice her, and her bright smile was contagious enough to make Maris smile back and wave with her free hand. “Morning!”

Isen stopped what he was doing to greet her back. “Good morning.”

“How’s everything going?” Maris asked, lazily patting Melvian’s shoulder. “How’re the contractions?”

“They are fine,” Melvian answered, while Isen grunted in disapproval. Melvian rolled her eyes and sighed. “All right! All right! Talk about overprotectiveness.” She turned to Maris. “They are becoming more frequent, but nothing I cannot handle.” The soft grimace was there, and if Maris could see it, so could Isen.

“Are you feeling all right, though?”

Melvian grinned and nodded. “Peachy.”

“She is having more and more contractions. I’ve been keeping an eye on her. I even told her to stay at the inn while I get everyone ready to leave, but alas—”Isen sighed, his shoulders slumping. “Skylians and their hard heads make it impossible to deal with them.”

“Has she been trying to block her pains from you?”

“Worse!” He sounded desperate and anxious. “She says she is fine when she isn’t.” He turned to Melvian and let out a soft growl, which she returned.

“Can you please stop talking as if I am not here? I am due any time now, but that doesn’t mean I am disabled.”

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