Page 72 of Blood Weaver
He laughed and fought to catch his breath. “Yeah … I thought I did. Guess not as much as I thought.”
“I’m not your enemy, Caelan. I never was,” I said.
“Excuse me?” He furrowed his brows and looked me up and down. “Aren’t you getting a little too comfortable?”
Confused, I tilted my head and tried to remember what I said that must have offended him. Then I realized I forgot to address him asYour Highness. I smacked a hand over my mouth at my mistake. “I’m sorry,” I muttered. “I didn’t—”
He laughed and waved me off. “It’s okay. I’m not as strict with honorifics as Marcellus is.”
I winced at my blunder. “So what are you going to do now? Arrest me?”
He narrowed his eyes and then shook his head. “No. I’m not.”
“Why?”
He raised a brow. “Do youwantme to arrest you?”
“No! Of course not!”
He chuckled. “Then don’t ask why. Just accept my favor. Like you’ve mentioned before, you’ve helped me, I guess I owe you.”
“I know … but you really didn’t have to get involved.”
“No, I didn’t. But like I told you, the Keldaran might be human, but their force is in their military. They are trained to fight people like you and me, and Commander Mykal has a fearsome reputation for cruelty. I wouldn’t want even my worst enemy to fall into his hands.”
Having witnessed Caelan’s cruelty first-hand, I shuddered to think how much worse Mykal would be. “He looks awfully young to be a commander of an army,” I mused.
“He is. He rose up the ranks from a very young age and is the king’s most trusted advisor. I suggest you be careful. Next to the King of Keldara, Commander Mykal Kaiser is the most powerful.”
Understanding the situation before me, I nodded. I should have taken advantage of the situation and killed Mykal when I had the chance, but I didn’t know how important he was to his people. Even if I had to expose myself, it would have been worth it to rid the world of such a menace.
“Are you okay?” Caelan asked. “You’re gritting your teeth so hard, I’m afraid you’re going to chip a tooth.”
I snapped my gaze in his direction and relaxed a bit. “Sorry,” I mumbled. “Just lost in thought. Why are you here, anyway, Your Highness? Shouldn’t you be preparing to attack the Crimson Clan?” I asked cheekily.
“Marcellus is leading the army. It’shis, anyway, as someone reminded me earlier.” He narrowed his eyes on me. “Don’t think I’ll share any secrets with you, because I won’t. I still don’t trust you.”
I laughed. “I know. I just found it odd that you’re here and not out in the wilderness with the rest of the army.”
He nodded. “I got wind of Commander Mykal roaming Lomewood’s streets and decided to take advantage and get him off the chess board.”
I winced. “Oh. I guess I messed that up for you, huh?”
He shook his head. “No, he’s crafty. I knew there was a good chance I wouldn’t catch him.” He sighed and straightened. “Well, this is where we part, Leila. Let’s not meet again. Stay safe.”
I smiled up at him. “Thanks.” When he turned to leave, I murmured, “Nowthat’sthe Caelan I know and love.”
He stopped mid-stride and peered over his shoulder with a frown. “What did you say?”
My eyes widened in shock. “Nothing! I didn’t say anything.”
He paused for a moment before he turned back around and walked down the dark, lonely streets of Lomewood.
I snuckinto the Rose Petal again and stealthily made my way to Selene’s room on the second floor. I entered without knocking and shut the door behind me. Tiptoeing into the room, I found Selene sitting in front of her dresser mirror, combing her long, raven black hair.
“Selene?” I whispered.
She nearly jumped out of her skin, then spun around in her chair with a sigh of relief. “Oh, thank the gods! I thought you were never going to show up.” She stood quickly and gave me a fierce hug. “All my personal belongings are packed and I’m ready to go.”
