Page 99 of Legacy of the Heirs
Alvan smiled softly.
“When this is all over, I will check for you. It would be nice for Zarya to understand where she comes from.” Larelle returned his smile, grateful for how well he understood her. Shells scattered again when Alvan placed his goblet down and slowly turned to Larelle. He reached for her cheek, allowing her every opportunity to retreat at his affection. Shells scattered again.
“I said I would always be here,” Alvan murmured, glancing at her lips. “I mean that.” Larelle’s heart pounded as he traced her lip with his thumb. He waited, scanning her eyes. She nodded silently, wishing to revisit their first kiss. Alvan’s stubble grazed her chin as his lips met her in a quiet, tender kiss.
He pulled back, and she immediately mourned the absence of his lips whilst appreciating the respect he had for her daughter nearby. The shells had stopped scattering, and Larelle turned her head, readying to answer Zarya’s question about the kiss and tell her of her happiness.
Zarya sat cross-legged in her dress, resting her hands on her knees with shells in either palm. Her eyes burned into her mother’s.
“Mumma, is someone going to die in the desert?” she asked. Larelle frowned and walked over to her daughter.
“Of course not, sweetheart.” Larelle pulled Zarya into a hug, the shells falling, and looked at Alvan over her head.
“How does she know about the desert?” she whispered.
“Her mature awareness, I suppose.”
Chapter Fifty-Four
Soren
They were ruining the Lord of Night’s plan, but did Soren even know his plan anymore? Her armour clinked as she paced the palace gardens, unsure why her feet had led her here, surrounded by plants she had never seen on Doltas or in Garridon.Why can I not stop moving?Too much whirled in her brain: the others fiercely defending Kazaar, the discussions of Sonos and Sitara, and the letter. Soren thought it absurd that the others would sacrifice so many for one man.Caligh.
Is that your name? Is it you?Soren thought the similarity in the general’s tone was no coincidence.
Watch for the dark one that will bring suffering to all.The memory of the lord’s shadows entered her mind, shrouded in darkness. Dark one. Soren was confused as to why the lord had kept things from her and kept the final lines of the prophecy secret. Her thoughts felt foreign, and her body felt lucid. Laughter sounded from the other side of the wall from the public gardens. Would the lord return to her tonight? What would she say when she had failed his requests? Had she become lax in his absence and lowered her guard for these people? The birds chirped overhead to begin their evening flight. What if I kill them both now? Would that be enough for him? Nearby, a heavy door slammed shut. Soren could sneak into their rooms at night and slit their throats. That could work. The birds chirped again, mixed with the sound of footsteps.
“Get out of my head!” Soren screamed, punching the low wall of the fountain until blood splattered from her knuckles. “Get out!”
A hand gripped her shoulder, and Soren spun, reaching for herdagger. Panting, she held the blade to the neck of the man bold enough to sneak up on her.
“Woah! Easy!” Sir Cain said in his rough accent. He raised his hands to show he was unarmed. Soren remained still, with the dagger poised beneath the ginger scruff on his neck. She scanned his wide eyes for ill intent but found nothing. Her breathing eased.He is unarmed; he would not attack you. He is a man of honour, unlike you.Soren lowered her hands.
“Sorry,” she mumbled, and Sir Cain raised his eyebrows.
“Did you just apologise?”
Soren scoffed. “Do not get used to it.” Sir Cain looked her up and down, pausing on her bloodied hand. She wiped it on the thin bit of fabric visible between her body armour and legs. “Do not look at me,” she mumbled, turning from him. Soren wiped her face with her hands. Sleep. She needed sleep.
“I was asked to find you,” Sir Cain said gruffly. Soren sighed and tilted back her head before composing her features.
“What for?” she asked.
“Plans are in place. The rulers leave for the sands the day after tomorrow. I thought it wise you should get there tomorrow, given you’re leading part of the infantry.” Soren narrowed her eyes. What was his angle? Soren frowned.It could be a trap. What if he was getting her to lower her guard before taking her out?
“Since when?”
“Since I’m not blind. I may not trust ya, but you’re a good fighter and a commanding leader. The soldiers are scared shitless of you and would do anything you told them.”
Soren pondered it for a moment. If she left the palace now, she would not be privy to their other plans. What if this was merely a ruse to get rid of her for good? On the other hand, she might lay eyes on the general before the others to confirm if it was the man she had known since childhood. Perhaps he would appear more vividly to Soren if she was closer to him, assuming he was indeed on the shores of Myara.
“Okay,” Soren relented, and Sir Cain nodded.
“Meet me in the courtyard before sunrise.” He did not give Soren time to retort as he left the public gardens, leaving Soren alone with her thoughts once more. She was not so certain she enjoyed being alone with her mind anymore.
***
The darkness in her mind looked the same. Soren breathed the scent of night air and dreams, twisting and grounding her. She had missed it. Since the Lord of Night’s absence, she had tried to reach him on her own terms but to no avail. Blackened leaves crunched underfoot as she walked forward and wrapped her arms around herself. Soren’s breath plumed like smoke; she did not remember it being this cold.
