Page 100 of The King's Man
“You’ll still be here, Jann. I don’t pretend to know all the things God gave us, or how they work. But I know this: Be careful not to touch anything—unless I’ve intended for us to pass through something, you’ll still hold space in the world, whether they can see you or not. If you bump into a weapons stack, or kick a stone I didn’t pass through, they’ll still move.”
He nodded, his expression softening as he looked down to where our wrists were bound together and slid his fingers between mine. “I suppose we should get moving. We can travel for a couple of hours before the sun rises.”
My breath grew tight then when he raised his gaze to meet my eyes.
“Are you ready? Really ready, Dee? Do you trust me? Because the only people we’re going to have to rely on for the duration of this is each other.”
I swallowed hard, that little voice in the back of my head, screaming caution. But I nodded. Because the much stronger conviction thrummed between us in that glowing cord that anchored my soul to his.
“I’m ready.”
More than ready, in fact. I waseager.Because we would be alone. Finally, trulyalone. The thought of leaving behind this horde of beast-men and their alpha-male bullshit was a relief on its own. But to go in the arms of my mate and to have the freedom to explore that. To explorehimwhile still fulfilling my purpose.
“Let’s do this.”
37.In Flight
~ JANN ~
I’d fantasized at times about taking a mate. Imagined a female who admired me. Who’d wait for me. But in all those silly dreams, I’d never once imagined that she’d be a soldier, eager to fight at my side, full of intelligent questions, and capable of astute, strategic advice.
And I’ddefinitelynever imagined that she’d instruct me to pick her up and carry her through a war camp while she made us invisible.
The moment we walked straightthroughthe side of the tent was so unnerving, I almost stopped on the other side and insisted that we simply sneak out like normal people.
But thankfully, there was no more need for her to pass us through physical barriers. By sticking to the paths that avoided campfires and patrols, I soon had her out to that bowl of earth where Melek had faced the challenges to take the crown. It was empty, but dark with night.
“Don’t use any more of your strength,” I murmured in her ear now that we were alone, lowering her to her feet so she stood with her back to me. “My wings are sufficient to this.”
Manifesting my wings, I snapped them wide, smiling when she turned to stare at them as I stretched and flapped twice, reminding my back muscles of their weight and strength.
She wasn’t the only one who would be tired by the time we stopped. But this magik, at least, was something I understood.
When I’d strapped her to my chest and she assured me that she was ready, I looped our bound hands in front of her belly and held her to me as I shot us into the sky.
She sucked in a breath and I felt the jolt of her fear in the bond, but it only made her cling harder to my arm, so I didn’t complain.
The next few hours were some of the most satisfying of my life.
I knew my purpose, and even if I was somewhat wary of Melek’s plan, we were at least aligned in the goal to find Gall and Istral, and prepare Melek for any potential hazards on the journey.
I turned Yilan’s surprising reassurance over in my mind more than once—did she know what had passed between Melek and I? Or had that only been a Ruler reassuring her loyal subject? I hadn’t known what to say in case she’d simply stumbled into the core of my fear.
But this was Yilan,I reminded myself. The woman didnothingwithout three motives unspoken.
I suspected she understood far more than she was letting on. But there was also nothing I could do but follow the orders I’d been given—and watch out for dangers that might threaten my mate.
We’d known from the beginning that there was a very serious risk Gall and Istral had been taken—or killed—by the Fallen. Itsickened me that I’d rather learn they were being tortured by our resentful enemies. But the fact remained… it was safer for all of us if the obstacle to their freedom was mortal.
It was unlikely, but definitely possible. Which was why Melek’s unspoken warnings felt so heavy. Heknewwhat he was asking of me if—
‘You’re quiet,’Diadre observed. Which was when I realized we’d been flying for an hour and barely spoken. And that this gift of hers to speak in the mind was precious. Usually in order to communicate while we flew, we were reduced to hand signals, or shouting over the sound of rushing wings—which was fine if it was just Neph boys playing around. But hardly conducive to hunting, or covert travel.
‘I’d forgotten we could speak this way,’I replied honestly.‘It’s surreal to me.’
‘There’s alotabout this that’s surreal,’she sent, a smile in her tone.‘Perhaps this is a good time to practice our linking, though. So we’ll be stronger when we need it.’
I frowned.‘This link can strengthen?’
