They caw again, and I smile. “Yes, yes, I know. Less talking, more speed.” As I pull the satchel shut, the crows hop closer, their heads tilting curiously. “Don’t worry, I won’t forget your treats.” I fish out a couple of crumbs from my pocket. “Wouldn’t want my protectors to go hungry on the road to Karra, now would we?”
A few days ago, I started sharing my leftover bread with them. At first, they were cautious, eyeing me from a distance. But it didn’t take long for them to close the gap, drawn by the promise of easy meals. Now, they’re almost like my travel companions, albeit ones with sharp beaks and an appetite for both bread and commentary.
I place the last of my belongings in the bag tied to my waist and straighten as I think of everything that happened today. Attending the ascension ceremony. Watching as the flames carried the Bloodstone warriors to the afterlife. They died for vengeance and peace so the rest of us can thrive.
I add frankincense resin to a brazier and stare up at the sky through the open tent flap.Give their families peace, Olah. Please, give them peace.
ChapterThirty-Nine
Hector turns his army and points them north, back toward Karra. Back toward the place where we will prosper and raise a family. I believe it with every fiber of my being. We will prosper in Karra. Hector will prosper. The entire Bloodstone tribe will prosper there.
It takes us a month before we reach Karra. Especially since Hector insists that I travel in a wagon the entire time.
Celebration fills the streets as people gather in thick masses to welcome us home. I glance over at Hector, seeing the smile on his face. All that sternness is gone, that pain, that anger. I look at Everly next, walking with Cenric. He hasn’t allowed her out of his sight. She grins at me, and I grin back as happiness sweeps through me—happy to finally be here again, happy to start over in Karra.
My hand lowers to my abdomen as one of the twins kicks me.
Concern flickers in Hector’s eyes. “Are you all right?”
I nod.
“We will be at the palace soon. You can rest,” he says, his voice thick with worry.
Determined to keep him close to me, I thread my fingers with his, clinging to his hand. “I would like that.”
He tucks my cloak closer to my body and draws me against him as we continue walking. After days of riding in a wagon, I told him I wanted to walk through the city when we arrived.
It gives me a chance to look around, to take in the buildings, the children running through the streets, the merchants selling their wares.
Karra is my city too.
My people.
My responsibility.
As we approach the palace, Wrenley and Kheldar greet us. Adelaide hurries between them and looks around until her eyes settle on Luc.
“Father!” she cries.
Joy soars through me as he runs to her and gathers her into his arms, and she clings to him. I watch them, thinking about Kassandra—how much she would have loved being Adelaide’s mother and Luc’s wife. She was robbed of both.
I sway against Hector, exhaustion settling deep into my bones. It’s been far too long since I have been able to really rest. He holds me against him and turns to address Wrenley.
“Will you take Sol to her bedchamber?”
“Of course.” Wrenley steps forward and smiles at me. “I would be happy to.”
Tenderly, Hector pulls me close, his arms sturdy, comforting. “I’ll check on you shortly.”
“All right.” I splay my hands across his chest, feeling him beneath my fingertips. “I’ll see you soon, my love.”
As his mouth parts, I turn away, walking with Wrenley toward the stairs.
Should I have said that when we’re alone? It’s not like I thought about the words first. If I had, I would have told him I love him.
I love you, Hector.
Always and forever.
