Rowan looked Kara up and down, clearly assessing. “I have to say, you don’t look as soft as I was expecting.”
Oh for fuck’s sake, Ro.
“Ro,” Sebastian groaned.
But Kara allowed crimson to spark along her hands – his magic, answering her call. Not threatening. Just... demonstrating.
That’s my girl.
“I can hold a blade,” Kara said evenly.
“Oh,” Rowan said, clearly intrigued. “You are interesting.”
She’s more than interesting, trust me.
“If we survive this,” Rowan said lightly, “you can spar with me. I’d like to see if that crimson burns as sharp as it looks.”
Kara grinned. “Deal.”
“Wonderful, just what I need, you two conspiring,” Sebastian interjected. His gaze scanned over the camp beyond them, searching. “Is Saffra here?” he asked hopefully.
He didn’t particularly want his baby sister in a warzone, but Gods, it would be good to see her.
Rowan’s lips curved. “No. Father kept her in Thorne.”
He frowned, both disappointment and relief filling him. “She’s of age. She should be here.”
Rowan shrugged. “Father won’t risk her, not with Draknor at our shores. You know how he is.”
Sebastian let out a long breath.
I do. She’s the one child that reminds him of Mother.
“She must be furious.”
Rowan smiled wryly. “Oh, she is. But she’s safe.” She looked towards the Thorne encampment. “So. Our Lord Father, bringing the prodigal son back into the fold?” Her tone was light, but her eyes were knowing. “Good luck, brother.”
Yes, I know this won’t be easy.
“I’m not asking for forgiveness, Ro.”
Rowan sheathed her blade. “You’ll do fine,” she said, nodding curtly. “Don’t keep Father waiting.”
Sebastian turned to Kara. “Come on,” he said, pulling her gently along with him. Towards his father’s encampment, their crimson and black House banners growing larger with each step. When they arrived he saw that Tobias had gathered the Thorne soldiers ready for him, a sea of crimson cloaks and steel helms assembled before the Thorne command tent. Captains, lieutenants, seasoned fighters who had bled in his father’s service – and who had, until recently, raised blades against him.
Sebastian took a breath.
Then moved to join his father at his side. He kept Kara behind him, safe with Kaelen. He couldn’t look at her now.
I have to do this.
Tobias’s voice was like a war drum, carrying over the battalions. “Soldiers of Thorne,” he barked. “You know me. You know what I’ve asked of you before. And you know my heir.” His hand clamped down hard on Sebastian’s shoulder. “Sebastian Thorne, Second Commander of our forces. You will, as you have done in many battles before, show him the same respect you show me. From this moment on, you forget the events of the last few weeks. His word is mine.”
The ripple moved through the ranks. Whispers. Murmurs. Not all friendly.
“He killed our men,” someone hissed.
“Ourbrothers,” one agreed.
