Page 65 of Maleen

“And mend fences,” Ceila adds, crossing her arms.

“And mend fences,” he repeats, reluctantly. “Are you happy?” he throws at me, clearly annoyed.

“Extremely,” I smile. “As is your mother.”

His eye twitches. I know his brother taking part in the rebellion is a sore spot for him. I understand that he feels betrayed. After all, he lost sight in his eye keeping Evander and his mother safe, even if he tells everyone that it was because his stepmother was jealous—which I suppose is part of it. All the things his father and his chosen mate did to him was to keep them safe. But that is something they need to hash out between siblings.

“Come, let’s spar while we wait for our parents to gather their belongings.” I jerk my head in the direction of the training yard.

His eyes glint with excitement. It’s best he gets the energy out now, before we get back to Maleen. Jesper practically skips out of the room, eager for the challenge.

His mother sighs. “Thank you. I know he’s hurt, but I can’t stand to see them fighting anymore.”

“Everything will work out,” I tell her. “You know, Jesper is fiercely protective and doesn’t let go of grudges easily. He loves him, that’s why he’s so angry.”

“I know; it’s my job to try and guide them though. It’s harder now that they are older. Parenting never stops, you’ll learn that one day.” She smiles softly. “Go on. It won’t take me long to be ready.”

I dip my head and follow after Jesper. I haven’t thought of being a parent, and the thought warms my heart, but I won’t bring a fledgling into a war-torn realm. If we all make it through this war, then maybe I’ll let my mind ponder the idea.

The night air is refreshing as I step out onto the training field. I take a deep breath, searching for my brother in arms. Three consecutive thuds have me turning toward the archery targets where I see Jesper already on his way to collect his throwing blades.

My boots crunch against the dirt and sand as I amble over to him. He throws his blades again, hitting the bullseye, the thin blades side by side.

He sighs, hearing me approach. “Do you think I’m taking it too far with Evander?”

I step up beside him, both of us staring at the red ringed target. “I think you need to talk with him, and actually listen to what he says. We both know you tend to kill first and not ask questions later. You two used to be so close.”

He’s silent as he goes and collects his blades, and when he reaches me once more he throws them again, hitting the same marks. “I do miss him,” he whispers, and I keep quiet; it’s not often we get to see this side of him. “It just pisses me off! This whole situation fucking pisses me off. The only good things to come out of it are Ravina and you guys.”

Tisur broadcasts his bond so I can hear. “I better be included in that statement, rider,” he huffs.

“Of course you are, that should be obvious. Who else would catch me when I do something ridiculous.”

I can practically hear his eyeroll. “It’s bizarre being able to hear everyone up here now.” I tap my temple, chuckling quietly.

He throws the blades again. “It’s never a dull moment.” He sighs. “I will talk to him tomorrow. Now are we going to spar so I can kick your ass all the way back to Maleen, or are we going to stand here gossiping like females during afternoon tea?”

I smirk, unclasping my cloak. “It will be your ass being kicked back to Maleen.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

BACK IN MALEEN, I ROLL over in the bed and come face to face with Talyn. “Good morning,” I sing.

He groans and rolls away from me. “You are way too chipper, especially this early, especially being gone most the night,” he rumbles into Ravina’s hair. “How did that go, anyway?”

I pout. “My mother had conditions for me before she would come. I agreed, so everyone is here, safe and sound. Killian left to wake the troops for early training when Aemon and I got back.” Aemon’s soft snores sound from the other side of Rav. He used his shadows to get there before me. Completely unfair if you ask me.

Ravina’s beautiful sleepy voice mutters, “Conditions?” She stretches and rolls onto her back, so she can see me.

“She wants me to talk with my brother… Would you maybe want to come with me? Emotional support and all that?” I ask, giving her my best pleading eyes. There’s no way she can say no to this face. I’m adorable.

She laughs, leaning up to kiss me, and fuck does she taste so good, morning breath and all. “Of course I’ll come and make sure you don’t stab him. I’d like to get to know him better anyway, since he’s been spending a lot of time with my sister.”

A deep sigh leaves me and I don’t care if the smile I’m wearing for her is goofy. She gets me. I lean across Talyn who hisses in distaste, but I ignore him and give her a kiss. “Thank you, Beastie. It means the realm to me.”

“Of course.” She smiles up at me.

Talyn shoves me off him. “Alright, let me out.”