AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“While that may be true, there are human forces involved, too, and witches. I do not want her in danger.”
Sora looked at me knowingly, making me uncomfortable. I had tried not to think of Luella, but it was not easy. I had to tire my body the whole day so that I could sleep during the night. I wanted to fall into a deep sleep once my head hit the pillow.
“People are afraid of her, but you are afraid for her.”
“Yes. She is my wife.”
“You have never shown interest in women. We were surprised that you agreed to the marriage. We were afraid that it would fail like many of the arranged marriages in Arrowspear. Yet, when I saw Her Majesty Queen Luella for the first time, I saw that I need not worry.”
“Why?”
“She loves you.”
“She does not.”
“Oh, but you should see how people seem when they talk about someone. You should see her face when she talks to Rowali.”
“If she cares for Rowali, it does not mean that she loves me. She has begun to like me, though.”
“ But you have not heard her pride whenever she said, “my husband.” I am sorry, Your Majesty if I speak out of turn. I feel that the two of you will be stronger together, not apart.”
I warmed at the thought that she was proud to call me her husband. I would like to think that, too, that she loved me, but that meant one thing – one dangerous thing. I wanted Luella here with me, but I had already lost so much.
“I want her here, too,” I admitted to Sora. “We may need to work harder, fight this war, instead of avoiding it. Then, perhaps, she can return to Prozeus.”
Sora left on her camel to engage the rest of her witches while Lucia proceeded to explore the village with some of my men.
The next few days were spent working on making Prozeus stronger. I was proud that we were making breakthroughs. We had doubled our guards somehow, recruiting some of the stronger men in the village. Not all of them could fight well. Many did not know how to apply strategy, but most of them were eager and persistent. They were also fearless, a trait not often tested in Prozeus.
On the other hand, Lucia had found a few witches. They did not even know what they were. Their powers were weak, but together they could help in the resistance.
The Seers had also come to the palace for refuge. They were still struck dumb from the massacre. I hoped then that the Touch and the Ninurta would not attack too early because our witches and warriors needed some time. I needed some time.
The six witches were housed in two large rooms on the top floor. They were huddled together, more in shock than actual training. Their minds were still reeling from the events. The only ones who seemed ready to use some clairvoyance on our enemies were Aruna and Samara.
They joined me, Leevar, Lucia, and Clem in my study.
“You are very courageous to come here a-after what happened,” Leevar said, his eyes intent on Samara.
“We are not courageous, I am afraid. We are just trying to survive. As for me, I will never feel the same pain my sisters are feeling. Their bonds are deeper. I am merely a foreigner,” Samara explained.
“You are not just a foreigner, Samara,” assured Aruna. “You are one of us, and you have long proven your loyalty.”
“How did she prove her loyalty, and where did she come from?” I asked.
I could feel Leevar’s startled and hurt gaze on me. He needed to sort himself out. He might be a warrior, but this woman had him forgetting caution.
“She is from Mogochislenia, Your Majesty. Her ancestors were, but she had been born right here in Arrowspear. She is ours,” Aruna insisted. “She has helped us so many times in the past. The instances are too numerous to mention. Of course, do not forget that she traveled through the storm to get to you.”
It was probably ungrateful to think that Samara did not have to travel through much of the storm. Tarkus was not that far away, and the storm was centered in Prozeus. Everywhere else around our kingdom was safe.
“The people of Prozeus are thankful, certainly, and we are mourning with you on the loss of your sisters. What do we do now? Do you believe it is safe for me to head to Rama and seek some help there? Would it be best to make do with what we have?”
“We do not know who our enemies at Rama are. We need to scry more to find out,” Aruna advised.
“So, we shall,” Samara confirmed. “Our other sisters are still in distress, but Madame Aruna and I can begin finding Rowan.”
“She left some strands of hair. It should help us find her faster.”
