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When Cassia heard Lord Hadrian’s voice beside her, it took her a moment to realize he was speaking to her. She rose from Perita’s cot.
He gave Cassia a bow, one befitting his queen’s sister. “She says we have you to thank for bringing her back to us.”
Cassia doubted she could persuade him not to address her as a princess now. But she knew it was purely a sign of his love for Solia, so she let it pass. “She would have returned to us, no matter what it took, but Ambassador Deukalion and I helped her reach us sooner.”
Lord Hadrian lifted Cassia’s hand, as if to kiss it, but merely held it. He seemed to find no more words. But they needed none. They had both been there the night they had believed Solia lost forever. They understood what her return meant, as no one else could.
Cassia finally stowed her weapon, sliding her spade back into her satchel. She rested her hand on Lord Hadrian’s sinewy, scarred one. “We remained true, and now all shall be well.”
He laughed suddenly, an edge of joy in the sound. “So it shall.”
With Kella at her side, Solia came to stand at the foot of Perita’s cot. Perita’s gaze rose from her child, and she stared.
“My lady…?” she asked Cassia, her voice querulous.
A smile spread across Cassia’s face. “Allow me to present Perita, once my faithful handmaiden and always my friend. You have already met her husband Callen in battle. Perita, Callen, our true queen has returned.”
Callen made to scramble to his feet, but Solia held up a hand. “At ease.”
He sank back down next to his wife, clearly at a loss for words.
“Gods above! My lady, how—? You can make anything possible, that’s how.” Perita seemed to realize this was her first impression on her lost and future queen, and bowed her head. “Your Majesty.”
Solia gave Perita and Callen one of her gentle smiles, which was disarming despite the sword at her waist. “Thank you for your devotion to my sister. I too had a handmaiden who sacrificed…everything…for me. Your loyalty to Cassia will never be forgotten in my reign.”
“I’d still follow her anywhere,” Perita said fiercely.
“And I will still protect you,” Cassia vowed.
Solia touched the child’s head, and a hush came over the gathering at that royal blessing, a mark of honor that would stay with him his life long. “Have you chosen a name yet?”
Callen found his voice. “After my father, Your Majesty, same as me.”
Perita glowed with pride. “Little Callen will be a good man and a fine warrior, just like his papa and grandpapa.”
“I lost my father too early.” Callen gave Kella a deep nod. “Thanks to your comrade, my son won’t suffer the same. May I know her name, so I can honor my life debt?”
Cassia passed Callen’s question on to Kella in Divine, and the mercenary sheathed her fortune blade. “Give him my name and tell him I will hold his life debt with fairness.”
Cassia repeated this assurance in Vulgus. “You are fortunate, Callen. She holds many life debts in the Empire, and you are the first on these shores. The woman who saved your life is Kella, First Blade of the Ashes, daughter of Queen Hinan of the Azarqi.”
“And my trusted friend,” Solia added. “Honor her as befits a princess from our ally, the Empire.”
“I am at your service, Princess Kella,” Callen replied.
“Thank you for protecting my husband, Your Highness,” said Perita.
After Cassia translated, Kella’s indigo lips curved into a grin. “I wouldn’t let those bloodless kill a friend of yours, Shadow. Knocking a few undead off of him was fun. Don’t tell him I said that, though.”
Solia turned to Miranda. “You bravely defended Perita and her child today. Your courage and loyalty will not be forgotten, either.”
Miranda managed a curtsy, leaning on the broken cot leg like a cane. “I am grateful for your consideration, Your Majesty.”
Perita held out a hand to Miranda, and her friend reached over to grip it. Cassia’s heart tightened with a mix of happiness and envy. She was glad Perita had such a good friend here. But she missed being that friend.
“Is Pakhne all right?” Perita asked.
“Resting from using so much magic,” Cassia said smoothly. She would not taint this moment of joy with sad news. There would be time for her friends to confront Pakhne’s plight later. But Lord Hadrian needed to know the truth now.
