Astarte's Wrath (Kythan Guardians 0.50)

“Your Highness,” I say, my words cutting through the tension in the air. Cleopatra looks at me. “What Fadil says of the Leymak is true. They are nearly unstoppable, and they have been sent to abduct Pharaoh Caesarion by any means. Only the barrier halts their efforts. I will defend him with all that I am”—I glance at Xarion, conviction burning radiant blue in my eyes—“only I fear I’ll not be enough to protect him against their forces. They’ve surely been waiting for their moment, and they’ll be on us the moment we attempt escape.”

Rolling her shoulders back, Cleopatra infuses her being with power, as if she’s summoning Isis from within. “I appreciate your candid honesty, Astarte. You’ve always looked after my son, just as your mother did for me.” I blink, the ache in my throat irritating my sinuses. “That is why you’ve been chosen to lead this mission, and may choose a number of guardians to accompany you.” She takes my hand, the action so intimate my breathing halts. “We will wait for the moment Octavian and his legions descend. With a f

ull attack against the Leymak, our guardians will provide a diversion for your escape. There is a secret tunnel through the catacombs that leads outside of Alexandria. Once you’re through, you’ll head straight to the Red Sea port of Berenice. I’m sending enough riches to secure your route to India, where you’ll hide. And even I cannot know the exact location.”

It’s a frantic plan—a mother’s desperate strategy to save her son. Everything is against us. The Leymak, traveling the thin veil of the aether, may have spies as far as the Red Sea. But I have something they don’t.

A love that will stop at nothing to defend the true heir to Egypt and Rome.

I bow my head. “I will guard him with my life.”

Chapter Fourteen

In the weeks that follow, hastened plans are made, barriers around the city are fortified, and the guardians prepare for the war of the century.

A war that could change the rule of the world.

I never doubted that I would one day peer at Xarion from a knelt position as he graced the Roman throne. Like his mighty father before him, he would rule with strength and honor. Bridging the ever sought after union of the two greatest nations of the modern world. Something that Cleopatra has deemed to do since she took rule of Egypt.

I believe she’s always known her first born would be the one to join the divide, and that is why now—even with Fadil’s foreboding of the gods cleansing Egypt of the Ptolemies’ sacrilege—she holds her head high, commanding her guardians with prestige for the oncoming battle.

As much as I love Xarion, and will do everything within my power to see that day realized, I also love my queen. My binds assure that I do as she commands, but I’m thankful that her faith in her son has never wavered. Not even as she looks into the eye of the storm.

I will hold steadfast to her faith. Make it my own.

As I’ve been appointed the job of organizing Xarion’s escape, I’ve chosen guardians to accompany us that I trust with my life. With Xarion’s life. The queen alleviated Phoenix and Lunia of their guardian duty to the royal children, and reassigned them to our mission. Although Phoenix has been distracted lately, I can’t think of a more dedicated warrior for our cause. He’s still one of my closest friends, and he comes through when he’s needed the most.

They both work alongside me in secret, plotting and waiting.

But as powerful as my friends are, we’ll need more. At least one more guardian to counter a small legion’s attack. A small group, so we’re not easily spotted moving through the red land. I’m counting on Octavian’s assumption that a pharaoh would travel with an army. And though that course is probably the wisest, it won’t afford us cover. When the time comes, invisibility will be a better companion to our plight.

As Antonius and Fadil spend their days training the guardians for the upcoming battle—the military expertise of Antonius being combined with the sorcerer’s ancient methods to wield a more powerful force—Xarion bounces between occupations.

He practices the sword with his stepfather, preparing for any threat, and spends time with his mother, learning to rule his kingdom. The fact that Cleopatra continues to prepare her son to be King gives me hope. But then, there are days I glimpse sadness in her dark eyes, as if she’s resigned herself to some fate, and it fills me with dread.

I only pray that her fears are never realized.

The cool sea breeze blows against my face, and I lift my head. Allow the scent and feel of my home to comfort me. I stand on my chamber terrace, trying to memorize the way the light of Pharos glimmers on the harbor waters. The way the distant sound of crashing waves—the city’s constant music; its rhythm—soothes me.

Soon, the sounds and smells and comforts will be but a memory, and I want to imprint them on my Ba. I miss my home already.

“I’ve found you.”

I turn to see Xarion leaning against the frame of my terrace door. A slight smile curves his beautiful lips, and his arms are crossed over his bronze muscled cuirass.

Feeling brave, I slip close and wrap my arms around his waist, the brass studs of his belt pressing against my stomach. “I wasn’t hiding,” I say, looking up into his face. I can see his exhaustion there, in the dark crescents under his eyes, though he’s putting on a good front. “I’d never tempt a great hunter.”

He chuckles as he steps away long enough to slip off his breastplate, then he embraces me. Leaning down, he whispers in my ear, “You’re always tempting.” Running his thumb over my cheek, he lowers his face before mine, his breaths shallow. “In fact, your power of seduction is having its desired effect on me right now.” His lips softly brush mine, sweet and inviting at first, then he deepens the kiss.

I realize that anyone could walk in, and I begin to pull away. “Xarion, my room is not secure,” I say between his kisses.

He groans against my lips, and the deep rumble sends my hands into his hair, pulling him to me. I feel him smile. He scoops me into his arms, his lips never leaving mine, and walks us inside.

My sense breaks through, and I whisper, “Lunia or Phoenix could come looking for me and—”

“That’s what locks were designed for,” he interrupts.

I laugh. “Oh, that will not stop either of them.”