I turn around and stand before the companions forged in terror and death. In the depths of a hell realm where none of us thought we’d survive.
“You wish to stay here, Kaide?” I ask. “You don’t want to go home?”
He shakes his head, his feather tattoo darker and more detailed in the light of the sun. “The Otherworlders burned my village, and my brother is no longer with me.” He lowers his head for a moment, then looks back up at me. “I admire your honor and strength, Protector Kaliope. I wish to join your order . . . this order of the Nactue, and help fight the coming darkness.”
I raise my eyebrows and look to Lilly and Kai. They glance at each other and then shrug. A small smile curls Lilly’s lips. I’d do anything to see her full, bright smile again. Anything.
The protectors of the Nactue Guard have always been women. But I’ve learned many things during my trial, and one is that women are not the only ones who can serve and rule and nurture.
Glancing at Bax holding his baby, his wife by his side, I know that a father can protect and be the caregiver to safeguard his family, too. Caben proved that men show their love through courage and strength, though it may be donned stubbornly and with pomp, it’s also how they protect those they care for. And a man who carries true pride is not arrogant, as how I assumed.
Truthfully, it’s not my decision as to who will replace the fallen women of the Nactue, but the empress once entrusted me with the knowledge that her and I are very much alike. I believe she will accept my request to choose my new members.
I extend my hand to Kaide. “It would be an honor to fight beside you, Kaide.”
Accepting my hand with a firm shake, his chest swells. He then looks at our other companions standing around.
Lena shakes her head. “Don’t look at me,” she says, lacing her arms over her chest. “I’m an assassin. We work alone.”
Whip steps forward. “I owe my life to the women of the Nactue. I’d be proud if you’d accept my request to be one of them.”
I smile. “Request granted.”
Bax looks up. “I cannot risk those I have sworn to protect.” He cuddles his baby boy closer. “But I’ll offer my services in council, if you’ll have me.”
“Of course, Bax,” I say. “I would have asked you before your offer in the Cury.” Our eyes meet with understanding. “And don’t throw your sword out just yet. We may need it.”
He chuckles. “No, protector. My fighting days are over.”
Lena groans. “All right. All Right. I want in, too. But don’t think I’m going to take orders. You can ask me to do something, but I decide if it’s what I wish to do.” She levels me with a hard glare. “Until I’m called away.”
“Lena,” I say, and I’m tempted to turn her down. But I consider her skills, and think they could be used for good. And, at least I can watch her closely this way. “Of course it would be an honor.”
She smirks, and walks toward the left wing of the palace. “I’m getting cleaned up.” A guard trails behind her.
The others nod to me and then depart, going off to rest and recover, the guards of Laryn escorting them. Lilly links her arm through mine. “Let’s check in with the Council and request to see our parents,” she says. “I know that you’re barely holding it together right now.”
I cover her arm with my hand. “You know me better than anyone, Lills.”
My heart pangs with the knowledge that there is one other, one man who knows the depths of my soul.
I will get him back.
After we’ve spoken with the Council, we discovered they brought our family to the Laryn refugee camp located near Court. Both my mother and father, as well as the other Nactue’s families, were looked after by the high council of Laryn. As family to the personal protectors to the failing empress of Cavan, they received the best treatment. For that, I’m eternally indebted to the king and his people.
Lilly and I plan the memorial for the fallen Nactue, and Lilly appeals for a special ceremony to be held for Willa’s family. Something small and just for them and her friends. Willa lived in the same poor quarter as us, and her family won’t be able to afford a personal ceremony.
I’m overjoyed when the Council agrees.
I mourn the loss of Willa, my close friend, and the other Nactue. They will never be replaced in my heart. I mourn the loss of never having a chance to truly lead them. But I’ve formed a new bond with the volunteers. These are the people I fought with, against, and beside—and I know there’s a reason, a purpose that we were brought together.
A frown pulls my lips down as I squeeze Caben’s ring between my palms. I still have to tell the empress of Caben’s wish that I oversee his kingdom. The weight of that responsibility weighs on me and tugs at my heart. But I vowed it to him. And I will see my promise through. I will make sure his people are given a great, temporary ruler until their true king is returned to them.
This, I vow.
Acknowledgements
I was tested many times during the creation of this story. It’s not easy to write about subject matter such as death, killing, war, madness, and evil goddesses. I nearly stopped halfway through, convinced that readers would question my sanity. But the burning desire to tell the stories of these characters pushed me through the dark times. And my family and friends, though not disputing the fact that I might be a little off, supported me the whole way with their love and encouragement. Thank you to everyone who had a hand in the making of this book. I couldn’t have done it without you.