Grave of Dandelions by Joyce Gee

Author:Joyce Gee
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Publisher: 5310 Publishing
Published: 2024-06-08T00:00:00+00:00

SIXTEEN

“Why can’t I stay with you?”

Hugging Ona tightly, Eirian met Brenna’s gaze and silently pleaded for her to take the girl away. Putting a hand on her shoulder, Aiden crouched to smile sadly.

“Come on, chicken. You need to go with Brenna and Isabella. Remember what we’ve talked about?”

Ona sniffled. “No. I’m staying.”

Stroking her head, Eirian whispered, “Be strong for me. Look after Brenna and Isabella.”

Nodding to Merle, Aiden moved out of the way so he could pick Ona up and extract her from Eirian’s grasp. Kicking and screaming, Ona fought to break free, but he held tight and followed Isabella out. Covering her face, Eirian tried not to cry. She knew she would not see them again, but the false promises she had made to Ona were a fresh heartbreak.

“You don’t have to pretend for me, Eirian,” Brenna said gently. “I know what’s going on. I know this is goodbye.”

“Look after Ona. Whatever happens, promise me you’ll look after her.”

“Like she’s my own.”

Pressing her lips together, Eirian nodded and staggered to her feet. Putting a hand on her arm to steady her, Aiden frowned when it looked like she was going to collapse back down. Smiling tensely at his concerned expression, Eirian focused on Brenna.

“I’ll make sure your husband comes home alive,” she said.

Brenna sighed. “Stubborn girl.”

“At least whoever Everett marries will be an easier queen to serve than me.”

“I might not go gray from stress.”

“Boring is good.”

Crossing to Eirian, Brenna hugged her and murmured, “Don’t die if you can avoid it.”

Tears welled in her eyes, and Eirian blinked them away. Familiar lies slipped from her tongue as she promised Brenna she would do everything she could to avoid death. Aiden watched on in silence, his men doing their best not to look at the two women. They knew what Eirian was capable of, and they had heard the fights between her, Aiden, Celiaen, and Galameyvin over how to end the war.

The guard assigned to Brenna cleared his throat, “Your Grace, we need to go.”

Releasing Eirian, Brenna stepped back and smoothed her skirts. “Good luck, Your Majesty. I’ll see you for your victory celebrations.”

“Stay safe, Brenna. It’s been an honor.”

Watching her leave, Eirian felt Aiden’s hand on her back. The layers of linen and leather blocked out the warmth of his skin, but the weight of it gave her some comfort. She did not have long to get her emotions back under control, even though he would have argued otherwise. There was too much to do before they faced Athnaral on the battlefield again.

“I need to see Tessa,” she said.

Grabbing her arm, Aiden stopped Eirian from leaving. “You need to rest.”

“No, I’m good. Let’s go. Death waits for no one.”

After the words slipped from her tongue, Eirian flinched. The whispers laughed mockingly, reminding her that Death was waiting for her. It felt like his presence blanketed Kelsby, the chill of the grave eager to welcome her into his embrace. She had not glimpsed Gebael lurking in the shadows, but the whispers assured her he was there.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.