Page 22 of Journey to the Elderoak
“Shhh…you did well, princess,” he murmured as he laid her head back down on his chest, pulling her closer. “You did exactly what you were supposed to do. You’re still in shock. Let’s get you warm and then you can tell me what happened.”
The door opened and Zeph walked in, stopping in front of them. “Raine’s handling everything. Meeting with the queens now.” She looked at Ava. “Is she okay?”
“She will be,” Casimir said.
“General,” Zeph said tentatively. “The queens are upset. We need to know what happened. They’re saying killing a member of their court is an act of war.”
“Tell them a member of their court attacking our royalty is an act of war,” he snarled back.
She held her hands up. “Understood,” she said as she turned and walked toward the door.
“Find me some hot tea,” he called after her.
“On it.”
Ava had stopped shaking, leaning into Casimir’s warmth. Feeling was returning to her fingers and toes and her body temperature was rising. She inhaled his scent again and closed her eyes while his hand tenderly stroked her hair.
They remained silent for a long time before Zeph returned with a tray, setting it down on the table in front of the couch, poured a cup and handed it to Casimir.
“Raine’s on his way up,” she informed. “I’m sorry but they need answers.”
Casimir nodded and Zeph left again.
“Drink this,” he said softly as he held the teacup for her.
Ava lifted her head, and he tilted the warm liquid into her mouth. Her shock had worn off and she was finally warm. But she didn’t want to move from Casimir’s lap. Didn’t want this to end. The tender caresses and sweet words. She always felt safe with him. Even when they argued, even when they’d first met. Somehow, deep down, she knew he wouldn’t hurt her. And safety was what she needed since the day she’d stepped foot in Eorhan.
Raine walked in and sat in a chair across from them, worry in his eyes.
“Ava. We need to know what happened.”
“When she’s ready,” Casimir said.
“Cas…” Raine began.
“I’m ready.” Ava sat up, remaining in Casimir’s lap.
He pulled the blankets tighter around her. She took a deep breath and told them everything.
“Wait…hold on,” said Raine. “You called an ocean drake? And it didn’t eat you?”
She had moved from Casimir’s lap and was leaning against the arm of the couch, wrapped in blankets and clutching the tea in her hands. Her legs were draped over his and his hand rested on her shin, thumb moving in slow circles as she spoke.
“No. It carried me to shore.”
“How?” asked Raine.
“I think Ava has extra abilities with animals,” said Casimir. “You’ve seen how all our companions responded to her. Remember how friendly Aro was when they first met?”
“Right. And when I was at Deidamia’s camp, there were these mice that seemed to understand me too. They led me to a cave where I hid out the first night. You all can’t do that?”
“No,” said Raine, crossing an ankle over his knee. “We can only communicate directly with our companion. Sometimes certain animals are calm around us, but no one can summon random wildlife like that.”
“How did you find me?” Ava asked them.
“Actually, it was Gisela,” said Raine. “She said her raven told her something was wrong and to head to that specific dock. She came and woke us.”
“I saw the raven. He was there.”
