Page 156 of Journey to the Elderoak
“He’s going to be fine,” Raine assured her as he took his seat across the table. “He won’t let anything happen.”
“I know.”
The rest of the group trickled in, joined by Aelerion and Thalia, the sound of voices filling the room as everyone started visiting. Casimir kissed Ava’s head, pulling his chair close and taking his own seat.
Ever since they sealed the bond, he made every effort to be near her when they weren’t in separate meetings or training. Her heart warmed at the way he sought her out the moment they were in the same room; how he was always holding her hand or touching her. He wasn’t shy with his affections, not caring who was around when he whispered how much he loved her or placed a gentle kiss on her temple.
Casimir picked up her plate and filled it with food, a habit he hadn’t stopped. She tried telling him he didn’t need to, but he insisted. It was one of the many ways he showed his love and something she’d learned about him the last few months. That he loved taking care of her, paying attention to the little things.
A few minutes into dinner, the doors opened and Maeryn entered, nodding her greeting as she strode to the table and sat next to Thalia, who was seated on the other side of Casimir. Ava turned her attention to Raine, trying not to laugh at the sudden change in his demeanor as he stole glances at Maeryn.
“What’s with Raine?” Casimir whispered into Ava’s ear.
“He’s got a thing for Maeryn, it seems. Like he can barely function around her,” she whispered back.
Casimir grinned. “This is going to be fun.”
“Payback after all the shit he gave us,” Ava said, and Casimir chuckled.
Raine glared at them and Ava blew him a kiss.
Thorne cleared his throat. “Is everything ready for tomorrow’s mission?”
“It is. We leave at dawn,” said Casimir.
“I still think he needs to take someone else,” Ava started but Thorne held up his hand and gave her a look.
“We’ve already discussed this.” He was irritated at her push back. She’d yelled at him the other day in his suite when she learned Casimir was going alone, and he obviously didn’t want her protesting again in front of their guests. “You will not question me on this any longer.”
She put her hands in her lap, furious he would shut her down, but remained silent. Casimir moved his hand to hers, pulling it to his mouth, and pressed his lips to her knuckles.
“I’ll be alright,” he said. “Try not to worry.”
Ava was silent the rest of the evening, stewing in her anger and fear for Casimir's safety. Raine was also quiet, eyes finding their way to Maeryn throughout dinner, but even the entertainmentof his awkwardness wasn’t enough of a distraction from her thoughts.
Ava shiveredin the brisk morning air, pulling the cloak she was wearing tighter. Golden light framed the treetops as the sun peered over the horizon. Horses whinnied as the soldiers prepared them to leave on their mission. Bags were packed, weapons were secured, and a sense of unease hung about the air.
Casimir approached and pulled her into his chest. Holding back her tears, Ava nestled into him as she inhaled his scent of cedar and sage. No words were spoken as they embraced each other, neither willing to let go.
“Sorry general,” said an approaching soldier. “But we must be going.”
Casimir pulled back and looked at her. She grasped his face with both of her hands. “Please come back to me.”
“I will.”
“If something happens…” she started.
“Don’t, love. Don’t worry.”
“Easier said than done.”
She pulled him into a quick kiss, his hands clutching her waist. They parted and he pressed his lips to her forehead.
“I’ll return soon. I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you too,” she said through her tears.
He walked away and mounted his horse, Aro staying close to the group. Luna sat at Ava’s feet while Titus landed on her shoulder as the group made their way out of the stables. Casimir looked back one last time and raised his hand, Ava mirroring his action.
