Page 76 of Journey to the Elderoak
Ava led the way through the crowd, Casimir’s hand on her lower back. They left the tavern and walked through the streets, quiet now that it was late. He took her hand, interlocking their fingers, as her stomach fluttered with nerves.
“What’s the deal with Raine?” she asked.
“What do you mean?”
“When we were dancing, I asked him about his love life. Ifhe ever wanted to settle down. He got quiet and said something about it being too late for him and changed the subject.”
“Oh. He doesn’t like talking about it.”
“What happened?”
Casimir sighed. “I’m not going to tell his story. Just know he lost someone very special to him many years ago.”
“Did he love them?” she asked.
“Yes. They were supposed to be married days after it happened.”
“I should never have asked.”
“It’s alright. He’ll tell you about it when he’s ready. You didn’t upset him.”
“He hides it well.”
“He does.”
They walked along the cobblestone street, hand in hand, savoring each other’s silent presence. The buzz of insects hovered around them as the leaves rustled, tickled by the cool breeze. Ava shivered and Casimir let go of her hand and placed an arm around her waist, pulling her to his side.
“Did you have fun tonight?” he asked, breaking the silence as they approached the castle.
“Yes. I’m a terrible dancer but that wasn’t too bad. I enjoyed it. Do you all do that often?”
“We used to do it all the time. But not as much recently.”
They continued through the entrance and made their way to the suite. Ava smiled at Pax and he nodded back as they entered the living room and walked toward Ava’s bedroom door. Casimir turned to her and placed both hands on her hips. Her heart sped up as she looked into his eyes.
She desperately wanted him to kiss her, but she was terrified of what it would mean. Where it would lead. He stood before her, eyes taking her in, and cupped her face.
He leaned in, their noses touching but she tensed. Noticing her hesitation, he pulled back and gently smiled at her. Beforeshe had a chance to change her mind, he kissed her forehead and pulled away. “Goodnight, Mi’ra Vässa,” he whispered, turned and walked into his suite, closing the door with a soft click.
Dammit. Why did she hesitate?
24
Ava’s arms vibrated with restraint as the sound of Raine’s sword clashing with hers rang through the air.
“Good,” he coached, their swords crossed in front of her. “Again.”
She whirled around and brought her weapon down but he blocked the blow. She was getting quicker, and though she was no match for the warriors while still human, once she had her fae strength and speed she’d hold her own.
Casimir was in meetings most of the morning, so Raine had taken over Ava’s training for the day. It had been a couple of weeks since the tavern, and he was yet again back to the quiet general as he pushed her harder every morning. While she respected him for noticing her hesitance, it also infuriated her, confused her.
“Block left,” barked Raine as she barely got there in time to stop his blow to her leg. A trickle of blood ran down her thigh as his sword brushed her before she knocked him away.
“Dammit,” she said, leg stinging.
“Kai can fix it,” he said as he lunged at her again. She blocked the blow, but soon after, he hooked his leg under hersand threw her on her back, his sword at her throat. “You’re distracted,” he chastised. She glared at him. “Get off your ass and fight me.”
She climbed to her feet and swung her sword in her hand. “I am.”
