Page 6 of The Starlight Savior

“They’re taking your garden?” Saige dropped Judith’s hands. Surrounded by chaos, she forgot they would raid Judith’s home too. Dedicate her garden to supplying the kingdom. The rations. Every inch of land, controlled by King Brennus’s army now.

Bile rose in her throat. Like Saige’s mother, Judith loved her garden more than anything. What would a worshipper of Terrus be without the feeling of dirt on their hands? Gratitude and satisfaction often came with harvesting their prizes.

“Sadly, it’s not your food anymore,” said a voice behind her.

A tall soldier stood leaning against the doorway, his arms crossed. Saige’s gaze traveled up his body, grateful to find his uniform empty of the medals that often decorated a well versed soldier. When she reached his eyes, she was greeted with the familiar boyish smile and ruffle of hazel hair.

Hadeon.

“I see you’re newly appointed.” Her voice was flat as she took in the sight of her childhood friend, ignoring the quickening in her pulse.

When Saige acclimated to Denholm, Judith forced her to attend school. Despite encouragement, it was difficult to integrate with the other children. Losing her parents had altered her in ways she couldn’t describe. Anytime someone brushed against her skin, her parent’s blank eyes and agape mouths flashed in her mind.

But one girl was always adamant about being by Saige’s side, making sure she never sat alone.

Althea and Saige became friends quickly, often shadowed by her twin brother, Baron, and his closest friend. A tall lanky boy with messy brown hair. Even as a child, his dimpled smile made her stomach lurch.

“They expedited the process,” Hadeon continued, “with the rumors ramping up beyond the borders.”

“Congratulations.” Saige couldn’t help but look away.

It was difficult to imagine Hadeon and Baron wearing the same uniform as her parent’s murderer. Yet she expected nothing less. They were strong and stubborn. Passionate for their kingdom. Even women who didn’t resonate with the customary roles of the village traveled to the capital to train, hoping to be something great.

“I’m happy to be back in Denholm, despite the circumstances.” Hadeon’s foot tapped on the wooden floor. “I was hoping you were still here. Living with your cousin.”

And not married.

Sighing, she looked up once again. No longer the slender boy she’d swooned over in school, Hadeon had filled out over the years. His skin was sun kissed from hours of training, corded muscles bursting from the sleeves of his uniform. “So you made sure to be the one to confiscate our food? Just to see me?”

Hadeon frowned, rising from the doorway. The words came out sharper than she meant. She knew why they were here. No one could hoard goods when everyone was supposed to get a fair and equal ration. Yet Lizabeth’s words rang in her head.

The people in Yethor will be well fed and taken care of.

“Baron is in town too.”

“Is he?” Saige tried to keep her voice steady. Whatever trap Hadeon was trying to muster, she wouldn’t fall for it.

She had been disappointed when Hadeon enlisted, yet it was difficult to maintain the same feeling for Althea’s brother. Their father didn’t work. When they were born, their mother passed from a sudden illness after being denied a magic based healer. Baron had always been the man of the house. His thoughtful nature often extended to Saige too, caring for her like a younger sister. The walls she put up had never stopped him.

“Maybe we can all get together again tonight,” Hadeon said casually. As if it was an ordinary day and he was showing up at her door to court her.

Saige laughed dryly, her forehead scrunching in confusion. “Under these circumstances?” Was Hadeon truly asking Saige to celebrate tonight? How thick could he be?

“Especially for these circumstances. It’s the last night the tavern will be open.”

“Last night?” Saige whispered, throat clenching. The tavern had been open for years, the only place of entertainment Denholm had. Most gathered after work or school, dancing out of rhythm and gorging themselves on Klara’s home-cooked food and liquor. Saige didn’t attend often. But it was one appropriate place where she could numb her magic and exist without fear.

Hadeon nodded solemnly, taking a step forward. His musky scent enveloped her. Sweat and pine needles. “With the rations in place, the tavern will be closed to patrons, and General Kadence will use it as a checkpoint.”

“I’ll think about it,” she finally said.

Once, she allowed herself the opportunity to relish in Hadeon’s presence, imagining what it would be like in his arms. But that was all. It was too dangerous to think beyond, to dream of a life she could not have. But she did miss Althea and Baron. If that was where they’d be tonight, so be it.

“Soldier!” a deep voice called from behind.

Saige stiffened as heavy footsteps strode forward. She’d know that voice anywhere.

General Kadence towered over Hadeon. He didn’t acknowledge her as his beady eyes narrowed. No one had ever found her under the bed, but she often feared being discovered. Did the soldiers wonder where the little girl had gone? If she cried out, would the sound bring forth memories of a little girl mourning her family?