Page 41 of The Tanglewood Witches (The Three Sisters 1)
“There is nothing my sister would like better than to see my head on a pike.”
The awful thought caused Medea’s chest to tighten. She hadn’t experienced much violence and couldn’t imagine such a family. She squeezed his hand and urged him to continue.
“I’m a fair warrior in my world,” he explained. “Neither one of them could defeat me in one-on-one combat, but they have the benefit of each other, not to mention rule over the Obsidian Guard—that’s the royal army of the kingdom of Paragon. I no longer have any standing in the royal court. They could have me executed on a whim.”
The thought filled Medea with the darkest form of dread. “You simply can’t go then,” she blurted.
He barked a hard laugh. “I’m afraid even a dragon must obey a goddess if he wants to avoid a very uncomfortable situation.”
“You mean having your head on a pike here rather than there.” Tears welled in her eyes when he affirmed her suspicions. She couldn’t even think of Tavyss being in such danger. He was her friend, and she absolutely must do something to help him.
“Medea? Medea?”Her sisters called to her from the woods.
“I must go…,” she said. “My sisters will wonder where I am.”
He dropped her hand, looking dejected. “I understand. I’ve taken too much of your time today. Thank you for your kind ear.”
“Don’t be silly. I hope you will be back tomorrow.” She beamed up at him.
“I cannot put off Hera’s mission for long.”
“Tavyss, before you go to Paragon, will you see me again? Tomorrow in the orchard? I may have something that will help you.” Medea squeezed his arm and prayed he’d give the plan that was formulating in her brain a chance before he put himself at risk.
He spread his wings. “You’ve already helped me. Believe me, listening is likely all anyone could do.”
“Please,” she said. “Tomorrow. In the orchard.”
He gave her a dashing smile. “I’d consider it an honor.”
