Page 94 of War Queen
Caspian’s heart shattered. He watched the sleeping child—he already loved him. He would give his own life for him, betray everything for him, and for Tahla, which meant she was right. Blood ties weakened the pull of duty. They already weakened his own, and he didn’t want that for his son. He didn’t want that for Tahla. “I respect your wishes,” he said finally. “But I want to be a part of his life as much as I can.”
“I want you to as well. But as Caspian, lord justice. Not Caspian, his father.”
It wasn’t enough. But it would have to be.
She curved her hand around the back of his neck and pulled him close. “Will you stay with me tonight, Northman?” She ran her fingers up the back of his head and threaded them into his hair. “I’ve missed you.”
“Is this how we’re to be, then? Together but forever apart?”
“Or just together, as fate allows.” Her eyes drew him in and held him. “Kiss me, Northman.”
He couldn’t deny her his love, and he lowered his mouth to hers.
Chapter twenty-four
TheCanyonlands—adarkandtwisted labyrinth of rock and trench that swallowed men caught unaware—marked the entry to Kharav. Many had died in these folds of earth, lost and abandoned or picked off from the top ridges by those who called Kharav home. Norah followed Soren through. It would take many more times before she knew the way, but she floated through the arms of darkness with a joy building in her heart. On the other side, Mikael would be waiting.
They emerged from the Canyonlands and made their way up the ridge to where the breathtaking scape of rice terraces rolled as far as the eye could see. In a month or two, they’d be steeped in snow, creating a whole new magical world. Winter was almost to Kharav, bringing frosted mornings and light afternoon snows that melted as they touched the ground. Norah hated winter, but in Kharav, it didn’t matter. She loved all seasons here. Gods, she missed this place.
They reached the capital city of Ashan the following day. She hadn’t slept at all the night before, and her stomach tumbled as they rode through the gates. The city bustled with a familiarity that she’d missed. The wind brought smells of home, and when she saw the castle, her heart leapt. This was where she belonged.
“You’ll tell him?” Soren said, pushing his destrier up beside hers as they rode.
It was the one thing she wasn’t looking forward to. She nodded. “Yes, I’ll tell him what we saw in the painting.”
“And about the blood. And the visions.”
Right.“Of course.” That would be equally as difficult.
When they reached the courtyard, Mikael was waiting. Before she even fully came to a stop, he was beside her, reaching up and bringing his hands to her sides to ease her down from the mare. He kissed her, deeply.
When he pulled back, he still held her tightly. “I only received your letter a few days ago that you were returning. I almost came to meet you partway. You should have stayed in the North.” He glanced at Soren, clearly displeased at him for bringing her back. Then he looked down to her. “It’s safer for you there.”
“Don’t look at him like that,” she chided. “I wanted to come home. I’ll be apart from you only in dire circumstances, and now with Aleon and Osan, things are no longer dire.”
“We don’t hold a formal alliance with Aleon. There’s still risk.”
“Not enough to keep me from you. Say what you want. I’ve never been so happy to be home, and I’mnotleaving.”
He held her cheek in his palm. “I don’t want you to leave,” he said softly.
Her smile widened. “Then take me inside, husband.”
Mikael swept her up in his arms and carried her into the castle. The feel of his body drew a new wave of longing through her, and she spread her hand against the hardness of his chest. Too long it had been, and she needed him. But there was so much she needed to tell him first.
“Salar,” a voice called from behind them, and she looked over Mikael’s shoulder to see a messenger approaching.
“No,” Mikael called out to the messenger, not turning, not slowing his step.
Wait…“What if it’s important?” she pressed, as much as she hated to. She had her own important things to tell him.
“It’s not,” he said firmly, and continued to their chamber.
“How do you know?”
He carried her inside and kicked the door closed behind them. Setting her down, he still held her close. “Nothing else is important right now.”
She raised a brow. “What if Rael is marching against us again?”
