A light tap on the door broke her thoughts, and she huffed as she walked to the door.
“Sorry,” she called out. “I thought I left it open for you.”
When she pulled on the handle, she expected to see Norell waiting for her, but found a slightly confused Rya standing in the hall instead.
“I thought you were Norell,” Cam explained. “She said she’d be up soon.”
“She won’t be,” Rya replied. “She approached me downstairs, and told me that she’s going to be staying in the room with Sora tonight. She said she’s had enough of your company, and asked if I wouldn’t mind staying in here with you.”
“What? Really?”
“Yes,” Rya smiled. “Also, she said it should be very clear to both of us that she will be tired of you for one night only, and that we shouldn’t expect this ever again.”
“Oh.” Cam stood in the open doorway, trying desperately to ignore the bright shade of red she knew her face had turned.
“So—can I come in?”
“Of course,” Cam stammered. “Sorry. I just was in shock, that’s all.”
The room seemed smaller with Rya in it, and the air had grown a few degrees warmer. The confidence Cam had the night at the lake was hiding somewhere deep inside her, pushed away by some awkward nerves that were controlling her now. She had never intended on things to go that far by the water, but now that they were alone in the bedroom, she was completely aware of what would happen.
“You can relax,” Rya urged. She was sitting on the bed with her back against the wall, looking as calm as anyone could be. It made Cam feel even worse for being flustered. Rya patted the spot next to her. “Come sit with me.”
Cam wanted to say something, but couldn’t find words, so she simply nodded. Did the bed get smaller? She thought as she crawled up next to Rya. They were so close, legs on top of each other’s, bodies pressed together. The heat that had lit up Cam’s face was now spreading to over areas of her as well.
“Nothing has to happen,” Rya whispered. She leaned over and kissed Cam on the forehead, soft and light. “I just want to spend time with you. We could lay like this all night, not moving at all, and I would be happier than I have ever been.”
Rya’s words drove out any of the anxiety Cam had been feeling, allowing the want she had before to take over. She leaned in closer to Rya and pressed her lips against hers. Her tongue started to slide between them to explore. Rya returned the kiss, pressing her body against Cam’s. Their arms wrapped around each other, hands moving over the other’s body. Skin touched skin as their clothing shifted, and the warmth cut through Cam like a knife. In a flash, she sat up and grabbed the bottom of her shirt, pulling it off over her head in one swift motion. The breeze chilled her naked torso, but before it could take hold, Rya was on top of her, straddling her body. Her tongue danced with Cam’s, while her hands moved across Cam’s bare skin. The warm brush of her fingers on Cam’s breast made her shudder, and she breathed a moan into the queen’s mouth.
“Is this alright?” Rya asked. She looked more innocent than Cam had ever seen. Her eyes wanting to touch her more, but also full of care and concern. “Are you sure about this?”
“Yes,” Cam nodded. “But if you’re not, that’s alright.”
Rya’s regular smirk reappeared. “I’m definitely sure.”
Cam grabbed at Rya’s shirt, and tried to pull it off, getting it stuck around Rya’s neck. The queen laughed, then yanked it off herself and tossed it somewhere on the floor. Cam stopped for a moment, taking in the sight of her olive skin glowing in dimming light. Her fingers traced the edges of her body, while her lips continued moving against Rya’s. The sounds were getting more difficult to control, and they broke free every time the queen’s skin brushed her nipples so Cam could gasp for air.
Rya’s hand moved lower now, unlacing the front of Cam’s pants. The velvet touch of Rya’s fingers on her soft flesh brought a different sound, one that Cam had never made before.
“Are you okay?” Rya asked once more. “Should I keep going?”
The burning desire inside Cam grew hungry. The brief moment that Rya had leaned away to ask her was like someone had yanked the world out from under her. She struggled to find her voice, finally able to answer.
“Yes,” she breathed. “Please.”
The heat of Rya’s fingers met the heat between her legs, and she gasped again. Her body moved on its own against her, begging for more. Her fingers dug into Rya’s back. Her breathing quickened, and she pressed her mouth against Rya’s ear, moaning her pleasure into it. Fire surged throughout her entire body, her muscles tensing with each motion of her hips.
The night Nix had attacked them, when she touched Rya, she had felt everything the queen did. Their hearts had become one, and the rage and fear that filled her filled Cam as well. Now, as their bodies pressed together, and the pleasure grew to its peak, she was once again connected to Rya. They were two halves of the same heart. The flame exploded within Cam, and her body shook as the waves washed over her, leaving her exhausted and limp in their wake.
Rya leaned over her, and tenderly touched her lips to Cam’s, soft and sweet.
“How was that?” she asked.
Cam pressed her forehead to Rya’s, breathing slow and steady while her body calmed itself.
“Wonderful,” Cam replied. After a few more breaths she sat up, grinning at the queen in the darkness. “Now, it’s your turn.”
Thirty-Six
Waking up in Cam’s arms was the greatest gift Rya had ever received. She watched the rise and fall of the princess’ chest as she slept, and she couldn’t help but smile. It was the most peace she’d ever had. The rest of the world had melted away for one night, and they were the only two people left. She’d forgotten all about her past that haunted her, and she’d pushed away all thoughts of what was to come. She was able to focus on Cam and simply enjoy the feeling of being in love. Norell had given her that, and she knew she could never thank her.
The knock on the door shattered the perfect bubble she was hiding in, and she knew the time had come to return to the real world. She shook Cam’s arm, laughing as she swatted away her hand to try and keep sleeping.
“You have to get up.”
“Let’s stay here,” Cam mumbled. “This is our home now.”
“Come on,” Rya urged. She slipped out of the bed, knowing that as long as she was under the sheets with her, Cam would never move. The moment Cam felt her absence her eyes snapped open, and she sat upright.
“Did you sleep well?” Cam asked. Her voice was too innocent, and Rya knew she wanted to say more. “I did,” Cam added. “I had a great night’s sleep.”
“Yes,” Rya answered with a grin. “I slept very well, thank you.”
“Good.”
“When will you learn, if you have something on your mind just say it.”
“It’s just—” Cam hesitated. “—Sora said you had others brought to your room before. I’m not a child, I know what happened and I’m not jealous of that, I just want to know…”
Rya leaned in and kissed her mouth.
“Yes,” Rya nodded. “You were the best.”
“You don’t have to say that if it’s not true.”
“Anyone I met before, they were just a way to satisfy a fleeting urge. What you and I have, and what happened between us last night, that was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had. I couldn’t tell you a single thing about any previous lover, because one night with you has wiped them from my brain completely. They don’t exist in my world any longer; there’s only you.”
Cam jumped from the bed, throwing her arms around Rya. Their kisses were softer than the deep passionate ones from the night before, but full of just as much emotion. They stood pressed together, still unclothed, holding on to each other for one last moment.
After breakfast was eaten and the supplies were purchased, Rya stood outside the inn with the others, waiting for Thane’s direction.
Gavin smiled, excited at the idea of seeing his home again after years of hiding, but Rya couldn’t muster a grin, even a fake one.
Sora kicked at the dirt nearby, bored as he waited for the others to return. His distracted mind left Rya practically alone with Norell.
“I want to thank you.” Rya looked Norell in the eye, wanting to make sure her sincerity was known. “I know how much you hate me, and you giving us that night together must have been hard for you. She’s lucky to have you as her family.”
Norell shifted, uncomfortable with the kind words coming from Rya’s mouth. They had been bickering so long, neither of them was sure how to navigate calm waters.
“I don’t hate you,” Norell finally replied. “You’re a little annoying, but I don’t hate you. You’ve been wonderful to Cam, better than I thought was possible from you.”
“Thanks, I guess.”
“Cam has spent her entire life worrying about what kind of queen she’s going to be. She’s trained harder and longer than anyone else, and studied more than anyone else, all with the goal of being as loved by the people as King Mikkel. I’ve always worried that she is so focused on being like him, that she’s lost sight of who she wants to be, and what she really wants. The one time she focused on making herself happy, it backfired and she was left broken hearted. I only wanted to protect her from that pain, but in the end, it doesn’t matter. Gavin is going to pass his judgment, and Cam will be devastated, but I can see that this short time you’ve had together is enough to make that pain worth it. She’ll have a better memory of you than she would have if I stood in the way.”
“I know she’ll be alright,” Rya smiled. “As long as she has you, Cam will always survive. They all will. You’re the backbone that keeps them in line. Without you, Thane and Cam would be lost.”
Norell held out her hand as a peace offering to Rya, but she couldn’t accept it. With the Isles so close she couldn’t end it like that. She reached out and grabbed Norell’s arm, pulling her towards her and wrapping her arms around her stiff body. The girl froze, uncertain of what to do, but after a moment, Rya smiled as she hugged her back.
“That’s enough,” Norell growled, and Rya released her.
They each took a step back from the other as the sound of the horses on the stone road clicked louder. Thane stopped in front of Rya, handing her Eclipse’s reins with a knowing stare.
“I know what happened last night,” he whispered, and Rya’s cheeks turned pink. “It will only make saying goodbye harder.”
“I know but—”
“But I’m glad you had that,” he interrupted. “She deserves to know how you feel.”
Thane walked away and began mounting Rainy. Rya watched him help Norell up behind him, and she realized that she’d never actually told Cam what was in her heart. She’d hinted at it, she’d told other people, she’d even expressed it physically, but the words have never escaped her lips. To Rya, love was a joy she was unworthy of, and she knew that if she said those three words, Cam would repeat them. Rya still had a plan and Gavin stood in her way of the throne. She knew she could never accept Cam’s love knowing what was still to come.
Thirty-Seven
The Obsidian Isles were close enough to touch. The Bardo Mountains that lined the northwest of the region towered in front of them, and the sea crashed far to the east. The soft dirt of the plains had already begun merging with the rocky ground of the Isles. Bare areas with black soil stuck out among the grass, and the smell of the ocean wafted in on the evening’s breeze. Each step brought them closer to home, and each step tore at Rya’s heart.
The marker stood out like a giant in front of her, though in reality it barely reached the horses’ shoulders. The wooden signpost signals the official start of the Isles’ land. They stopped just past it, and Gavin jumped down off his horse, touching the earth of his home. His eyes flashed with pain and anger, but also joy at his return. It was a mixture of emotion that she too felt in that moment, though for completely different reasons.
“We should make camp near here,” Gavin said, pushing himself back to his feet. “The further in we go, the harder the land becomes. You won’t find a comfortable night’s sleep on the volcanic rock.”
They began unpacking their camp as they’d done a dozen times before. It seemed like ages had passed since their first night in a rickety cabin. They had come so far, and grown so close. It would be a million times harder to leave them now than it would have been in the Ashen Forest, but Rya couldn’t imagine the journey without them. They had softened her heart, and made her believe in hope when she thought she never would.
If she hadn’t of stopped to watch them work, she would have missed it—the sound rustling in the tall grass around them. She shouted, but the footsteps were already rushing towards them. The figures were almost hidden in the grass, with only their rounded backs visible. Thane had his sword in hand, standing back to back with Gavin who held a long blade he’d brought from the Cape. It was curved at the end, made for slicing fish and certain to do damage to any man who attacked.
Cam was on the other side of the circle, far from Rya’s reach. She wanted to scream for her to run. She wanted to save them all from harm, but there wasn’t time. Nix burst from the bushes, tackling Rya and driving them both to the ground. All around, the camp members of the Kael emerged from hiding and started to slash at anyone near them.
Thane was locked in a sword fight against a young man with blond hair. If it weren’t for the dark cloak and scars, she wouldn’t have been able to tell them apart.
Norell was on the ground, clutching her left leg. Her hand was covered in blood as she tried to hold the wound closed, her other hand thrusting a dagger at the assailant. Sora crawled over and grabbed Norell’s spear and, with a shout, jabbed it into the back of the man’s calf. He fell to his knees with a howl, and Norell started slashing at him with the knife.
Gavin was on top of his attacker, wrestling the young Kael woman to the ground, ready to strike, but he hesitated. Her eyes sparked as she spotted his weakness and, in an instant, she had flipped him onto his back and knocked him unconscious with the hilt of the very knife he had at her throat.
She couldn’t find Cam, and the panic set in. Nix was still on top of her. They’d been fighting for his dagger since he attacked, but her focus had shifted to Cam and he knew it. He yanked the weapon from her grip and lifted it in the air, ready to plunge it into her flesh. Her palms found his face before he could strike, and the charge of magic exploded from her. Screaming, he fell backwards, clutching the burning skin on his face. Each cheek raw in the shape of her hands.
Rya scrambled to her feet, ready for his next attack but he just stood in front of her, laughing. It was haunting and hollow, and his maniacal grin stretched the skin tight on his face, showing the outline of his skull underneath.
The queen’s eyes darted between the killer and the scene around her, still searching for Cam’s face. A wave of relief washed over her when Cam appeared at her side, her arrow at the ready.
“What are you waiting for?” One of the other assassins shouted. “Finish it.”
The other members of the Kael had stopped their fighting, holding each of Rya’s friend’s captive as they waited for Nix to strike. Norell was still on the ground, her hands pressing against her leg while the young woman who had attacked Gavin held her by the hair. The man Sora had stabbed in the calf had grabbed him and held him against his chest. Sora’s boots dangled a foot above the ground while the man held the tip of Norell’s spear at the boy’s throat. Thane had lost his battle as well, and was sprawled on his back in the dirt next to Gavin’s motionless body, his victor standing over him with two swords pointed at his chest.
“Nice to see you again,”
Nix smiled, talking directly to Sora. “I’m disappointed to see the company you keep.”
“Shut up,” Sora snapped.
“Not so friendly,” he laughed. “Too bad.”
“I won’t tell you again,” the Kael woman shouted. She was glaring at Nix who was still chuckling to himself. “Kill her.”
His smile faded.
Cam’s eyes narrowed.
His hand squeezed the hilt of his dagger.
She pointed the shining tip of her arrow at the center of his chest.
He shouted.
She released.
The hit was hard and unexpected, and Cam gasped as she hit the ground, all the air leaving her lungs. Nix had dodged the shot, rolling under the arrow’s path and exploding upwards into her body. It happened so fast that Rya had missed it. By the time she realized what happened, Cam was clutching her chest as she passed out. Her body lay still behind the assassin who was now the only thing standing between the queen and her love.
Rya’s watched her hands move in slow motion, rising before her and burning white hot. She could have killed him from a hundred yards away, could have used her powers to strangle him without a touch, but that wasn’t good enough. She wanted to feel the life draining from him. She wanted to feel the weight of his body in her hands. She needed to touch his cold dead flesh with her own fiery skin. She walked forward, one foot in front of the other and wrapped her fingers around his throat.
He didn’t scream, not like before. This time he was ready for the scorching pain of her touch. His legs failed him, and he dropped to his knees, but still he didn’t make a sound. His lips curled into a sneer, and his teeth gnashed together while he fought against her force.
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