The Domina: Ascension Series Book Five

by K. A. Linde

  “Of course,” Cyrene told her. “I want it to be a welcoming place. And it isn’t just for magical users. It’s for all children who want to learn. I plan to open three wings in Doma Academy—the Vera School of Magic, the Rhea School of Academics, and the Orden Martial School.”

  “It’s brilliant,” Jenstad proclaimed.

  “Well, all of you are invited. You will be the inaugural class.”

  Alchia smiled. The first she’d seen from the young girl since Cambria died. “Come on. Let’s tell Quidera that it’s true.”

  The group rushed off as fast as they had come, and in their place were her siblings—Aralyn and Reeve. Elea still hadn’t shown her face.

  “You should talk to her,” Aralyn told her, drawing her into a hug.

  “She doesn’t want to talk to me.”

  Reeve sighed. “She doesn’t, but it’s not your fault. What else were you going to do? If you ask me, you should have sentenced him to death.”

  To Cyrene’s surprise, Aralyn was nodding her head. “For what he did, he would have deserved it.”

  “She still loves him,” Cyrene said. “It won’t make a difference.”

  “Maybe not,” Aralyn said. “But you should still try.”

  Cyrene nodded. “I will. I feel so lucky that we all made it. But now, Elea won’t talk to me, and you are leaving tomorrow,” she said softly to Aralyn.

  “But we have the portals,” Aralyn said. “I can come see you so much more often.”

  “True.”

  “At least I’ll still be here,” Reeve said. He puffed up his chest. “With my fiancé on the Doma court.”

  “Fiancé, huh? When were you going to tell us that?”

  Reeve shrugged. “Well, I proposed before the solstice. Felt like it was time.”

  “It was. I’m so happy for you.” She hugged her brother.

  “I should probably ask him to dance,” Reeve said with a laugh.

  He wandered off, looking for Aubron, and Aralyn headed to find her husband. Cyrene had seen little Laine dancing with some of the younger children. Logain had been passed off to a wet nurse. The whole family looked so happy.

  Cyrene finally had a moment to herself and surveyed the party. Dean was caught up, dancing with Rita. They were both laughing as he swung her around the room. Then she found Kaliana at the center of a group of Tiekan soldiers with Alessia toddling at her feet.

  “I owe you one,” Cyrene said, cutting in.

  Kaliana raised her eyebrows. “Don’t tell me you lost it.”

  “Unfortunately.”

  Kaliana sighed. “First, you use my affair against Kael in your trial, and now, you’re telling me you lost my diamond?” She nudged Cyrene. “I have an idea of how you can make it up to me.”

  Cyrene warily eyed her. “What’s that?”

  “Go ahead and kill Kael.”

  “You know that I can’t do that. And do you even want that?”

  Kaliana averted her gaze, looking around the party as if she were searching for someone and then remembering they weren’t there. “I was kidnapped by Malysa. Thiago was murdered. All of Fen was destroyed. I only escaped because Master Barca and Rhea helped me get out. I hated leaving Alessia behind, but Elea swore she’d protect her. I don’t forgive him for all he’s done, but he didn’t hurt my girl.” She softly ruffled Alessia’s dark curls. “Maybe exile will be fine.”

  “It will be,” Cyrene assured her. “Alessia will be better off.”

  Kaliana frowned. “We’ll see.”

  “And what will you do about Killian?”

  “They ran him out of the castle, and I run the army now. I think I’ll be just fine.”

  Cyrene laughed. “I bet you will.”

  “Alessia, no,” Kaliana said and then turned her attention back to her daughter.

  Cyrene continued on, finding Brigette and Darmian dancing close together in the crowd. She was surprised since, the last time she had spoken with Brigette, she hadn’t thought it could be real. But Cyrene was glad for her. Even if she was a royal pain in Cyrene’s ass.

  She continued walking but frowned when she noticed a man on the outskirts of the circle. He was intently watching Brigette and Darmian with a dark look on his face. Cyrene made her way out of the spotlight of the dance floor and toward him.

  He straightened when she got close and then dropped a low Eleysian bow. “Domina,” Basille Selby said with a quirk of his lips.

  “Are you not going to cut in, Master Selby?”

  He flourished his arms. “That time has passed. The ship has sailed.”

  “Indeed, but she still loves you.”

  “Perhaps,” he conceded. “But I am not what she needs. She needs someone who can be there for her, and that is not the man that I am.”

  “You were here for me. You supported Kaliana and rode in from Tiek.”

  “There was no chance that we would marry, was there, Domina?” he asked with a laugh.

  She returned it. “No, I suppose not. So…where are you off to next? What hidey-hole are you going to find?”

  His eyes became distant. “A new adventure, I think.”

  “Shall I just have to find you then?”

  “Only time will tell.”

  “Sorry to cut in,” a voice said behind her.

  She turned around to see Dean holding out his hand.

  “May I have this dance?”

  “Go on,” Basille said behind her. “He’s your next adventure.”

  Cyrene grinned at him. Because that was the best description she had ever heard. She placed her hand into Dean’s and let him guide her out into the middle of the room. And then, suddenly, the music changed. The beat slowed until it was soft and intimate.

  She laughed. “Haenah de’Lorlah?”

  “It is your namesake,” he said with a wink.

  Then, there was no room for talking. It was a slow and deliberate dance, one with precise movements and a heated intimacy. If the dancers were proficient, then it would appear as if they were floating above the ground. She had performed this number with Kael at her Selecting ball, but it was nothing compared to dancing with Dean. She was a new person two years later. Her movements matched his with affection and confidence that couldn’t be faked.

  And, as the dance finished, the crowd applauded them. Cyrene looked around the dance floor and found all the faces that she was going to miss so desperately. Quidera dragged Hulen onto the dance floor. Haeven winked at the Commander and soon began some erotic Kelltic dance that brought a flush to Cyrene’s cheeks. Avoca and Ahlvie swayed slowly side by side. Gwynora tugged some soldier into the circle. Even Reeve had convinced Aubron to dance.

  Cyrene felt such sadness that they would be leaving but also happiness that she had had a chance to know them all. This wasn’t the end. This was just the beginning. A new beginning.

  The portals were open now for anyone who was a friend to the Domina. Which meant she could enter, any of them could enter, if they weren’t her enemy. It would completely revolutionize travel in Emporia. She’d no longer have to have portal coins to travel or worry about Malysa looking through the doors to wait her out. Plus, she could visit anyone whenever she wanted.

  So, she let the sadness go. Let it wash off of her in the wave of music and laughter and friendship. And began anew.

  Bonfires were erected around the circle, being held up by natural and magical means alike. They danced all night. Cyrene had a bit too much wine, but it was the night for it. Soon, she was swaying all on her own when Helly appeared at her side with Kerrigan and Alura.

  “We’re leaving in the morning, Cyrene. And I wanted to say good-bye one more time,” Helly said.

  Cyrene pulled her into a hug. “Are you sure you won’t leave the portal open?”

  Helly shook her head. “I wish that I could.”

  “The council won’t let us,” Alura said with a sad smile.

  “It’d be so much easier to have our people cross. Even just the Society. I would
love to start a new branch here.”

  “They’ll never let more dragons leave,” Alura bit out.

  Helly gave her a sharp look. “I think that will be difficult. But you can reach Kerrigan still, yes?”

  Cyrene looked at a fiery-headed Kerrigan, who had such a serious adult look on her young face. “I think that I can.”

  “If you need something, do that, and we’ll come.”

  “I wish I could change your mind.”

  Helly smiled. “You have. But the others won’t be swayed.”

  Cyrene hugged Helly one more time and then Alura. “Tell Arelina I said hello,” she whispered.

  Alura grinned. “I will do that.”

  “And Fallon.”

  “He misses you the most.”

  Cyrene smiled. “How is Galanthea with him?”

  She winked. “Fly Sarielle over, and I’ll show you.”

  Helly and Alura headed off, and Kerrigan stayed behind. Cyrene saw something in her then that she hadn’t noticed before. Her magic was still several years from manifesting, but with a father like Kivrin Argon, it was almost guaranteed she would have it. And yet, there was something else there. Something more.

  She paused over her features. Wondering if she should tell Kerrigan. If she should let Kerrigan know that she was special. Then, Cyrene remembered the weight of that responsibility. How hard it was to be special. How she had chosen sacrifice and suffering to become the Domina.

  Kerrigan didn’t need that yet.

  She needed to have a good childhood and grow up long before the world could catch up with her.

  Kerrigan swiftly tugged her into a hug. She held Cyrene tight, tighter than ever before. Then, Kerrigan released her just as fast. It said everything she couldn’t say.

  “I’m starting an academy for the gifted. If you ever want to join or just need a new home, you have one here,” Cyrene told her. “You have one with me.”

  Kerrigan held her chin aloft, clearly struggling with her emotions. “Thank you.”

  Then, Kerrigan hurried after Helly and Alura.

  Cyrene couldn’t wait to see what great things that girl did.

  77

  The Departure

  Two days later, Cyrene stood before the portal, preparing to send Kael away. Their numbers had dwindled considerably after the celebratory party. Nearly everyone had returned to their own countries, where much work was needed to be done, just as it was here.

  “Before this all begins,” Avoca said, stepping in, “we have something to discuss with you.”

  Cyrene raised an eyebrow. “Right now? Before we exile Kael?”

  She nodded. Then, she linked fingers with Ahlvie on her good hand. “Ahlvie promised me a wedding in Eldora. I want you to stand at my side.”

  “Oh, Avoca, of course,” Cyrene gushed. “You know that I will.”

  “We’re thinking this fall. After everything has settled down back home…after…you know.”

  Cyrene frowned. Avoca had received news of her mother’s passing when she sent the rest of her army back through to Eldora. She had taken it hard but knew they were already preparing for a coronation, which Cyrene also planned to attend.

  “I am so sorry about your mother.”

  “I’m just sorry that I couldn’t be there,” Avoca said.

  “Me too.” Cyrene smiled at her and then turned her attention to Ahlvie. “Have you decided what to do with the Indres?”

  He’d been debating on how to handle remaining as the alpha for the few Indres that still lived. The ones who had turned and fought at his side in the battle. Cyrene had said they were free to remain in Byern as long as they didn’t kill humans, but he’d had to check with them.

  “They’re coming with us,” Ahlvie said. “They’ve lived in the Hidden Forest for years anyway. It might as well be a place that I can keep them in line.”

  “And where you can run free with them, I presume.”

  Ahlvie grinned devilishly. “I am but a mere mendicant, Domina,” he joked. “I would never do anything as such.”

  She snorted. “Sure. And you don’t cheat at cards.”

  “Just dice,” he proclaimed.

  It was Avoca’s turn to scoff. “Sure.”

  But their good humor was cut off short as Dean and Vera escorted Kael toward the portal. He had a bag slung over his shoulder, which some thought was going too far. That they should send him with just the clothes on his back. Cyrene hadn’t intended to kill him, so she figured at least one pack was sufficient.

  Kael seemed jovial for such a day. But it was a day that he wasn’t being killed. She could hardly blame him.

  The rest of the court stood witness along with Vera, who had confided that she believed Cyrene had done the right thing. She just hoped it didn’t come back to bite her in the ass.

  “You have been charged with exile. We are sending you to a remote island,” Cyrene told him. “We have made contact with the locals. They will not harm you, but you will not be permitted to leave. You are free on that island. But only that island. You are able to bring with you one pack. The rest you can work for when you get there. Do you understand?”

  Kael smirked at her. “I understand.”

  Then a voice rang over the portal area, “Wait!”

  Cyrene glanced up to see Elea running toward her. Cyrene sighed. This should be good. She snuck a look at Vera, who just nodded at her once.

  “Wait,” Elea exclaimed, huffing from the pack on her own back. “I am going with him!”

  “What?” Avoca demanded.

  “That was not discussed,” Gwynora spat.

  “Uh, is that allowed?” Aubron asked curiously.

  Cyrene just sighed again. “I thought you might.”

  “You…did?” Elea asked in confusion. She clearly had been prepared for Cyrene to put up a fight.

  But Cyrene didn’t want to fight with her sister. She wanted her sister to be happy. And it was clear, had been clear for a while, that Kael Dremylon made her happy. Against all odds.

  And from the way he looked at her when she said she was coming, he felt the same way.

  “I will permit it,” Cyrene said.

  Elea’s face turned buoyant.

  “Under one condition.”

  “What?” she asked softly.

  “You never help him leave the island.”

  Elea looked skeptical. “Why would I help him leave?”

  “If you do help him, Elea, it will be considered treason,” Cyrene told her evenly.

  Elea gulped as if just realizing what kind of penalty that would hold for her. “I won’t. I just want to live with him. I don’t care where.”

  “Then, it is permitted.” She stepped forward and pulled her sister into a hug. Without anyone looking, she pressed a gold coin into Elea’s hand. “It’s just for you. He can’t come through with you. But it’s his exile, not yours. If you want to come home at any time…you can.”

  Elea pulled back in surprise. “You knew I’d do this.”

  “I guessed that you were plotting when you refused to speak to me.”

  “And what if we have…children?” she whispered.

  Cyrene smiled. “As long as they do not try to take up their father’s mantle, you’d better bring my nieces and nephews to visit me.”

  Elea laughed and pulled Cyrene into another hug. “I love you. I’m so sorry that I blamed you for all of this. I was just so devastated.”

  “I know. I love you, too. I wish it were all different. I wish you were staying.”

  “Me too…but my place is at his side.”

  Cyrene stepped back and wiped the tears from Elea’s cheeks. “Good luck.”

  Then she retreated from her sister and allowed Vera to open the portal to a tiny remote island off of the southeastern coast of Bienco.

  Kael took one more look at her. They didn’t need words between them. The bond was long broken, yet there was something still there. A connection that had endured for two millennia. And, th
ough it was gone, she knew that he was still her mirror in so many ways.

  So, she watched with her heart in her throat as he took her sister’s hand and guided her through the portal. They surveyed the small island that was now their home. He glanced back once at Cyrene and smiled. A farewell.

  Then the portal snapped closed behind them.

  Avoca and Ahlvie left next, promising to pop in and out as regularly as they could. Avoca was still on the Doma court, and thanks to the newly opened portals, she could be there for any major discussions that were needed when she wasn’t leading Eldora.

  But still, as soon as the portal closed behind them, Cyrene felt utterly silent and empty.

  Ahlvie and Avoca had been her constants. And now, they were gone. Just a portal ride away. But, still…gone.

  Dean took her hand and kissed it. “We’ll visit all the time.”

  “Of course.”

  “You can be there for dinner and back for bed every night.”

  “I know.”

  “This isn’t the end of it all.”

  She nodded. “Logically, yes, that all is true.”

  He touched her cheek. “You saved the world, Cyrene. No one is going to fault you for wanting to still have adventure.”

  She laughed softly. “Maybe.”

  “I know it’s all you’ve ever wanted, but just think about what you get by staying here. Hot baths, clean clothes, a fresh bed,” he said with a confident grin. “No more ratty clothes you live in for a week at a time. No more sleeping on the forest ground. No more searching out your food or stealing.”

  “Hey, we didn’t steal!”

  He raised an eyebrow.

  “All the time,” she amended.

  “You can help so many people here.”

  “I know. I know. I’ll just have to adjust. Just like everyone else,” she said. “You’ll help me?”

  “Every day.”

  Vera cleared her throat. Cyrene broke away from Dean. This close to pressing her lips to his right then and there.

  “Thank you so much for your help, Vera,” Cyrene said. “You were right to anticipate a portal coin for Elea. I hope she uses it.”

  “As do I. But I actually have another matter to discuss with you.”