The Lost Alliance (The Nihryst Book 3) Page 23

Smoke filled the sky as the pyres continued to burn. They’d tended to the wounded before counting the dead, taking down names to eventually send word to their families. With thousands dead, the job would take days. Lee had taken command of the Rayernan army, though Shane knew most did not believe he was who he claimed to be. Most didn’t believe in fairy tales anymore. But word had spread that Michel was dead, and they needed someone to lead, so they seemed content to let Lee take control for now. That would be a different kind of battle soon enough. The Heulwen arrived safely on one of the incoming ships, so hopefully it would help convince the people.

  Shane had traveled with a number of people to Senfyr to ensure the city was safe and secure. He’d heard of the rogue groups that followed Michel out of loyalty instead of fear, but it seemed they’d disappeared or lost their lives in the various battles spreading from the fields into the capitol.

  Adalina recanted what they’d faced upon arriving, but it didn’t do the destruction of the city justice. Buildings sat in crumbled ruins. Many people were displaced from the fallout, and Shane swore he’d aid in their recovery, lending builders, healers, and supplies should they need it. But he knew the kingdom was well off and would do just fine under the lead of their new, caring king.

  Walking into one of the council rooms felt odd. He’d been in them countless times both as a boy and as an adult. But now, with Lee sitting at the head of the table… it wasn’t that Shane didn’t feel welcomed—he knew he was. Stars, he was specifically asked here. Seeing someone new in power, however, was a physical reminder of how drastically their lives had changed.

  Lee nodded toward Shane in greeting as the latter joined the small group. A dozen or so men and women, nobles and advisors, sat around the room. Shane took the open seat on Lee’s left, across from his sister. Phillip sat on Shane’s other side. The conversation abruptly stopped when another walked into the room, shining yellow flower in tow.

  As Gwyn brought the Heulwen around, everyone stood. Apart from those who’d already seen or experienced its magic, those in the room looked upon it in awe.

  “It’s real,” someone whispered. “But it’s just a story.”

  The man glanced up with wide eyes to Lee. But it was Adalina who said with a small smile, “It appears the stories are true.”

  The corner of Lee’s mouth twitched, his eyes going to the princess.

  Another man asked, “How do we know that’s truly the Heulwen?”

  Lee pulled out a dagger, as if by instinct.

  “Don’t you dare,” Adalina said, grabbing it from him.

  “I might not be immortal any longer, but the flower is still in my blood, remember?” The new king smiled at her with a subtle shake of his head.

  “I’m aware, but there’s an easier way to prove it.” She turned to Shane. “Tell him to come closer and touch it. Gently, for it will sting.”

  Shane’s brow furrowed. Lee mirrored his confusion as to why she couldn’t tell the man herself. But Shane did as she instructed. As soon as the man’s fingers neared the petals, he sucked in a breath and retreated. He waited a second before trying to reach for another area, but it had the same result. A woman tried next and gasped at the shock.

  When they’d both taken their seats once more, along with the rest of the council, Adalina held out a hand. She hesitated only a moment before stroking one of the yellow petals. But it wasn’t her they needed to see. Lee seemed to come to the same conclusion and gently wrapped his hand around the long, twisted stem.

  “My name is Loxley,” he said. “I was the immortal captain of the Nihryst for one hundred and thirty years, and I am the lost prince—the rightful King of Rayerna.”

  The room was silent. Not a soul spoke against him.

  “This is my great niece, Gwyneviere,” Lee went on, turning his attention to the rebel at his side. With a nod, she also put a hand on the flower. He looked back up to the council. “Your princess.”

  Shane saw Gwyn stiffen. She visibly swallowed, and he couldn’t help but smile. Reaching over, he took her hand as it lowered to her side.

  The council heard them out—Lee’s claim of the throne as well as the request for a new treaty with Detmarya, to which Shane immediately agreed. Then, the council dismissed the royals and Phillip to discuss amongst themselves whether to support Lee.

  The five of them wandered out to the steps leading to the front lawns. To the west, the sun was sinking over the edge of the forest, the day coming to an end. Gwyn left them to find the rest of her people.

  Shane slipped his hand into Phillip’s at the same time as Lee draped an arm around Adalina, careful to avoid the stitches in her upper arm. As if they both realized how close they’d all come to death. Even if the man hadn’t been mortal for long, he’d nearly seen Adalina meet her end, just as Shane had seen Phillip nearly killed on the battlefield. They’d both almost lost the people they loved, and he knew neither would have survived such a loss.

  Yet, here they all stood, watching the sky darken and lanterns come to life on the streets beyond the gates. And that wouldn’t have been possible without his father’s sacrifice. Shane hadn’t felt close to the man since he was a child. For most of his life, his father was someone he tried to avoid as much as possible out of fear. Until Shane became old enough to understand what triggered the former king. He sat in meetings with him, learning what it took to rule a kingdom, and he stayed quiet for the most part. But it wasn't those moments of fear running through his mind now. No, it was those rare times as a young boy Shane thought of—his father picking him up in joy after Adalina’s birth and taking him in to see his new little sister. Him stopping to bring Phillip along because he was part of their family, even at that young age.

  His father was not a good man. Shane knew that. Emyr was power hungry and controlling. He’d killed their mother and Phillip’s father. But Shane couldn’t stop the slight grief filling his heart.

  Sensing his dismay, Phillip squeezed his hand and stepped closer. Though, he couldn’t know what Shane was thinking about. Shane would tell him in time, but for now, he would let them all believe his mourning was simply for all those lost in the last twenty-four hours. Which wasn’t entirely a lie.

  Their kingdoms had taken hard hits on both sides. Many of their friends were among those pyres. Cities needed to be rebuilt, along with people’s lives. A coronation would happen soon if the council inside voted in favor of Lee’s claim. Across the sea, a couple of small children waited for their return along with Phillip’s family.

  Regardless of what that council decided, Shane knew that the four people on these steps weren’t done. Together, they’d work to make sure those children—and all others—had a better world to grow up in. One of peace and love.

  Chapter 39

  Adalina

  Ada brushed her long curls over one shoulder, twisting the ends. She didn’t know why she was nervous, but she couldn’t stop fidgeting. At her side, Phillip grabbed her hand and pulled it down. He laced their fingers together, squeezing her gently as Lee finished up his oath to serve Rayerna. As he stood and turned to face the crowd, a chant of “long live the king” rang out through the room and everyone knelt.

  Though they weren’t subjects of Rayerna’s rule, Ada, Shane, Phillip, and all those who’d traveled with them also knelt. Phillip put Karey down as he lowered. She twisted back and forth, her long cerulean dress swishing around her legs.

  “What is everyone doing?” she asked, trying and failing to stay quiet. Phillip hugged her to his side, hushing her, which resulted in a muffled giggle. Between them and Shane, Kal joined in the quiet, contagious laughter, and Ada grinned. After the truce, they had returned home to take care of a few official matters. Primarily, they had a new treaty drafted up. A week later, when ready to sail back to Rayerna, Shane decided to bring the small children. Apparently, he wanted to leave them behind even less than they wanted to be left. The attachment was clear to anyone who saw them together.

  Footsteps neared Ada, da
rk shoes stepping into her vision. Gentle fingers tilted her chin up until she stood.

  “Not you. Never you,” Lee said, sliding his hand to cup her cheek. “You broke the curse on the Nihryst, cured the Kald by finding the Heulwen and the lost prince, and saved both of our kingdoms. You bow to no one.”

  The burning in the back of her throat worsened as he knelt in front of her. He kissed her hand and continued to hold it. She tugged him back up, not wanting such attention. Especially on this day meant for him. Once he stood, the others in the room did as well. Immediately, the atmosphere turned celebratory. People began mingling, eating from the trays of food carried out and dancing to music that drifted over the chatter.

  But Ada only had eyes for Lee. She hadn’t seen him since she left for Detmarya nearly two weeks ago. He took a step closer, his breath tickling her cheek for a long second before his lips brushed the corner of her mouth.

  “I missed you,” he said.

  She gripped the front of his navy blue jacket. “I need to talk to you.”

  Leaning back, he met her gaze with concern filling his own. Without speaking to anyone else, he nodded and led her to the small council chambers connected to the back of the throne room.

  “Before you say anything,” he said, cutting her off as she opened her mouth, “I love you.”

  “Lee, I—”

  “The curse is broken.”

  Her brow creased. “Yes, I was there. That’s not what—”

  “I love you, Adalina Rose.”

  That was when she caught his meaning. A smile grew on her face. She’d worried about this conversation on the way back. They hadn’t discussed the future, and she feared he may want something different now that everything was over.

  “Our fates are our own.” Lee moved to stand before her. “We get to choose our own paths from here on out.”

  “We’re no longer tied to one another,” she whispered. Except that was a lie. She placed a hand on her stomach.

  He reached her, tracing a finger along her jaw. “I would like to change that.”

  Her eyes snapped up to his as her heart raced. Leaning in, he kissed her once then rested his brow against hers.

  “We get to choose our own paths now,” he repeated. “But I want them to be intertwined as they always have been. Our time may be limited on this world, but I want to spend every bit of it with you. I love you more than anything, even when your stubbornness irritates me to no end.”

  A soft laugh escaped her. He lifted her chin, and she met those familiar sea-green eyes she’d dreamed of since she was a little girl.

  “Marry me?” he whispered before kneeling once more. From a pocket, he pulled out a small box and popped it open. But she didn’t need to see the ring.

  “Of course.”

  The smile he gave her could have lit up the entire throne room. He slid the ring onto her finger as he stood, tossing the box aside. And then, she was in his arms. Her feet left the floor, and his mouth covered hers. She twisted her arms around the back of his neck, tilting her head to deepen the kiss.

  When he finally lowered her, she said, “I love you too.”

  Her chest ached with how full her heart felt. They’d gone through so much, and there was still a lot to deal with, but she grabbed on to this moment of joy with both hands.

  “You know, being king suits you.” Running her fingers down the golden buttons of his jacket, Ada grinned up at him. “But I’m going to miss the pirate clothes.”

  He let out a deep chuckle. “Oh, I’m sure I can do something about that.” One of his hands traced down the side of her pale green bodice. “You look incredible, but I also miss you stealing my sweaters.”

  “I’m sure that can be arranged,” she said, mirroring his suggestive tone.

  “How is your arm healing?” He reached for her loose sleeve. “Miss being immortal yet?”

  His words trailed off as the fabric lowered to show her smooth skin. Confusion filled his eyes.

  “I could’ve sworn it was this arm.” He moved to the other, and she didn’t stop him.

  She guessed it was time to tell him. The conversation had been put off long enough.

  “Ada…” His tone was full of concern, and his breathing quickened. “You… it healed? I don’t understand. Your father broke the curse. I’m not immortal anymore; you can’t be.”

  Standing on her toes, she cut off his nervous rambling with a kiss. “I’m not immortal.”

  He stared at her in obvious confusion.

  “I never was.”

  “But you were,” he said, shaking his head. “You came back to life. We saw your hand heal.”

  “Because of the Heulwen.” She took both of his hands.

  “You didn’t ingest the Heulwen. It wasn’t put in the water supply until later…”

  “I didn’t need to ingest it. It was in my blood—is in my blood.” Taking a deep breath, she raised his hand to her stomach. “At least for a few more months it will be.”

  Lee’s mouth fell open. For the first time since she’d met him, he appeared speechless. His eyes flicked up and down, going from their hands on her abdomen to her face and back.

  “Lee… please say something.” Her nerves returned. She thought after all he’d just said, he would be happy. He’d once told her how upset he was never to be able to settle down and start a family.

  “You’re sure?” The words were barely audible. She nodded, too worried to speak. With tears in his eyes, both of his bands cupped her face and he kissed her again. This time was different though. It wasn’t just happiness and love lingering between them. It was hope. It was a future. A life they’d spend together, growing old and watching their children.

  “Yes,” she finally whispered. She’d confirmed it with Talia while back in Detmarya.

  His lips pressed to hers as his hands slid down to her waist. “Does anyone else know?”

  “Only Talia.”

  He grinned, wrapping an arm around her to turn them toward the door. “Can I be the one to tell your brother?”

  She playfully smacked his arm and laughed. “Do you have a death wish?”

  Pulling the door open, he chuckled and led her back out to the celebration. Couples danced on the floor while the majority lingered around the walls of the large room, smiling and talking. Drinks had been served, and though there was still a layer of sadness and mourning blanketing it all, people appeared relaxed and happy.

  “Ada!” a high-pitched voice called out as they moved farther into the room.

  Out of instinct, Ada knelt with her arms open before she even saw Karey. She scooped up the little girl and stood. “Where’s your brother?”

  “With Carys over there.” She pointed across the room, but Ada couldn’t see them. Together, they moved through the crowd, Lee keeping one hand on her back. When they reached the edge of the open dance floor, Ada spotted the other two children with Mrs. Lavens. But all of them had their eyes on those dancing.

  At the center, Shane held Phillip in a close, slow dance. It warmed Ada’s heart knowing they had found one another. She’d known of Phillip’s feelings for a long time, but not her brother. She also knew that they had kept things quiet while at home, so to see them together in front of so many others… Ada glanced around, but though some watched with surprise in their eyes, none had a shred of disapproval there.

  As the song slowed to an end, Shane kissed Phillip once before pulling him back to the corner of the room. He immediately lifted Kal into the air—his little shadow. Mrs. Lavens patted her son on the cheek with the biggest smile Ada had ever seen on the woman.

  Carrying Karey, Ada walked toward them with Lee at her side. They passed Brienne on the way, who turned from where she danced with the Rayernan guard Thomas. That was a new development Ada couldn’t wait to hear about.

  The three reached the others. Ada tickled the girl’s side, enjoying her tinkling laughter. This child who’d already gone through so much darkness in her short life. Karey held
her arms out toward Phillip, and he took her without hesitation.

  “You’re leaving me?” Ada asked in mock betrayal. “I thought I was your favorite.”

  Karey giggled, burying her face against Phillip’s neck. Like the mature adult he was, he stuck his tongue out at Ada while patting the little girl’s back. Ada rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her own smile.

  Shane set Kal down as Phillip lowered Karey. The young girl grabbed Carys by the hand and started running toward the hall at the far end of the room. Kal followed, looking back over his shoulder until Shane nodded that it was all right.

  With a sigh, Mrs. Lavens said, “I can’t keep up with one, let alone all three of them.” Then, she was off. But not before Ada saw the woman’s smile.

  “You ready for that?” Lee asked in a soft tone against her ear.

  “Something you want to share?” Shane asked, cutting into the moment.

  Ada’s wide eyes turned to him. Lee had said it so quietly; there was no way they heard. Shane looked down to her hand, and she let out a breath. She held up her hand, letting the chandelier light glint across the deep red ruby. They all congratulated her, Brienne and Gwyn joining in their group along with the remaining Nihryst. When Shane hugged Lee, Ada stared in wonder. Apparently, Lee had already told him he planned on asking.

  “A toast!” George passed around flutes.

  When they all had one, Brienne raised hers. “To our insufferable captain, and the only woman stubborn enough to put up with him.”

  Laughter rang out as drinks were lifted, then they all started drinking. Except Ada, who held her cup in front of her. Lee’s free hand brushed her side as his arm went around her.

  “Wait,” Phillip said as the glasses began lowering. “What’s wrong?”

  Always the most perceptive person in her life. Of course he’d notice.

  “What are you talking about?” Shane looked from one to the other, and Ada bit the inside of her cheek to keep from grinning.

  “She didn’t drink. I’ve never seen her pass up a drink.” Phillip’s eyes narrowed in on her.