Meta Gods War
Page 31
On top of that, there were clearly those within the Mansion that hated the Elves. Cam was going to have to be very careful of that moving forward. He couldn’t afford any foolish Humans making things difficult for the Elves, much less harming Miuri. He had hoped that whole issue was behind him, but he saw that it was only going to be worse.
Then there was Lord Remorn himself. Cam couldn’t decide if they could trust the man to lead them through this, much less to take care of his village. The man’s daughter seemed smart enough, but the Lord had control of this Mansion, and there was nothing Cam could do about it. At least Lord Remorn wasn’t foolish enough to deny an alliance with the Elves, so that was a point in his favor, at least.
But the village camping out in the main hall made him uncomfortable. He didn’t know why Lord Remorn would deny them lodgings, even if they didn’t bring anything useful with them. He knew that their people placed a high value on being able to work and provide, but the Mansion was supposed to help in times of crisis, regardless of tribute paid or of a village’s own ability.
They stepped back into the entry hall and the guards took their posts again. Cam and Dagan walked back toward their village, past the dirty looking people glaring out at them from inside their tents.
“I’d better whip them into shape,” Dagan said as he stalked off toward a group of warriors leaning on pallets of supplies. “We’ll speak later about what we just learned.”
Cam waved to him and lingered on the edges of the group. He saw Key with Miuri and Felin helping to unload jugs from the back of a cart, and he hesitated. Key said something that made both Felin and Miuri laugh, and he caught Miuri putting her hand on Felin’s shoulder. The girls smiled at each other and seemed comfortable enough for the time being.
So much was swirling in his mind. Felin, the Lord, the army, his people. And in the middle of it all was his magic and his power.
He only hoped it would be enough to keep everything from breaking apart.
But still, they had made it. At the very least, they were safe for the time being.
He walked over and joined his girls.
“There he is,” Key said. “I thought you were going to be lazy all day.”
“What, and deny you all the pleasure of watching me sweat?” Cam grinned at her and shook his head. “I’d never do that to you, Key.”
“Oh, my big strong man,” Miuri said, pretending to swoon.
Felin laughed and gave him a shy look as she continued to work.
Cam joined in and tried to enjoy his girls, their banter, and their laughter.
46
Cam pushed open the door to his rooms. Lamplight spilled out, and he was glad they had left two burning. The caves could be so dark without the lamps, and the darkness sometimes felt thick, heavy, and alive.
Key and Miuri ran inside, followed by Felin. The girls began to gush over the furniture, the stone carvings, and the fireplaces.
“It’s enormous,” Key said. “Don’t you love it, Miuri?”
“I love it,” the Elf Princess said, smiling at Cam. He got the feeling she’d grown up in rooms like this, but he didn’t say so.
He closed the door behind him and began to light the rest of the lamps. A pile of firewood was stacked beside the fireplace, along with flint and kindling. The kitchen counter with its long drawers had been opened and grains, herbs, and dried meats had been placed inside the storage containers. There was a large cistern of fresh water beside it, covered with a leather top.
Key threw the bedroom door open and beckoned for Miuri. The Elf laughed and ran into the bedroom, throwing herself on the bed. Felin followed, purring like a cat, and Key jumped in last. The girls laughed, throwing furs at each other and lounging on the soft mattress. Cam smiled at them then walked to the window and pulled the shutter open.
He breathed the cold mountain air deep into his lungs. The lamps flickered from the breeze but he didn’t mind. He stared out at the forest and the valley, out toward his village and his father.
“Urspirit take him,” he said softly.
Miuri slipped up beside him. He could hear Felin and Key laughing about something in the bedroom as Miuri pressed herself against his side and looked out the window with him.
“Nice view,” she said.
“Best view I’ve ever had,” Cam said.
She laughed and looked up at him. “Seems like you’re an important man here.”
“Seems like it,” Cam said. “Did you tell the others what we heard?”
She nodded. “Key’s worried. Felin knows more than she’s letting on, but I think she’ll open up soon.”
“Good. What do you think about her?”
“I like her,” Miuri said. “I really do.”
“Good.” Cam hugged the Elf close against him and breathed deep, smelling her hair and her skin. She tilted her chin toward him and they kissed.
“We have a lot of work to do,” she said.
“I know. I’m afraid things aren’t as safe here as we had hoped.”
She nodded and looked out over the valley. “But we’re here at least. It’s better than being on the road.”
“That’s true. And at least here, we have a chance.” Cam looked back out the window and followed her gaze. “I only hope it’s not too late.”
“It won’t be,” Miuri said. She took his hand in both of hers and kissed his fingers. “I promise, Cam. My knife and my life.”
“My blood and my blade,” he said.
“But you’re still bothered by something.”
He shook his head. “Just Theus. The way I lost control back there…” He trailed off.
Miuri nodded and sighed. “It was a horrible thing,” she said. “And you have the right to mourn your actions. But the past cannot be undone, Cam. Learn to control your power, and make sure you never do that again.”
Cam looked at her and nodded once. “You’re right. You’re always right, it seems.”
She grinned and kissed his cheek. “Come on. That bed’s got plenty of room for everyone, right?”
“Plenty of room,” he agreed. “We could probably fit a few more in there. What do you think?”
She tilted her head. “Oh, at least another three, maybe four more girls. Think you can handle more?”
He turned to the window, grabbed the heavy shutter, and yanked it closed. He latched it shut, making sure not much air leaked around the edges, then pulled Miuri against him and kissed her long and slow. He felt his pulse jump as he lifted his eyes and saw Key and Felin watching them from the bed. He broke the kiss off and nodded, leaning his lips close to her ear.
“I can handle a lot more, my Princess,” he said.
She gave him a look, mouth hanging open, as he took her hand and tugged her toward the bedroom. He jumped into bed, dragging Miuri along with him. Key laughed and tumbled backward, and Felin pounced on her, throwing a pillow in her face. Miuri curled up against Cam’s side as the girls lounged around him, laughing and smiling with each other.
He kissed Miuri’s hair and Key’s ankle. He reached up and touched Felin’s thigh, and she beamed with pride and delight.
They stayed in bed for a while, and Cam was okay with that.
The world could wait a little bit.
Thanks a ton for reading! Please leave a review. Since I’m a new author, reviews are a huge help.
Sign up for my mailing list and find out about new releases, giveaways, and more. Plus, get the novel Fist of the Magi for free! >> Click here
Start the next series now! Meta Marshal Service is set thousands of years after the events of MGW and follows a Marshal in the United States Meta Marshal Service. Jared craved an ordinary life. Clock in, do paperwork, clock out. He gave up magic, joined the Meta Marshal Service, and just wanted to be left alone. Until a routine prisoner transport went awry and blew up his entire existence. Jared better embrace his power, hunt down the bad guy, and keep his girls together, or else he’ll never get that peace and quiet back. >> Click H
ere to read it!
Thanks again for reading.
MGW2 is on the way!
- BN
About BN Miles
BN lives in a suburb of Philadelphia with his wife, two boys, and his black lab. He spends most of his time listening to his record collection, playing FPSs, and complaining about things on Reddit.
Want to check my progress on the current manuscript? Want to heckle me about how slow and bad I am? >>Click here to check out my word tracking Google sheet
Read all his books here: amazon.com/author/bnmiles
Join his Facebook group here: facebook.com/groups/2862922873763405/
Or find him hanging around these Facebook groups: Harem Gamelit and Harem Lit