Delilah pondered for a moment. “No. I don’t think so. I mean. I’m tired now, but if I remember anything, I will let you know.”
“Oh, I apologize. I am being an inconsiderate hostess. I should have let you rest first.”
“No. It’s alright. I think we all wanted to share the information.”
Olivia smiled thankfully. “And when you’re ready, we would love to hear about your journey here. I have a feeling it was anything but uneventful.”
“Yes, I will leave that for our next discussion… It was… difficult.” Delilah’s eyes welled up as she looked at Cassiel.
He pushed the hair away from Delilah’s face, letting it flow down her back as he cupped her soft cheek. “It was not your fault. That was all Lilith.” He leaned forward and placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
Delilah nodded.
“We will let you rest now. Feel free to roam the house or the gardens.” Olivia stood up and offered her hand to Kaden, who took it without hesitation. She looked over at Theo and Damien. “If you two would not mind, I would like you to join me in talking to your people. Might as well start with our plan.”
“Of course,” Damien nodded as he and Theo stood up to follow.
Charlie took Bast’s hand and dragged her up. “Come on Bast, I... umm… want to talk to you.” She stood on tiptoe and whispered into the warrior woman’s ear, “You owe me that private hair braiding.” She smiled when she noticed Bast’s slight shiver and the goosebumps spreading over her skin.
Bast looked down into Charlie’s green orbs, the color she had privately decided was by far her favorite. Yet again, she found she couldn’t say no to that happy glint and the mischievous smile on Charlie’s pink lips.
“Alright.” Bast smiled back and allowed herself to be led back to Charlie’s room. Disa crawled out from under the table and followed the pair.
“We’ll see you at dinner!” Charlie called back over her shoulder.
Olivia chuckled. “She really is persistent.”
“It’s paying off,” Theo said as he snickered along.
Cassiel stood up, and when Delilah slid under his arm, he spoke, “We will go for a walk in the gardens, to unwind, and then probably turn in early, missing the dinner altogether.”
“That is perfectly understandable. Take your time settling in. I have a feeling days will pass before Magnus comes knocking.”
“Thank you, Olivia,” Cassiel said, making Olivia beam at him for using her given name.
“Oh… and Delilah, please remember, if you need anything, just find me and ask. You are a part of the family now,” Olivia added.
“Thank you.” Delilah smiled and bowed her head. “I’ll be sure to remember that.” With that, Delilah and Cassiel made their way toward the backyard gardens.
Olivia turned to Theo and Damien, and together they walked out of the main house and to the servants’ quarters. Pup tried to squeeze himself between Kaden and Olivia. “What do you two think of Delilah? Kaden told me that Órva'ar believes her to be innocent in all this.”
“She seems like a sweet child. Oh! Wait! No. Don’t tell Cassiel I called her a child.” Theo shook his head.
“A sweet young woman,” Damien supplied and Theo smiled thankfully. “A bit shy and timid.”
“She just needs to gain some confidence. If she becomes friends with Charlie… and you…” Theo teased and Olivia bumped his shoulder.
“As much as she doesn’t want to admit it, even to herself…” Kaden spoke up, “I think she’s still terrified of Lilith. She might be relieved now, but as the time goes by, I think she’ll start to worry more. That’s the worst thing… the waiting…” Kaden wrapped his arm around Olivia’s waist and pulled her closer. Pup nipped at his foot in protest, but moved away to walk on the other side of Olivia. “That’s why I don’t want us to hide from Magnus and Lilith, the constant possibility of them finding us hovering over our heads like a cloud of doom. Not to mention that I would like to settle down and start a family. We can’t do that on the run. It’s just not safe.” He looked down at Olivia, and when she nodded in agreement, he leaned down to peck her on the lips.
“We’ve been trying to do that for a while now, but something always comes up,” Damien said as he took Theo’s hand.
“A few months ago we might not have cared for others, and we might have just wanted riches for ourselves. But… we changed. People changed us,” Theo added and shrugged.
“Hopefully, after all this is over, we’ll have our peace,” Kaden said.
Chapter 45
“I love it when you braid my hair.” Charlie turned around and beamed at Bast. She was kneeling, sitting on her heels, on the floor between Bast’s legs. A comfortable silence had settled over them as Charlie enjoyed Bats’ nearness and Bast reveled in running her fingers through Charlie’s red tresses.
Bast smiled and opened her mouth to answer, “I—”
“And you should smile more,” Charlie cut in as she sat on the bed next to Bast.
“You won’t start with those silly compliments of yours again, will you?”
“No,” Charlie shook her head, “I’m quite serious now. You have a beautiful smile, Bast, so… it makes sense that you should smile more.”
“I—”
“Oh!” Charlie interrupted again. “I know what you’re doing. You’re saving the smiles for me. In that case, I approve!” She giggled and threw herself back on the bed with her legs dangling over the edge.
Bast chuckled and joined Charlie. The two of them lay side by side, gazing at the ceiling. Bast enjoyed the carefree moments with Charlie, where she could let go off all her worries and not think of her responsibilities.
“You’re silly,” Bast said as she turned her head to the right so she could see Charlie.
Charlie titled her head to the side as well. “Of course I am… I like making you smile. And I like spending time with you, despite how much you used to scowl to keep me at bay. Also, I think it’s very obvious I like you a lot.” She winked.
Bast laughed earnestly. “Yes, it is obvious to everyone, even me. You’ve told me more than once.” She studied Charlie’s emerald eyes, her rosy cheeks, and glistening pink lips. She’s beautiful. Bast took a deep breath. “I li—”
“I’m afraid, Bast.” Charlie interjected once again, her mouth pulled into a serious line. Fear suddenly dulled her eyes.
A frown pulled Bast’s eyebrows down. She propped her elbow on the bed and rested her head in her hand so she could see Charlie better. “What of?”
“Seeing Magnus again… and Reed.” Charlie sighed and her eyes welled up with tears. “I’m terrified, actually.”
“Oh Spark…” Bast cupped Charlie’s cheek with her free hand. “You know I won’t let them harm you. I won’t let anyone harm you ever again.”
Charlie never looked away from Bast’s warm dark eyes. The confidence oozing from Bast made her feel safe.
“What did they do to you?” Bast echoed Charlie’s earlier question to Delilah while caressing her cheek with a thumb.
Charlie shifted her gaze back toward the ceiling. “We’re similar in one way after all…” Bast turned Charlie’s head to face her again, raising her eyebrows and nodding for Charlie to continue.
“Because you wear your scars proudly. They’re proof of your skill and… but mine are…” Charlie closed her eyes.
“Where?”
“On… on my back mostly.” Charlie hiccupped, holding back the tears.
“Spark, look at me,” Bast demanded. “What have they done?”
“No. I can’t, Bast. Not with you. I’ve never been more ashamed of my past.” A tear rolled out of the corner of Charlie’s eye, and down into her fiery red hair.
Her eyes popped open when she felt Bast’s lips softly touch her own. It was a sweet, tender kiss.
“I don’t care,” Bast mumbled when she pulled back slightly. She kissed Charlie’s forehead, her nose, both of her cheeks, her eyelids…
Charlie giggled and grinned happily at Bast hovering above her. She wiped away the evidence of her tears.
“Better?” Bast asked, a soft smile raising the corners of her lips.
“Very much. Could you repeat it so that I know for sure it actually happened?” Charlie fluttered her lashes at her warrior Goddess, making Bast blush. “I mean, I—”
Bast joined their mouths again in a more passionate, yet slow and tentative kiss. Just a brush of their lips, exploring, tasting. Charlie’s were smooth and soft, the taste of apple still lingering on them. Bast wondered why she had been fighting the pull between them. The stirring in her belly and quickened heartbeat made her acknowledge the depth of her feelings for Charlie.
Charlie had managed to break down all the barriers around Bast’s heart with simple smiles, by making her laugh. Bast had learned from her not to take life so seriously, that there was a time for worry and responsibility, but that there was also a time to relax and enjoy life. Balance was needed, and her balance was - Charlie.
A moan of approval slipped from Charlie and Bast smiled against the redhead's lips.
“Did that convince you?” Bast asked, again hovering above Charlie.
Charlie’s eyes were still closed, and a wide grin showed off her pearly white teeth. “Mmmhmmm… I wouldn’t mind repeats of it.”
Bast chuckled, kissed Charlie’s forehead and lay back down, on her side, facing her Spark.
“There will be repeats, right, Bast?” Charlie opened her eyes, turned onto her side as well, tucking a hand under her head. She gave Bast a hopeful look.
Bast reached out, wrapped her arm around Charlie’s waist and pulled her closer. Charlie snuggled in and nuzzled her face into Bast’s neck.
“There will be,” Bast mumbled a promise against Charlie’s head.
Chapter 46
Once more, everyone settled into a routine. The doom of Magnus’ impending arrival blanketed them with an anxious mood. Olivia was glad that most of her people stayed, including all of the newcomers. They wanted revenge. When Magnus came, those unable or afraid to fight would stay back and flee if needed.
Olivia trained most of the day with her friends, now including Giant and a few others. Delilah helped those who were to fight to build up the barriers around their minds. The estate work was not altogether neglected, but it did slow down slightly, as Olivia tried to add the extra work into the day without overworking and exhausting anyone.
One day a merchant caravan rode up to the main house, escorted by George and two more men.
“Olivia!” Aimee called when she entered the main house.
“Upstairs! Charlie’s room.”
Aimee dashed up the stairs and burst into the chamber. Olivia stood in the middle of the room with her arms spread out as Charlie took her measurements. The redhead was determined to make practice padded armor for Olivia. She needed to get used to the extra weight when wielding the axe. After much discussion to persuade Kaden, he agreed that Olivia would be there when Magnus came. She needed closure, too. She would wear armor as a precaution, in case a fight erupted. Kaden’s compromise was to insist on having Olivia well protected.
Olivia told no one that she enjoyed the training more than she thought she would. She felt more powerful, and that boosted her confidence. The thought of having armor of her own made her feel mighty, but she was well aware of her inexperience, and that she would have to be just as careful as if she had nothing on.
“There’s a merchant who wants to see you,” Aimee said as she walked into the room and plopped herself on the bed.
“I have what I need, Liv… you can go and I’ll work with Delilah on her new dress,” Charlie shooed Olivia away and pulled Delilah up.
Olivia nodded, smoothed her skirt and flitted down the stairs and into the courtyard.
“Good day, my lady,” the merchant said and bowed awkwardly. “Name’s Rhett. I come from trading in Remor and beyond. I traded ‘ere before with the masters of the house. Is Lady Moore ‘round so I could offer my wares for sale or a simple barter with Lord Moore?”
Olivia scrutinized the trader, two more merchants on the wagon and two well-armed men riding horses in the back. Crates of various size, a couple of barrels and some tools overcrowded the wagon.
“I am the lady of the house. My name is Olivia Moore. What wares would you trade with?”
Rhett looked around. “My pardon, Lady, but last time I dealt with—”
“My father is not available at the moment. If you wish to trade, you will do so with me.” Olivia squared her shoulders and stood taller, determined, summoning every ounce of her noble etiquette to the fore. She knew she would have problems doing trade on her own, a young woman instead of the man of the house. “If you do not, there are plenty of other merchants seeking our produce, and those that will take our gold in exchange for their wares.”
“Aye, my lady…” Rhett conceded as his eyes shifted back to her.
“Is everything alright, love?” Olivia heard Kaden ask as he approached from behind. He stood next to her, and gently placed his hand on the small of her back.
“Master Underwood!” Rhett exclaimed relieved.
Olivia huffed in annoyance. She wanted to make the first trade on her own.
“Rhett,” Kaden nodded in acknowledgment. “I see you’ve come to trade here again.” His eyes scanned the merchant’s men and when he recognized the same mercenaries in the back, his eyes lit up as an idea came to his mind.
“Yes, yes. I—”
“Good luck then. Lady Olivia here is not to be trifled with. She is the mistress of the house now, and I hope you know how to treat her with respect,” Kaden narrowed his eyes at Rhett, daring him to say otherwise.
“A... aye Master Underwood,” Rhett stuttered as he took a step back.
“Good. I need to talk to your hired men. Excuse me,” Kaden said and kissed Olivia’s temple before walking away.
Olivia glared at him and Kaden raised his eyebrows in return. Olivia shook her head and nodded for him to go and do whatever he had in mind. His face softened and worry crept into his features when Olivia didn’t smile back at him. In return, Olivia rolled her eyes but graced him with a soft smile just to get him moving.
Olivia sighed with relief when Kaden walked away and left her to deal with Rhett on her own, although his interference had already influenced the trader enough.
“Lady Moore?” Rhett broke Olivia’s thoughts. “Do you wish to sift through my wares?”
Olivia almost declined the offer, not needing anything at the moment, but Charlie crossed her mind.
“Hmmm…” She pretended to think for a moment. Her father had taught her how to negotiate, make them think you’re doing them a favor by accepting to trade. “We really do not need anything at the moment…” Olivia watched the man’s face fall, “Well, maybe some fabric, would you happen to have any?”
Rhett’s eye lit up at the possibility of trade. “Aye! I have some green silk, purple velvet, white cotton… and tanned cowhide.”
“Green you say?” Olivia asked, tapping a finger on her chin. Charlie would be thrilled to have those and they could use more tanned leather.
“Aye, my lady.” Rhett confirmed, wringing his fingers nervously.
“Alright, I guess we could trade. I have some radish… and strawberries,” Olivia said and smiled as the man’s eyes bulged at the mention of strawberries.
“Strawberries?” Rhett whispered reverently.
“Yes, they have just matured and are freshly picked. I can offer you enough so you can trade them on your way. They should last you till the next town if I am not mistaken, we trade them mostly in Remor.”
Rhett nodded his head eagerly. “Yes, my lady.”
“Let me see what else you have and then I will decide on the final exchange,” Olivia said and followed a grinning Rhett to his crates.
“Did you get everything you need?” Kaden said when he rejoined Olivia and Rhett, the two mercenaries follo
wing along.
“Yes. Charlie will be delighted.” Olivia beamed as she slid under Kaden's arm.
Kaden chuckled. “Did you overcharge him?” he whispered into her ear when he saw the bales of cloth, a barrel and another closed crate.
“No. I was nice, but did make an extra profit.” Olivia smirked and then added in a whisper of her own. “I could have gotten even more very easily though.”
Kaden's sudden laughter made Rhett jump slightly in surprise.
“You’re my little minx, you know that? Others have no idea.” Kaden nuzzled his face into Olivia’s hair, making her blush.
“What do you mean you’re not coming with us?” Rhett’s angry voice broke their little moment.
“We got a better offer.” One of the mercenaries shrugged his shoulders as they walked to stand behind Olivia and Kaden. “Meet our new employer.”
“What?!” Rhett snapped, but recoiled when Kaden glared at him. “But Master Underwood! You remember those bandits attacking us. We won’t last till next town over.”
One of the mercenaries sighed then whispered something into Kaden’s ear. They might be ruthless but they weren’t heartless.
Kaden nodded and then looked back at Rhett. “Wait here a moment, we’ll work something out.” He ran back into the house before Olivia could protest.
Olivia and Rhett stood with his men and his former mercenaries, waiting for Kaden in an awkward silence. She shifted her weight from foot to foot as she eyed the men warily. When Olivia spotted Theo and Damien nearby, keeping her in their sight, she let out a sigh of relief. She knew Kaden wouldn’t leave her alone just like that. To her right, she noticed Cassiel sit down to sharpen his sword.
“Right,” Kaden returned and broke the uncomfortable silence. “Here you go.” He extended a small pouch to one of the mercenaries. “Remember the deal.” Before the man could take it, Kaden closed his hand around the pouch, “And what will happen if you fail to comply.” The man glared at Kaden but nodded and took the small bag when Kaden let him.
Dragon's Prize (Dragons Awaken Book 2) Page 40
