Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 147891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 592(@250wpm)___ 493(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 592(@250wpm)___ 493(@300wpm)
“She was. I believe they’ve been side by side since we left them.” He looks toward the throne. “I need to get to my family soon,” he says in a lower voice. “Once Hassha’s people return and those weapons are made, I’ll have to go to him.”
My brows dip. “Don’t you mean we?”
“No, Willow. Me. I’ll have protection from Hassha for an hour, at the least. I’ll kill him and free my family.”
I drag my thumbnail over the back of my hand. “And where will I be during all this?”
“You can stay here, in Kessel. I’ve already spoken to Hassha about it. It’s the only place Decius can’t get to you. Here, he can’t get into your mind, and if there is any danger, they’ll handle it. These women are warriors. They know how to fight.”
“But I want to be with you, Caz. I came back to help you.”
His lips press together, and he grips my hands, squeezing them on top of the table. “I can’t have another scare like yesterday, Willow. I can’t. I’m not losing you. I’d rather you stay here where you’ll be safe and taken care of.”
“But what if he hurts you—or your family? If I’m not there, how can I know you’re okay, Caz? I don’t like this plan.”
Caz’s head drops just an inch. “I’m going to do everything I can to get them out of his clutches. He wants me, not my family.”
That is true, but who is to say Decius won’t kill them—or hasn’t already—just to prove a point? I shake my head, looking toward one of the shops where they sell weapons.
“I don’t like this,” I mutter, lowering my eyes to the table.
“I knew you wouldn’t.”
“You shouldn’t have even told me,” I mutter again.
“I wanted to be honest. I could have left without telling you, then you’d have been angrier with me.”
I cut my eyes to his. “Who says I’m angry now?”
“I can feel it. Maybe not anger, but you’re upset.”
“Because it’s unfair, and you know it. I know I’m not the best fighter, but I’m sure I can help.” I lean in closer to him as a group of women pass. “If I lose you, Caz—if you never come back—I don’t know what I’ll do.”
“I’m putting up my fight,” he reminds me, bringing my hand to his lips. Right. I did tell him to at least try…but I don’t want it to be like this. “Relax. Don’t worry about me,” he goes on. “I’ll have protection from Hassha when I leave the island, and it should last me long enough to take down Decius and free my family. Once I do that, I’m all yours, and we’ll never be threatened again.”
I want to put up an argument, but I won’t right now. Not in front of everyone, because though they all seem to be minding their business (everyone except Milandra), I know they’re still watching. And even if I wanted to, I can’t because Minka and Maia come running back to us with arms full of freshly picked flowers.
They dump them onto the table, and Minka says, “Here! Now what’s your favorite color?”
I laugh and tell her pink, and she and Maia get straight to work. I sit and collect a few flowers for myself. As I do, a woman approaches with a glazed, handmade mug in hand.
“I’m Carra,” she says, and she takes the spot next to me, sliding the mug in my direction. “I’m sorry you were stabbed, but I’m glad you’re all better. Have this tea. It’s star berry, a favorite in Kessel.”
“Wow. Thank you.” I take the mug, cupping it in my hands.
“Are you the nanny for the girls, Carra?” Caz asks as I sip my tea. It’s delicious. Tastes like berries and mint.
“I’m their caretaker, yes. It is my assigned role in Kessel.” She moves in closer to me, pressing her bosom against my arm while studying my hair. “Your hair is so beautiful. May I?”
Normally, I don’t like people touching my hair, but she brought me tea, so I play nice. “Sure, yeah. Go ahead.”
Carra rises, moving behind me and pulling the hair tie out of my hair. My locs swim down to my back, and she murmurs, “Such beautiful hair,” again before picking up a few pieces and braiding them into sections.
“After this,” Carra says, twirling one loc around her finger. “Maybe I can show you to my bungalow. I have lots of hair accessories. Or we can simply relax and have more tea. Whatever you want.”
I look to Caz with inclined brows. Am I tripping, or is she hitting on me?
Caz remains passive but doesn’t take his eyes off Carra.
“Do you like mine, Caz?” Maia asks, stealing his attention away.
“I do, Maia. It’s lovely.” He pushes to a stand, clearing his throat. “If you’ll excuse me, ladies. I’m going to find Hassha. See if she has an update for me.”