The Protector

Chapter 27

Rest day. 

After last night's council meet we all thought it best to have a day to ourselves, relaxing and debriefing. Discussing the upcoming months, possibly years. We were all overwhelmed with the information we received during that meeting and in need of time to ourselves, the four of us. Friends. Relaxing in the Queen's private gardens we knew we were alone. We were the only ones who were given permission to be in here, which was nice. The sun was high in the sky casting minimal shadows and giving us an opportunity to bask. I was struggling to get my head around the events of the past few weeks. Edmon was my soulmage and I could honestly say I was able to see a change in my attitudes towards him. I was no longer reticent to be his and no longer worried about how he would treat me. We were made for each other. It was like the night I defeated Jewles and the bond snapped into place for us both also allowed my feelings to fully fall into place. He was mine as I was his and I was happy. I was ready for whatever was going to be thrown at us as long as we were able to face it together. We were strongest together, we hadn't tested that theory but I knew we both felt it. I sigh deeply, I would be lying if I said that it didn't worry me just how dependent I was on Edmon.

'Alesia?' I hum in response to the quiet rumble of Edmon's chest. 'What's troubling you?' I turn my head to look up at him and offer a weak smile.

'Nothing.' He raises an eyebrow at me, clearly not convinced. There really wasn't anything wrong. 'I'm worried for us all, that's all.'

Truth be told I couldn't get Lord Ashendale out of my mind. His behaviour towards myself and Edmon. His open hostility. However hard I tried to put it aside I knew there was something off about him. He hated Edmon and I. Why would he be willing to help a King who had few years left as king when he hated his successor? Why would he want to help defend a kingdom when he was so openly hostile? It honestly didn't make sense.

We were currently sat in a corner. Edmon sits behind me, acting as my pillow, his posture was relaxed. You wouldn't know he was the crowned prince of a country on the brink of war. I was leaning on Edmon who was propped up against the border wall. Leon and Rhoald had managed to find a target and were taking it in turns at throwing knives a small distance away. I was busy watching an insect as it fervently went from bright flower to bright flower, never stopping, never resting. I guess that's what we're all going to be like soon. Not long before we will all be deployed. If I was being honest I was worried. Not for my safety but for my friends, and family.

His eyes seem to search mine, looking for answers I doubt he will find, 'I understand you're worried but I don't think that's what's playing on your mind. Come on talk to me,' He murmurs voice softer as if he were trying to sooth me into talking to him. I wasn't ashamed to say it was working. He knew me well enough. I sigh and sit up, turning to sit cross legged facing him. My movement catches Rafel and Leon's attention and they try to give us a little privacy but I know that they are both listening in to our conversation. All were curious to know what was playing so prominently on my mind.

'Don't you think it was strange that how rude Lord Ashendale was yesterday?' Edmon's shoulders visibly relax, he was worried he had upset me. Eyes softening he runs the back of his hand down my cheek.

'That has been on my mind since last night too.' Leon and Rafel nod their heads in agreement, clearly it had bothered all of them as much as it had bothered me. That was little comfort.

'For him to be that openly hostile to you was difficult to watch and not say anything,' Admits Leon, neither of them tried to defend us yesterday. It wasn't their place but that didn't mean it didn't upset them. I beckon them over to us so we could talk quieter about. Leon sidles up so he is leaning against me and Rafel shuffles over to the other side of Edmon. Leon's close proximity is comforting as he leans against my legs, like he used to when we were training. I lean into Edmon's side a little suspecting he wouldn't like that I was currently closer to Leon than I was to him. I certainly wouldn't like it.