Two Of The Same Piece || Book 1 (The Beginning)

CHAPTER 44

Rave sat on the bed, quietly sipping from the broth in the cup. They had saved her. They had come and saved her and Leo. Leo was still sleeping, but Rave kept looking at him. She still couldn't believe it.

"Rave, how do you feel now?" Irene asked her.

Her shoulders sagged, 'Where are Taiskin and Aurilean?"

"Hanara is informing Taiskin, but how do you feel now?"

Rave avoided the question. "Did I kill Josephine when I shot her?" Rave hoped the arrow wound infected and killed her.

"No, she was merely injured." Irene squeezed her good hand. "We are returning to Bellayong. Both you and Leo."

"Why? I want to stay here for the retributions and I want to confront Josephine-"

"Father commanded it. You and Leo will return home. Aurilean will join us later too." Irene said. "Please, Rave. We just need to go home. For your and Leo's sake."

Rave sighed. "Is mama alright?"

"She threatened to... take her own life if you and Leo died." Irene looked away.

Rave winced as she shifted on the bed. "By the gods."

"We should go home, Rave. We don't need to stay on this cursed land." Irene said quietly.

"When can we leave?" Rave asked.

"As soon as you're ready." Irene perked up. Rave knew she could push Irene to let her stay long enough to watch Josephine lost her kingdom, but it wasn't worth the pain she would cause to Leo. "The priestesses said Leo doesn't have any physical injuries. Only spiritual ones."

"I will take Leo as far away from this cursed kingdom as I can," Rave said. "We will never have to see this kingdom, ever again."

--

Ragnor sat beside Leo, tightly clutching his hand. The only sound in the quiet room was his sniffles. He had his face buried in Rave's shoulder, as she ran her uninjured hand through his hair. Ragnor swore to himself he would make sure that Leo never cried like this ever again.

"Leo, don't worry. We will make sure she is punished." Aurilean said.

"Don't mention her around me!" He buried his face deeper in Rave's hair.

Rave shot a glare at Aurilean. "You will never have to think of this cursed land ever again. Not as long as I can do something."

Leo squeezed Ragnor's hand. "Can you leave us? I want to be with just Rave for now."

Ragnor didn't want to leave Leo, he squeezed Leo's hand. "Please let me stay."

When Leo met his eyes, Ragnor's heart broke. Leo's eyes were red-rimmed. He still had fading bruises on his face. "Please, Ragnor." His voice cracked. "I just want to rest with Rave."

--

Rave sighed as Leo slept on her lap. He was completely destroyed. She wanted to snap Josephine's neck off. But right now, Rave would take care of Leo. She had arranged to leave Thinlin tomorrow after seeing how Leo was. Leo needed the kinder and welcoming air of Bellayong, not whatever was in Thinlin.

She heard the door open and watched Hanara enter quietly. "Rave?"

"He's sleeping. He's too scared to sleep alone in his bed. It hurts my leg, but I can't see him crying, Hana." Rave took a deep breath, feeling the tears choke her. She was done trying to hide her tears. "I hate it. I hate seeing him cry like this."

"I know." Rave leaned into Hanara's warmth. She was being strong for Leo, but she was hurting too. She wanted to be held and told everything would fine too.

Hanara patted her. "I'll take over with Leo. Taiskin wants to talk once before you leave tomorrow. He won't be able to take privately tomorrow when you leave."

"Is he far from here?" Rave knew it was a matter of time before he would want to talk to her, alone.

"No, he waits outside."

Rave winced as she moved so Hanara could take over. Leo moved a little bit, mumbling before settling himself on her lap. Hanara's face was full of pain as she stroked her brother's head softly.

Rave limped her way off the bed and out of the room. Her leg wasn't as bad as she thought it was. The pain had lessened as she had rested. She stepped outside the room and nodded to the guards. Josephine had made Rave watch as she executed each of Rave's entourage. They were brave, so brave. They had sworn loyalty to the princess who had failed to protect them.

She shut out those images, the screams. She turned Taiskin. He was still in his armor, dirty and bloodied. He clearly hadn't had the time or chance to change or even rest. He offered her his elbow to lean on. "Where are we going?"

"One of the only places in Thinlin where it doesn't smell like death and pig shit." There was no humor in his hoarse voice. He led her to the tallest balcony in the castle. There, it was just them, no guards, no Raibs, and certainly no Thinlinyte rats. "I am sorry."

"For?" Rave asked.

"For not listening. Had I know..." His voice faded. "I know I was always rude and unkind towards you, but I would never put you or Leo in danger, Rave."

"I know, Taiskin."

"My attitude resulted in death and pain, and for that, I take full responsibility." He continued. "But you realize, I have to ask you. Were you-?" He looked at her.

"Was I what?" Rave looked at him in confusion.

He cleared his throat. "There were conflicting reports from Thinlin. Some said you were... raped."

Rave looked away in disgust. "I was spared from that. But Leo- he was tortured. Josephine barely touched me, but she did everything to Leo."

"You can't blame yourself. Unless you sent Ib to Rachid." He looked at her again, waiting for her to answer.

"I am willing to do a lot of things for Bellayong, Taiskin," Rave said slowly. How dare he even think of that? "But I would never, never, do anything as reckless as provoking something like this. Do you think I'd sacrifice my entire entourage for some bits of information?"

"Of course not!" He said. "But I had to make sure. Aurilean and I can vouch for your innocence. Mow is unlikely to believe it."

"Who cares what he thinks? Josephine deserves punishment! Look at what she did to me." She held her left hand out to him. It was still bandaged.

"Mow doesn't care. He is already done selling Rachid back to Josephine."

"In Duaetive, it's like that. Bellan and Raynerians fight for justice. Don't forget that." Rave reminded him. "My honor, my safety is more important to you than that bastard's opinions, Taiskin."

"Of course they are, Rave." Taiskin looked at the bright moon. "We will take Thinlin for all the offenses they have committed."