Sharp Flowers

Part 22

Somewhere in the far-off distance, a thin stream of smoke rises from the treetops. A campfire is burning somewhere in that direction, marking how close Ryder's army has come to the city. Everyone is sharpening their blades, suiting, and gearing up in preparation because they're in perfect striking distance. I shake my head. How could they have pushed so far into our home?

"Excuse me, Raven," Felicity calls and I wave her over. "You haven't seen Henry, have you?" she wonders. So is this what the fuss is lately?

"No, shouldn't he be in his private office study maps or something," I reply, shrugging casually as I sweat with the memory of yesterday. I know he was unusually emotional and disrespectful, but to be absent in a time like this? "Did he say anything to anyone? Has anyone seen him since yesterday?" I inquire.

"No, he's disappeared. People haven't seen him since yesterday" Felicity tells me, and I freeze. My stomach twists and turns over with my mouth hanging ajar. "Raven, what's wrong?" Felicity wonders, grimacing in astonishment but I shake my head.

"Yesterday-," I begin, but honestly, where do I start? Before I can, warning horns start blaring. Felicity and I both freeze, considering the urgency and liveliness of the camp.

"I wonder how long we'll be safe here," Felicity starts, "We're losing the war," she points out.

"We won't lose," I deny it.

"We've lost ships and land," Felicity reminds me, going on about our losses but forgetting the wins we've had. I shake my head, not in the mood for negativity.

"What are we doing sitting here?" I add, nudging her with my elbow when Felicity embraces me for a second before we take off to our respective positions. I head for Sebastian's office. He's sitting before a candle burning sweetly in the space with his face in his hands. "Sebastian?" I wonder. The immortal king looks tired today, unlike usual. He smiles brightly, melting my heart with a look, but the worry still clings. Something must have happened, but I don't want to stress him with it. Sebastian rises to greet me, wrapping his arms around me again. I lean back into him, enjoying the comfort of his embrace. I feel him press himself against me, moaning softly in my ear.

"You're making it hard to leave," Sebastian whispers, "You like making things hard, don't you?" and I feel my face flush immediately. Sebastian chuckles as he tucks a few loose strands of hair back. "Let's go. We have the battle to win," he says, slowly disappearing into nothingness until I find an added sword on my hip.

"You are a pain sometimes," I mutter. Sebastian's quiet, but I swear I can feel him smirking. I leave to join the Knights entering the battlefield, holding out behind the shields. The striking of arrow tips slamming into shields and helmets rings in my ears.

"Hold formation!" Volker's deep voice cries somewhere close by. The Shields realign, and the Knights burst through between them, charging in to meet the enemy.

"Incoming, two o'clock!" Sebastian warns me. There, darting in fast, she's coming for me. I duck, swinging the sword and dropping a soldier in time to face her. Our blades clash. She presses in, struggling to push me down. We pivot, exchanging blows once more before backing off.

"Whore of a beast," Hanna swears at me. If Ryder's second wife is out here, then he mustn't be too far away.

"Where is that coward? Where is Ryder?" I demand to know. I storm up to her and withdraw the sword.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Hanna sneers, "give me your head, and I might let you see him," Hanna snaps rushes in after me with blinding speed. I pivot, sliding back, ducking, and dodging. Easy Raven, I can't let her control this fight. I take a deep breath, blocking her next swing and stepping forward close. Hanna tenses, gritting her teeth and making an ugly face. This is my fight and I'll be damned if I let anyone get the best of me.