Wings of Fate

46. A Thankful Night

    Moira lounged on a large downy bed, studying the starlit sky through the balcony doors across the room. Warm drafts of air filtered through the doors and open windows, carrying the scents of spice, ash, and conifer trees. Moira rolled onto her back and clasped her hands atop her stomach, breathing a contented sigh.

    She'd already taken a two hour long bath, which Kalian was now occupying. They'd been offered separate rooms by the King and Queen, but had opted to stay together. If anyone was surprised, they said nothing. In fact, Gabriel hadn't even questioned Kalian about the kiss he'd interrupted. Moira had to wonder what Kalian would say when they did ask, or if he'd say anything at all.

    The sound of draining water came from the bathroom and Moira sat up. She tossed damp curls over her shoulders, letting them cover her bare skin. The night was warm enough that she'd only bothered dressing in her undergarments. She was never able to sleep when it was hot out unless she was barely dressed or naked. She couldn't stand sweating in her sleep.

    Kalian appeared in the bathroom doorway, a towel wrapped haphazardly around his hips. "How are you feeling?" Moira asked.

    "Tired," Kalian admitted. "And also like I could use a really stiff drink. I'm still trying to process everything."

    He approached a carved wooden cabinet and opened it. The shelves inside were lined with an assortment of liquor. He selected a bottle of whiskey and poured two glasses. He joined her on the bed and Moira accepted her glass. She downed it in one draught, relishing the burn as it slid down her throat.

    "Do you feel relieved now that Dagen is dead?" She asked, setting her glass aside.

    "I do. In a way, I feel free." Kalian rubbed the back of his neck, then emptied his glass. "It sounds wrong, but I feel like all of this was smothering me and now I can finally breathe." Moira scooted closer and kissed his shoulder. Kalian flashed her a small smile. "Have you heard anything from Samson and Bellamy?"

    "Not yet, but I'm sure we will soon." Moira gazed about their room, once again admiring the beauty and elegance in every aspect of it. "How long will we stay?"

    "As long as you want."

    "Not long then." Moira averted her eyes and bit her lip. "I'm tired of staying in places where I don't feel welcome."

    Kalian gave a slow nod. "I think we should discuss what comes next for us."

    "All right."

    "I'm not ready for...more than this. I do love you and I want to be with you, but marriage..." Kalian pursed his lips.

    "Marriage can wait," Moira agreed. "I think there are things we need to do first."

    "Like what?"

    "The Ironblades aren't going to disband just because Dagen is dead. Sooner or later, someone will rise up to take his place. I think we need to try to stop the Ironblades before that happens. We might be able to reason with many of them, and there are ways to warn off the others."

    "So you want to find Ironblade units and dissuade them from continuing their campaign?" Moira nodded. "That sounds like a good idea. I'm sure Samson and Bellamy will want to join us." Kalian's face lit up with a smile. "Maybe Gabriel will come too. I imagine his wife and sister would have to come along then as well."

    "Who are they?"

    "His wife is Asena Vesper, Queen Iyan's sister, and Gabriel's unidentical twin is Esen. I don't think you've seen her yet. She had pale skin, white hair, and blue eyes."