Warlord's Ward

Before

He slumped to the side and had to brace himself on the table.

Seeing he was off balance, I set the bird on a fur rug out of the range of the dumping rain pouring in through the balcony door. I rushed over and slammed it closed. Sealing out the gusting wind.

Killian was still staring at the huge red bird as if he couldn't believe it was truly there.

Like it might be a figment of his imagination.

Curious beyond belief, I slipped the page from his hand and inspected it. Reading it and rereading it.

Seeing he'd paled I lifted it toward him. "What's this mean?"

"Magnus and Hawk did what I freed them to do."

"What did you charge them with?"

He'd freed them for a specific purpose. I suppose I should've known that because there was always a plot behind Warlord's actions, but I found myself faintly disappointed because I'd rather enjoyed thinking he'd freed them from the kindness of his soul.

Because he'd wanted to help them.

But really, there'd always been a price he expected them to pay.

"Your sister?" I asked softly.

"Baby sister." He breathed. Shaking his head in astonishment. "I'd hoped...But I was so certain she was dead...Or worse."

I frowned at him as he mulled that over.

"I guess it could still be worse." His voice broke a little. As if that thought were unbearable. "God, I hope not. I don't think I could bear it."

Seeing he looked like he might collapse, I caught the chair and skid it under him. Kneeling before him.

"Magnus has found her." I patted his knee reassuringly. "He'd have put it in there if there was bad news."

I was certain he'd not have risked Warlord's wrath, if he got there and found that she was someone's tortured captive.

I was rather astounded myself to see Warlord so emotional.

"Tell me about her?" I coaxed. Sensing he wanted to. Knowing now was the time.

He looked at me as if he hadn't seen me, the whole time we were conversing.

Like I just materialized from nowhere.

***

"She was like a tiny spark of sunshine." He chuckled slightly. Rubbing his thumbs along the opposing hands in a comforting gesture. "She was so happy and bouncing. Wanting to be everywhere at once."

"You cherished her."

"I protected her." He corrected. Looking up. "Our little brothers were so facetious, and she bullied them mercilessly, so they were ever allying against her."

"Sounds like she earned that." I said dryly.

He grinned, his lips moving as he struggled to find words.

"She did, indeed." He bobbed his head. "But I couldn't bear to witness her being picked on."

I chewed my cheek. Waiting for more. Finding myself leaning in as I hung on his every word.

"I had to save her. And Aviari..." He groaned shaking his head.

"Your brother?"

"Yes, he was forever tormenting her."

"Why?"

"Because he loved her." He gave me a quick glance. "Aviari is ornery like that."

That made me want to giggle. "You paint yourself as the kind one."