Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 8

Every ounce of confidence I held dropped into my stomach at the sheer volume of civilians who had come to bid us farewell. I didn't expect my body to react so poorly to being surrounded. I didn't consider that their cheers might sound like war cries, or that the circle would feel like it was closing in as our group traveled through the crowd. 

An army surrounds us, my heart races, and my hands threaten to ice over. The sound is deafening, and for a moment, I can almost convince myself it was the screams for my head. That we would be under attack, I would be forced to defend myself once more, and all of my subjects would get to see what war had turned me into.

The shadows grow eyes and fangs, the distant snarls fill the background, and my throat threatens to clench shut. I feel my heart pounding, and then his knee brushes mine. I'm in a cold sweat, my throat dry, but his light eyes meet mine with concern. 

All at once, the earth snaps back, the snarls fade, and I see the knowing expression of the man who lived through that hell with me. 

Did he feel the same way? Was this like walking through hell's flames for him, too? 

It's an unspoken signal, just as we did when we fought together—a promise, a guarantee that he would have my back, just as I had his. 

The swords in their hands turn into flags, their screams turn into chants for liberation, and all at once, the army ready to swarm us turns back into the civilians cheering for my leadership. The streets were lined with my supporters, my people, and all I could do was force a wooden smile to ensure them that their words were heard. 

I lift my palm, waving quietly. I couldn't falter now, not after I'd demanded to ride at the head and lead us from the city. 

"I thought we were 'bout to have a mess ta clean up." I hear Tomas mutter to my warlord. 

"Don't doubt him. He's got this." Verando responds lowly. "Besides, if he did, nothing'd be left to clean up. Don't doubt your future king in front of his subjects. Change your face, Tomas."

 The bite has left his voice, and I can convince myself that what I hear in that tone is nothing less than pride. Even if we are upset with each other, I know him well enough to understand that he wouldn't take such praise from me. Verando's love for me was not conditional, and despite a spat between us, he would continue to be my rock to lean on. 

It was a luxury I had never had before this infamous man.

Once out of the city and onto the main road that connects my home with our destination, I feel my shoulders threatening to relax as the sun trickles down through the trees. Verando's jaw is tight and tense; he rolls his shoulders uncomfortably at our vulnerability. We were a small band. I could see the concern; it would be easy to overwhelm us, but could a mortal stand up to a lycan as a threat? 

I hardly considered it worthy of a thought, given the circumstances. 

"Thank you." I exhale as he falls in to ride beside me, "I'm not sure what came over me. It was.. so loud all of a sudden."

"War changes us. You did well, held your composure, and didn't hurt anyone. It's a bigger accomplishment than many in your position could say. Still, I would rather you sit in the carriage." Verando says lowly, knitting his eyebrows as he forces himself to relax his shoulders. "Going to be a long ride, you'd be best suited to ride as one would expect a royal." 

It'd be easy to argue, but instead, I say nothing. Arguing with him over my position would get me nowhere, so I lean back to take in the sun while it is available. My skin had paled once more, a hazey olive tone instead of the depths of the tan I'd gained in my time outdoors. I remove my crown, stuffing it into my satchel, to appease him, even if it was only the slightest bit.