They made it to Nyssa’s cabin in strained silence. The princess was more than happy to let them in and allow them to stay for the night even though they did interrupt her sleep. Castiel took their mounts and went into the barn. The horses would need to be taken care of.
“I am going to go help Castiel, Avelyn. Go inside and get some sleep.”
“Demi...please don’t be angry.”
Demina took a deep breath and faced Avelyn.
“I’m not angry, Ava. I probably would’ve done the same thing if I were brave enough. Now, please go to bed.”
Avelyn nodded, giving her a tight hug before following Nyssa upstairs to her bedroom. Demina turned and went to the barn, immediately starting to work on the horses. She didn’t saying a word. Castiel watched her for a bit before getting up and working next to her. She jumped but didn’t move away. She kept her gaze away from him, a slight blush lighting her cheeks. Castiel gently touched her shoulder.
“Hey,” he said softly, “Listen. I’m sorry for what happened.”
“Mmhm. That is life.”
“Okay, well. Look, Demina. I’m sorry about what happened to your fiancé.”
Demina’s eyes jerked to him.
“How did you know about that?”
Castiel swallowed. Darn! Why had he said that?!
“Never mind,” Demina sighed, “There’s only one person that could’ve told you that.”
“Look. Don’t be mad at Ava, okay? I’m glad she told me. She is old enough to make her own decisions.”
“I’m not mad at her!” she snapped. Did he ever shut up?
“You’re not? Truly?” He was being sarcastic and he knew he shouldn’t be but she was being so frustrating.
“No. I’m not.” And she was lying to him.
“Right. Okay.”
“Did you need something else, Prince Castiel?” Please stop talking. Please.
Prince Castiel. So they were back to that. No more Cas. Now that he knew something intimate about her, she was pushing him away. Putting him back in his place. Well. He wouldn’t go. Not without a fight.
“Yes. I wanted to say that...I admire you, Demi.” I also love you.
She winced at the nickname, once again looking away from him. She pretended to be focused on taking care of his horse. She was embarrassed. Good.
“Why? What have I done to warrant this admiration, Castiel?”
He smiled. That was better.
“I know how hard it must be for you to be here with Avelyn. Especially with what happened to Chase. Considering, the fact that Jaxon might be dead by now.”
Demina looked at him again, her eyes blazing. Castiel stepped backwards, inwardly groaning. What had he done wrong now?!
“Do you think I would be so selfish as to hold onto something from the past? Ava needs me, Prince Castiel. And I love Avelyn. She is like a sister to me and Jaxon, a brother. I would do anything for them. Tell me, what would you do for someone you loved?”
Castiel pondered her question as she turned and started brushing the horse down.
What would he do for someone he loved? What would he do for Demina? Because if he was going to be really honest with himself, he was head over heels in love with her. He absolutely loved her and it was the kind of love that would last forever. He stepped closer to her, pulling her in. He studied her, reading between the lines. For all her tough talk, all of her brave words, Demina was afraid. Terrified of being alone, losing the ones close to her. But her pride wouldn’t let her say that. He hated it, her pride, wishing she would just talk, but he knew he needed to be gentle. So he would be.
“You don’t have to be brave all the time, Demi,” he whispered, “That’s not how we are made. It’s alright to be afraid, to be vulnerable.”
She looked up at him.
“And what if I don’t want to be?” she asked, her voice cracking. Castiel sighed as she pulled away, his eyes sad.
“Then I’ll be here when you want to be,” he answered softly. What he wanted was a whole lot more than just being there for her. She looked up at him with gratitude.
“I’ll hold you to that.”
Castiel smiled and took the saddle from her. That was as close to a thank you and acceptance as she was going to get. He’d take it.
“I will finish in here. You should go inside. Get some rest. We have a big day of planning tomorrow.”
She smiled back at him.
“Alright,” she said, starting to walk out. Always having to have the last word though, she turned back around, “You are aware tomorrow is already here right?”
“Yes, Demina Mikios. I am aware.”
“Okay. Good,” she hesitated, “Good night, Cas.”
With that, she turned and fled into the house. Castiel watched her go, making sure she got inside safely. Warmth spread through his chest and he grinned gently.
“Good night, love.”
