almost - post war storm au

Chapter Three - Maven

That night, I leave Mare and Cal to tell Thomas about the day. We'll have to leave soon, we can't risk Cal getting himself killed. Or the lives of my niece, nephew and sister-in-law.

I keep my guard up, ready to burn anyone who touches me. Clenching my fists, I walk towards the outskirts of the crowd, head down. I'm known as a murderer, a usurper and more, best not to draw attention where none is wanted.

It's nearly dark when I reach our apartment, but no one gave me trouble so that's always a plus. I find Thomas on the couch, eating last nights dinner.

"Where have you been? Surely it doesn't take that long to talk to Mare."

You'd be surprised. "Cal got back today."

Thomas nods, oblivious to the sauce on the corner of his mouth. "How are you two? With the whole you know..."

I sink into the couch next to him, that sauce is going to drive me crazy. "Your manners are horrendous, Thomas." Thomas proceeds to roll his eyes and wipe his mouth with his sleeve. I steal a bit of food of his plate before telling him about today and my suspicions of Ryland Caramore.

Thomas furrows his brow in anger. "That's just stupid. Silvers aren't doing anything wrong."

I snatch more food from his plate as Thomas objects. "Clearly that isn't enough for Caramore. I can't believe Norta was idiotic enough to elect the fool."

Thomas chuckles. "Not everyone reads people like you do."

"True. Is there any more of this stuff?"

"Pfft, nope."

"As excepted," I say, getting up to find something to eat. Thomas makes an obnoxious slurping noise behind me. I sigh, "Like I said, horrendous."

"Does this mean we're going? So you don't get killed?"

I turn around, looking him up and down. I can't risk his life for mine. Who knows what tomorrow will bring with whatever idea my brother and sister-in-law come up with. But if I leave Thomas here, they could use him as leverage to draw me out.  "I never said we."

"Well I'm not going to sit here, not knowing if you're dead or alive." His firmness is surprising. Normally Thomas is the lighter-hearted of the two of us, not the other way around. Sure, he's been through the troubles of conscription, but it's no where near the chaos I endured. I can already feel the tables turning, but in no way am I ever going to let Thomas bear my burden.

"Tom..." I plead, having found food. I make my way back over as he stands.

Thomas stare me in the eye. "I'm coming."

"No, you can't."

"Who's stopping me?"

"Me," My voice is firmer than his, hardened after years of Silver court. The temperature rises and we both sit.

Thomas doesn't give in, he tries a new tactic. He leans back, almost pouting. I swear some days he's mentally a child. "I might not have your abilities, but I can take care of myself."

Unable to press the matter, I huff out a sigh. My hair falls in front of my eyes. It curls like usual, almost identical to Cal's if he grew it out. "Fine, just so I can keep an eye on you."

Thomas laughs. "Whatever helps your conscience."

"Oh, shut up."

"I'm sorry, Your Highness, but that's physically impossible for me," He counters.

I swallow my food, narrowing my eyes. "You know I hate that title."

Thomas grins making and eh noise. "I hear you were quite the usurper."