Fated Insurrection (Book 3)

Chapter 28

"It gives me strength to have
somebody to fight for; I can
never fight for myself, but,
for others, I can kill."

~~Emilie Autumn

****************

~Nevada~

The meeting was cut short by the unfortunate news that another kingdom had fallen victim to Balthier Christani. It was possible that it could have been the humans working alone since they were more known for their love of mass destruction. But none of us really believed that it was, at least not on their own. 

My father's hard expression, one that mirrored that of his younger brother Elijah, was enough to keep all of our thoughts to ourselves. Alana looked stricken at the news despite the fact that King Dreymier had been against her from the beginning, literally wanting her dead. No one spoke for several long minutes and I took the opportunity to meet August's eyes. 

The only physical reaction he showed was the fist currently resting on the conference table, clenched so tight that his knuckles turned white. My eyes roamed his face, searching for any clue as to his thoughts. The Folmorian kingdom had been his home for centuries, his loyalty to them holding strong even after he had been turned. How was he handling this? His expression was a blank mask, not even his eyes gave anything away.

"I think we should take a break for a bit," my mother began hesitantly, glancing at her husband with worry in her eyes. Pushing away from the table, her eyes misty with unshed tears, she looked at Nova and I. "I'll take you guys to your cabin so you can clean up. Come on."

Wordlessly, the five of us followed, relief washing over Michael's face like he was running for his life as he rushed out of the room ahead of us. Nova watched him with a mix of curiosity and confusion before looking at me with raised brows.

"Uh… what was that?" Nova asked once outside, slipping his hand into Hatter's as we followed Alana down the sidewalk.

Threading my arm through August's, I shrugged. "You would probably know more than me."

"Not lately," he muttered.

"I think we have bigger problems than the newest reason for your friend's weirdness, babe," Hatter commented without looking at any of us. "Things are getting thick."

"It won't be long before it all comes to a head," August added, his mouth set in a grim line and I tightened my hold around his arm. 

"You're probably right," Alana sighed, stopping in front of a cabin and turning to face the four of us as Michael had completely disappeared. "I had hoped to be farther along in my plans to reclaim the throne, closer to being ready for battle, but… no one is talking to anyone and I can't just walk in there. And now this…"

"Dominic needs to be kept in check, Lana," August warned quietly, holding her gaze. "With Elijah at his side, this could quickly turn ugly and not in our favor."

"I know," she agreed, worry etched across her beautiful face. She sighed again, running a hand through her hair before gesturing towards the door. "It has two rooms so take your pick. Clean up, rest, and we'll talk soon."

Releasing August, I pulled her into a hug and closed my eyes as she returned the embrace. "Let us know if we can do anything, okay? And don't either of you take off like you did before."

I pulled away enough to see her face, tears still shimmering in her eyes as she forced a watery smile.

"I'm sorry I did that," she said quietly, her voice laced with regret as she looked from me to Nova, "to both of you."