Avandor's Gift

“You died, I saw them kill you.” I whispered in her hair.

“I heard that you stepped into the reaper.” she said.

“Who is this and why is it that she clings so closely to my mate?” said Garima reminding me that she was there.

“Your mate?” said Evander whose eyebrows shot up in surprise.

I loosened my hold on Noräin and turned to face them. “Manneth came to claim his price from Garima and I chose her as my mate to protect her.”

He nodded once in understanding but also I could see pity there as well and I knew why it was so.

“Garima this is Princess Noräin, the woman I love and who I was going to marry before she died.”

“But she clearly isn’t dead now.” she said defensively.

“No she isn’t and I don’t know how.” I said as I turned to Noräin.

“Our decoy plan worked as it should and I got away.”

“Is Andreas...?”

“No he actually died. I have been in Sebán all this time.”

“Hiding,” said Garima with acid in her tone.

“No, preparing for a time such as this. It wasn’t the easiest decision I could make but Tet convinced me that it had to be this way.”

“Is there anyone that Tet hasn’t spoken to?” I said looking at Evander.

“You need to get in armour so we can join the others.” He replied. “I am going back to the cathedral to meet with Sonis.”

“I’ll come with you,” said Noräin. “Secure the princess and join us soon.” She said turning to Evander and took his hand leaving me alone with Garima.

“You aren’t leaving me behind so that you can fight a war with her.”

“A war that you helped to start,” I reminded her. “No I didn’t plan on leaving you behind. You are my responsibility and I have to ensure that you are safe.”

“Your responsibility, not the woman you love. I see how it will be from now on and I can tell you that I don’t want to be second best. I have been that all my life and...” I grabbed her close and kissed her.

She looked at me shocked. “Yes I love Noräin, but you are my mate now, understand?” she nodded. “We will talk about this more when we are through, but now we go and join the others.”