“We need to accept the fact that she might be lost to us. There’s no telling what he’s done to her by now. How much damage she’s taken.”
“We can’t leave her with him.”
“What do you suggest?” Hector asked.
Senna fished her own small drive out of her pocket and slid it toward him. “I have a way to bring him down once and for all, and to get our leader back. Cruel won’t even know what hit him. I promise you, next time, he will die.”
15
Zarya had known that Darling, as Kere, had an extended family where the Sentella was concerned. But honestly, she’d had no idea exactly how massive it was. Not until they walked into the Sentella’s central headquarters and literally everyone they came into contact with took a minute to speak with him and wish him well.
And she meant everyone. From the cleaning staff to the soldiers to the engineers. Everyone they saw seemed to know him, and most shocking of all, he knew them. Darling asked about them, their families and friends, and mentioned details that showed he not only remembered who they were, but that he cared about their lives, too. That all of them meant something to him.
If she’d ever had any doubts about what a great governor he’d be, this alone would have allayed all fears. Standing back to watch him interact with his people, she was stunned by just how generous and kind Darling really was.
In some ways it was hard to rectify the fierce warrior she knew him to be with the man who was able to soothe a little girl’s fears and to greet every worker with a smile and a handshake.
He absolutely amazed her.
“They like him best,” Hauk whispered in her ear as they were stopped yet again so that Darling could talk to one of the engineers. “Notice how they all ignore me like I’m not even here.”
Maris snorted. “It’s because you always threaten to eat them.”
“Well there is that,” Hauk said with a fang-enhanced smile.
She had no idea why, but she really liked the acerbic Andarion.
He leaned over to whisper to her, “Still… Darling’s their favorite.”
Zarya laughed at Hauk’s feigned pout.
In fact, it took them so long to get down the hallway, that Syn ended up bringing a stretcher for Darling.
His tone dry, Syn pulled Darling’s shoulder and urged him toward it. “Get on here. Lie down. And don’t say anything.”
Darling rolled his eyes before he obeyed.
Winking at her, Syn covered him with a sheet. “I don’t know what we’re going to do with Lord Social here.”
“I vote we shoot him,” Hauk said with an evil smirk.
“You know, there’s nothing wrong with my hearing. Right, Hauk?”
Hauk grinned at Darling’s comment. “Yeah. Like I care.”
“You will when I send you a special gift that’s wrapped with wiring.”
“Children…” Syn had the voice of a stressed parent. “Let’s not fight.”
“Yes, Dad,” they said in unison.
She glanced over her shoulder at Maris who was following them. Drake and Lise were behind him.
“They’re always like this,” Maris mouthed to her.
Shaking her head, she wasn’t quite sure what to make of this more playful side of Darling. As Kere, he’d been reserved and formal whenever he interacted with her soldiers. Ruthless and lethal with his enemies. As governor, he’d been stern and fierce. Guarded. With Maris, like her and his younger siblings, he was protective and strong. Ever watchful and ready to attack anyone who hurt them.
In private, she’d seen glimpses of this playful side of his personality, but he’d never been quite this open and at ease, even with her. It was like a part of him had waited for her to betray or hurt him. Like he feared that she’d reject him if he acted goofy around her.
Yet here in the heart of the Sentella, while on his way to a risky surgery, he was completely at ease and relaxed. Even with people as deadly as Syn and Hauk. His behavior reminded him more of how his brother and sister acted around him.
But then, Darling knew they would kill or die for him just as he would for them. He trusted Hauk and Syn, she realized. Fully.
More than he’s ever trusted me. And that stung on a level so deep, she had to force herself not to flinch from it. They owned a part of Darling that she could never reach.
“Are you okay?” Maris asked her.
She nodded in spite of the fact it was a lie. She wanted Darling to give her this side of himself, too. To be so comfortable with her that he could be silly and childlike without reservation.
As they entered the waiting room, Zarya slowed. Trepidation filled her at the sight of all the unfamiliar people gathered there to see Darling.