They’d arrived in Gallego City yesterday and updated the warriors on the situation in Vallos. He’d never been to the city before, but he imagined it was more exciting when the warriors hadn’t captured or driven all the Lerans out of town. The streets were empty, food rotted in abandoned carts, trash piled up outside of homes because the warriors couldn’t be bothered to deal with it.
They put Aren in a room in a boarding house with Santino and Clara, and he felt strange and off balance this morning. He’d slept next to Iria almost every night since they’d left Vallos. Something about sleeping next to her made him feel safe, even though he knew he wasn’t. But he hadn’t slept that well since before Lera had attacked.
When she’d approached him this morning and asked if he wanted to hunt, he’d gladly agreed. They walked a good distance from the city, into the forest, and he’d spent more time brushing his fingers to her skin than looking for animals.
He’d explained what happened when he used his magic while touching her. She’d listened quietly, and told him he was welcome to experiment. He’d thought she might be skeptical, or scared, but she’d only seemed intrigued.
Maybe he was the one who was skeptical and scared. Every time he touched her skin he felt like it was the right decision. Like he should hold on for a little longer. He let go anyway.
He’d tried grabbing a few of the other warriors, but it didn’t seem to work with them. Now they all thought he was a bit odd and seemed to be keeping their distance.
Aren and Iria hadn’t said a word to each other since leaving the city. He wasn’t sure if it was a comfortable silence. He kept opening his mouth to say something, then changing his mind.
“How are your parents?” he blurted out suddenly. He was too loud, and if there were any animals in the immediate area, they had certainly just run away.
Iria looked at him in surprise. “They’re fine.”
“It occurred to me that I didn’t know,” he said, quieter.
“They’re good. I was able to see them briefly when I got back to Olso.” She glanced at him. “I didn’t want to talk about them with you because … you know.”
“Because my parents are dead,” he finished for her.
“Right.” She adjusted the bow on her back, avoiding his eyes.
“I thought you might marry one of the king’s brothers,” he said. “Your parents are pretty powerful in Olso, aren’t they? You must have been under consideration.”
“I was. King Lucio was promised to someone at a very young age, so it never would have been him. George prefers men. Dante is …” She pressed her lips together, obviously trying not to laugh.
“Dante is what?”
“Really annoying.”
He laughed. “And August?”
“I know August the least of all of them. But he makes me uncomfortable.”
“What do you mean?”
She stopped walking and turned to him. “He’s two-faced. He acts like everyone’s best friend, but he’ll roll his eyes the minute your back is turned. And he’s bitter about being the youngest brother. Don’t let her marry him, all right? I know the alliance could be important, but it’s not worth it.”
“I won’t. I’m not surprised, honestly. I never liked the guy much.”
“You can tell Em everything I told you. I should have told her myself.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“If August found out I said something …” She trailed off.
“It would be bad,” Aren finished.
“Yes. But I think it’s more important for her to know.”
“Thank you,” he said quietly. She smiled at him.
“Do you think she’s really considering marrying him?” she asked, turning and stepping around some tangled vines.
“Yes. I think she feels an obligation to do what’s best for the Ruined. But, just between you and me, I doubt Olivia would ever let her do it. She doesn’t want warriors around permanently.”
Iria bit her lip, and he realized for the first time how strongly he disagreed with Olivia. After this was all over, was he going to never see Iria again? Were the Ruined going to isolate themselves in Ruina? His heart was heavy at the thought.
“I don’t agree with Olivia,” he said. “Just so you know.” He’d managed to push Olivia out of his head for the past few days, but the talk of marriage brought a fresh burst of panic. “You heard she wants to marry me?” He meant for it to sound lighthearted, but his voice was strained.
Iria averted her eyes from his. “I heard.”
“I’m not going to. I talked to Em before I left. It won’t happen.”
“Good. I mean, Olivia isn’t …” She cleared her throat. “I meant it’s good if that’s what you want.”
He tried not to smile. “It is.”
“EMELINA FLORES!” Olivia burst through the door of their apartment and pointed an accusing finger at her sister.
Em stopped with her fork halfway to her mouth. “What?”
“You accepted August’s proposal? Without telling me?”
She dropped her fork on her plate. “I did not. Who told you that?”
“Mariana. She said August sent a warrior back to Olso with the news.”
Em let out an annoyed breath. “I told that idiot I wouldn’t give him an answer until after we took care of Jovita.”
Olivia’s eyes brightened. “Idiot? Does that mean we can finally send the warriors packing?”
“I don’t know. No. We need them.”
Olivia slid into the seat across from her. “No, we don’t. When Vallos attacked, the warriors barely needed to fight. Me and Aren can take out most of an army by ourselves. The rest of the Ruined are more than able to pick up the slack.”
“Aren’s not here.”
“He’ll be back.” Olivia leaned forward, staring at Em seriously. “Be honest. You’re not going to marry August. I know you love the Ruined, but you don’t love us that much.”
“No,” Em admitted quietly. “I’m not going to marry him.”
“Thank the ancestors.” Olivia looked up at the ceiling, pressing her hands together as she silently mouthed thank you again.
Em’s lips twitched up. “No one can know. We need to string August along for as long as we can. At least long enough for Aren and the other Ruined to return.”
Olivia nodded. “Fine, but—” She stopped suddenly, her head jerking to the right. She stared at the window.
Em lifted her eyebrows in a silent question. Olivia stood slowly and walked to the front door. She threw it open and stepped onto the street.
Em jumped out of her chair, grabbing her sword on the way out. Olivia’s gaze was fixed on the kitchen window.
“I sensed a human,” she said.
“Listening?” Em asked.
“Maybe.” Her eyes darted over the area, and she lifted her chin before speaking again in a louder voice. “I hope the warriors know that I’ll immediately remove the head of anyone I find spying.”
“Come on,” Em said. “It’s too late to be threatening murder.”
“It’s never too late for murderous threats.” Olivia grinned as she followed Em back inside. “But seriously, if I find someone out there, I’m killing them, no questions asked.”
“I would be grateful if you’d at least let me ask a couple questions before we totally destroy our alliance with Olso.”