He had no desire to join a procession that would lead to witnessing torture and execution, this before he had to prepare to join the masses and watch his friend take his marital chain and give his new wife hers.

He wanted whiskey, an orgasm and sleep.

In that order.

All with Elena.

Even after their episode.

Which meant perhaps she was correct.

He was mad.

But that was what he wished.

However, he did not have a choice.

Instead he had torture, death, marriage and a stubborn bride on his hands who was born warrior who he did not want to die warrior.

No one was mentioning it, but the last quake that occurred but hours before shared explicitly the Beast was not only closer to the surface, it was angry.

And Cassius feared he was not going to convince Elena to use naught but her formidable magic as her part in quelling it.

So his chest was tight again and his heart felt heavy as he took the steps that would lead him to the front of the palace in order for him to mount his steed and await his bride.

He took these steps thinking of the tarot card he’d turned the morning before.

The warrior card he’d turned had had his head bowed.

His armor was intact. His body not bloodied.

But he’d tasted defeat all the same.

Cassius knew that taste.

It was vile.

And he would not experience it again.

Unless he had no choice.

He was now bloody Regent.

Even so, it seemed he still lived a life of limited choices.

A life marked with profound loss.

Both that of the past.

And as the warrior card was swept from his memory, and the vision he saw charging into the conflict but hours before of Elena under a raised sword filled his brain…

He knew it was a real possibility loss would scrape deep through his future.

Queen Ha-Lah

Guest Suite, Second Floor, East Corridor, Catrame Palace, Fire City

FIRENZE

“I go with you.”

“You do not.”

“My king, I would go with you,” I beseeched.

“You will not,” he denied.

“We will surely be protected.”

“It matters not.”

“I know it might be difficult to witness, but I would be at your side through this.”

“I do not need you at my side, Ha-Lah.”

“Aramus,” I whispered.

“Xi and Nis will stay behind, both in this room, where you will remain, wife.”

After he issued that order, he started to move to the door.

I followed him.

Swiftly.

“I would wish to help you in your grief,” I told my husband, reaching out, nearly touching his back.

But my hand fell when he spun around and pinned me with a glower so ferocious, I felt my breath catch in my throat.