He shifted in order for his lips to find her forehead, where he pressed a kiss.

He then settled them, front to front, in each other’s arms, on her pallet, and he fell silent.

Thus, Serena meditated in preparation for a rite in a way altogether new to her.

And in doing it, regardless of all the uncertainty, hostility and mayhem that swirled about four realms, she experienced the most beautiful time of her life.

Suspended in quiet mourning.

With Chu at her side.

Queen Elena

Beside the Double Pyres, Northeast Border

THE ENCHANTMENTS

It made it a might bit easier this time, for Cassius now knew the ritual, and his part in it, so he took the decision to stand behind me, his arms around me at my chest, his chin resting on my shoulder, as we watched.

And the support he offered, both emotional and physical, was heartening.

Though what was not easier, witnessing Mac, with Hera standing at his side, her hand clasping his tight, as he stood beside Jasmine’s body, gazing down at her, sorrow and regret for times that would never be shared, words that would never be uttered, love lost that ended too soon suffusing his handsome features.

Having already had our moments with her, along with myself, Jasmine’s mother and two blood sisters watched him as did hundreds of Nadirii.

“I would…” His voice was croaky, he cleared it, looked down to Hera at his side then over his shoulder at me. “With respect, I would like to expose her face.”

I clenched my teeth against my own emotion, looked to Jasmine’s mother, who gave her assent with a nod, and thus I gave the same to Macrinus.

Hera let his hand go so he could reach to Jazz and expose her features.

She looked asleep.

So beautiful, my friend was so beautiful.

And seeing her visage again, my frame reared gently with the effort it took to hold back my sob.

Feeling it, Cass, my prince, held tight.

It was then I felt a new presence come to stand at my side.

I turned my head and saw Serena there.

She was close.

Very close.

But she did not touch me, nor did she look at me.

“You were bloody minded.”

Mac’s voice regained my attention at the pyre.

“So bloody minded, I would have died for you, but no. You wouldn’t allow that. Instead, you did it for me.”

I again clenched my teeth.

“And you were hilarious. It was almost as fun to fight with you as it was to make love with you,” he carried on.

I watched as his ear dipped to his shoulder, his neck twisting, before he righted his head.

“Almost,” he whispered.

I swallowed.

“We would have made beautiful children,” he said.