Sapphire Falls (The Lost Realm #2)

22. Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Avery

A very woke to light streaming into the room she shared with Savine. She didn’t see him anywhere, but wasn’t surprised either. He had to be busy, and returned to work after it was obvious Avery was going to be okay. She had no idea how long she’d slept either, but she felt refreshed and strong.

The wood floors were warm under her bare feet as she made her way to the door. Rue stood guard next to another guard and Avery invited her in.

“I’m relieved to see you up and moving around, Avery,” Rue said as she sat down beside Avery. There were two linen chairs in the sitting room that led to Savine and Avery’s bedroom, and further back, their bathroom.

“Thank you. I didn’t mean to sleep so much, but I think my body needed rest. I’m feeling a lot better now.”

“Do you need anything to eat? I could have something brought up.”

Avery shook her head. “No, I just wanted to see you. How have you been since we got to Orofine?”

Her smile was sad. “I’m adjusting. It’s a lot to take in. My folk never lived in the capital city. We were nomadic, so I’ve never experienced just how busy Orofine and the King’s Residence are. I think I’m falling into my new role as best as I can, and I’m honored that Savine appointed me to lead your guards.”

“I was wondering if he would. I’m glad he did too. There’s nobody else I trust like you, Rue.”

Rue’s face lit up. “That means a lot to me, Avery. We went through so much together, and I trust you too.”

The mention of their past made Avery think of her sister, Susan, and all the pain she’d experienced at the Towers. Being forced to kill Weston in a cave, having to live with that guilt everyday was a burden she knew would never ease. “Yeah, we have. Do you know if Weston had a family? Are they here?”

Rue shook her head, taking her time to answer. “From what I recall, he didn’t have a soulmate. Not surprising, I think he’s only around Kyla’s age. But, he did have a family. I think a mated mother and father, and an adolescent brother. His father fought for the rebels, but I haven’t seen him at the King’s Residence. I know some warriors stayed behind in Bayberry. Perhaps they chose to not return to Orofine.”

Avery’s chest tightened. “I want to apologize to them. I never wanted to hurt anybody, and I can still feel Weston’s blood on my hands. Sometimes I wonder if the sensation will ever wash away.”

Rue moved to Avery’s side and wrapped her arms around her, tugging Avery into a tight embrace that made Avery bury her face in her friend’s shoulder. She didn’t hold back the tears as she cried for Weston, letting herself mourn the man whose life she’d been forced to take.

Rue’s voice shook as she said, “I don’t think I can ever forgive Rylo for doing that to you and Weston. It was monstrous and it still haunts me.”

Avery pulled back from Rue’s embrace. Her eyes glistened with tears, springy curls framing her tear stained cheeks. “I’ll never forget his sacrifice. You’re here with me now because of that. I never got a chance to ask how Susan handled it.”

“We helped each other through the nightmares.” Rue sighed, and it seemed she was reliving her own experience. “She’s so strong. I know Selene will keep an eye on her, but it hurts knowing she’s not with me.”

Avery felt taken aback for a moment. She couldn’t imagine Selene ever doing anything to keep Susan safe. “Do you know a different Selene at the Towers, or are we talking about the same Sage?”

Rue shrugged. “You have reason to hate her. What she did to us was wrong, and how she tormented Savine is unforgivable, but there’s more to her than she lets others see. She got to know us, and I even think she protected us from the chaos at Jasper’s death. I kind of miss her company.”

Avery tried to hide the grimace that she was forming. “I’m glad you saw another side of her.”

Rue gave her a friendly push on the shoulder. “You’re terrible at hiding your true thoughts, Avery. Even if you can lie. It’s okay though. I understand why you don’t like her.”

Savine walked into the room at that moment. He carried some wrapped packages in his hand. “I knew Rue would join you as soon as you woke, so I brought enough of these honeyed cakes for both of you. A baker from Orofine brought them specifically for you, Little Flower. Word of your attack has reached the city, and you’re receiving sympathy and well wishes, now that all of Latiah understands you’re my soulmate.”

Savine

“How did you know my love language was food? You perfect, perfect man,” Avery said with a wide smile.

She was teasing him, but still his wretched heart buckled against his ribs. Nobody had ever said those words to him, and they still came as a shock to him that Avery loved him—truly loved him for who he was.

Avery and Rue both took a sweet cake from the package and bit into them, honey smearing across both women’s lips. A knock brought their attention to the door, and Savine went to answer it.

“I don’t mean to disturb you, My King,” Darby said.

“It’s no issue. In fact, Avery, I’d like you to meet Darby. Darby has been like a mother to me. We were separated during the war, but she’s done an excellent job keeping things in order for my return.”

Darby bowed low and Avery gave her an assessing look. “I’m honored to meet my future queen.”

Avery plastered on a smile. It wasn’t her genuine smile, more the polite one she gave to strangers and folk she was wary of. “I’m happy to meet you too. But, the title is a work in progress. For now, please call me Avery.”

Darby turned her attention back to Savine. “King Savine, there’s something of concern that I found while cleaning out the old king’s possessions. I think you and Avery would like to see it when you are free.”

Savine tried to keep his essence from stirring. There was something Jasper was hiding. He looked at Rue. “I’m sorry Rue, but I need you to go back to your post.”

Avery looked at him, her lips tight and her eyebrows lifted.

“Of course, My King,” Rue said without hesitation as she walked to the door.

Savine turned his attention to Darby. “Is it what I hope? Did you find the source of the dark magic?”

Now Avery’s eyes widened as she looked between Savine and Darby.

“I believe it’s about the portals to the human realm. It appears there is one near Orofine, and I have reason to believe it’s been in use.”

Savine nodded to Darby before he turned to Avery. “I know I promised you a tour. I never would have dreamed to start your tour in my dead father’s apartment, but I would like you to see this too.”

“Okay. Can I have a minute to change my clothes?” Avery asked motioning to the night dress she still wore.

Darby nodded. “Of course. I will meet you in Jasper’s former apartment.” Without missing a beat, she turned and left the room.

“What are you thinking?” Savine asked.

“It is a surprise. We knew humans were able to get through, but I didn’t expect there to be so many of them in Aeritis.”

Savine shook his head. “I have been trying to unravel my father’s mess for weeks now. I blame that on why I miscalculated on allowing Latians near your eagans. I haven’t been thinking straight, trying to keep track of so many problems.”

Avery rested her free hand on Savine’s shoulder. “It’s okay to make mistakes. This is a hard transition, and you can’t blame yourself for others' actions.”

“It’s just…” The guilt for her injury was still tearing him apart. He knew she forgave him, but how could he forgive himself for such a mistake.

Her lips twitched into a tiny smile. “I know that look. Please, Savine, forgive yourself.”

He let his face sink down to her head, letting the sweet scent of her flow over him.

Pulling back from his touch, she took a bite of the honeyed cake, chewing thoughtfully. “Did you know about the portal?” she asked. “Rylo made it sound like he’s seen humans come through Sapphire Falls frequently.”

Savine shook his head. Most likely his grandfather had known, and it seems his father did too. “You were the first human, other than Susan, that I’d met, and I never suspected Susan was anything but a Bayberry.”

Avery bit her lip, putting the honeyed cake on the table, not even bothering with a plate. “I should write to Morgan and tell her. Maybe this portal will be open to her.”

The last reports Savine had from the trees made him suspect that Morgan was becoming closer with the Nepheli King, using his personal library each day, and entering his private chambers. He knew Avery wasn’t ready to accept her sister’s alliance to Nephel, but she needed to be selective with the information she shared with Morgan.

“I know you don’t want to hear this, but use caution there. We don’t need other nations learning about Latiah’s secrets.”

Avery’s eyes flashed with hurt. “She’s my sister. She— “ Avery paused, pursing her lips. “No, you’re right. It’s just hard, not having her with me, and it stings that she chose Rylo over me.”

Savine stroked her cheek, rubbing his thumb across her lower lip. “No my Little Flower, she didn’t choose Rylo over you. She chose Rylo over me and my folk. And for that I’m sorry.” Avery put her hand in his. “You’re right. Morgan made her choice, despite how much it hurts me. I’ll get changed and let’s see what Jasper was hiding.”

Avery

“This map shows all the known portals in Latiah and the surrounding nations,” Savine speculated, tracing his finger over Quartz Mountain. They stood at a table in what must have been the former king’s personal dining room. “Quartz Mountain is written in my father’s hand, like it was added more recently.”

Avery pressed her finger to a list of dates. “Look at this. It’s a recording of humans entering Latiah.” She read the list, not fully understanding the dating system, “Older male. Severely injured. Died two days after arrival. Young female. Dead on arrival. Young male. Dead on arrival.” She felt her stomach sink as she read the list. Nearly every human died while crossing the portal. And the ones who did survive? Well, either they succumbed to their injuries, or they were possibly killed.

Darby held another list. “This seems to show the warriors Jasper sent through the portal. But how would he manage to do that?”

“He sent warriors into our world?” Avery asked, trying to sound surprised.

Darby nodded, handing the list to Savine. “It appears he began sending warriors through a portal near Orofine about twenty-three years ago.”

Savine’s face hardened. “Has anyone else seen this information?”

Darby shook her head. “No, I’ve been the only one going through Jasper’s things, as you instructed.”

“Let’s keep it that way. Bring these documents to our rooms. I want to look at them more closely,” Savine said as he traced his finger to the lake near Bayberry. He looked at Avery with a knowing expression. She noticed what was missing right away.

The portal Susan entered Bayberry through was still unmarked. She truly had stayed unknown her whole life.

Were there others like Susan? Those who entered Aeritis as children, only to be raised in secret?

“I’ll see to it,” Darby said. She began collecting the papers and maps. “While I have both of you here, I was wondering if you wanted to share some opinions on what should be done with this place. I know you’ve chosen to forgo the king’s apartment, instead choosing your own rooms. But there is this suite of rooms and your mother’s apartment as well.”

Savine looked around, the hardness on his face increasing. The rooms were spacious—much larger than the smaller set of rooms they currently shared. These rooms felt more like a home, with a living room and two bedrooms off to one side.

“Can I look around?” Avery asked. Savine nodded and pointed toward the master bedroom.

Savine pointed to two rooms off the living room. “These bedrooms connect. Many kings and queens used them as shared connecting rooms with their soulmates or spouses, but my mother and father chose to live in separate apartments.”

Through the king’s bedroom was a large and lavish bathroom. The enormous carved bathtub could fit at least two, and Avery grew weak in the knees at the truly magnificent shower. Granite tiles lined the space and multiple shower heads pointed to the floor. Farther into the bathroom was a private closet, still filled with Jasper’s clothing.

Darby gave a small smile as Avery admired the space. “There’s a kitchen off the dining room too. King Jasper preferred to take his meals here when he could, inviting only his inner circle to dine with him. He had his favorite cook serve him in the private kitchen.”

Avery walked into the living room before going back to the dining room. A view of the city spanned in front of her as she walked to the curved, wooden windowsill. It was shaped to blend seamlessly with the mighty trunks that formed the building. She walked past the dining room and into the kitchen, where she gazed at the huge stove and ample counter space. All that was missing were modern appliances, and this would feel like a well-appointed American kitchen.

Avery eyed Savine. His face softened as he looked at her. “You like this better than our current rooms, don’t you?”

“It’s very beautiful. The view’s amazing, and it would give us a lot more privacy. I could even cook for us sometimes. But I don’t want to make you move in here if it makes you uncomfortable.”

Savine sighed. His essence seemed to swirl with unease. She hadn’t seen him look so lost in his own pain in over a month, and this was already bringing those harsh memories back to him.

“Darby, can you give us some privacy?” Savine asked.

“Of course, My King. I’ll just bring these papers down to your rooms.”

She left the room on silent feet, leaving Savine and Avery alone in his father’s old home.

Savine tilted his head to the closed door near the bedroom door. “There is my father’s private study and office. He turned what was supposed to be his soulmate’s bedroom into a room that holds so many of my painful memories. If I did something wrong as a child, I’d be sent there to wait for my punishment. Darby was often the one who had to bring me back to my rooms, which is why I think she brought the documents to the dining room.”

Avery closed the distance between them, wrapping herself in his arms and feeling the warm tug of their bond between them. “Oh Savine, I’d never ask you to live in a place that brings up such terrible memories for you.”

“I’m trying to be stronger than my past, but sometimes the past has a way of sneaking up on me in this place. I think staying busy and focusing on all that needs to be accomplished is the only thing keeping me from giving in to the desire to burn this whole place to the ground.” His ragged breath escaped out of him as he spoke. “I hope it’s okay with you, but I offered Kyla and Garnel my mother’s old apartments. I felt it was only appropriate to give them their privacy after all they’ve done for me.”

She let her head rest against his chest, feeling the quick pace of his heart. This man. This beautiful, wonderful man had so much love to give her, and yet he still doubted himself. His past was something they’d work through together, one day at a time, and she knew she’d do all she could to make Savine feel the love he’d been denied for so long. “That’s fine with me. I’m happy to just be with you.”

“I know many monarchs don’t share a room with their soulmates or spouses, but I hoped we could be different. I’ve waited so long for you—so long that I can’t bear—”

Avery stopped him, pressing her finger to his lips. “Of course we’re sharing a room. I don’t want to be away from you either, Savine.”

Savine gave a tiny nod. “I’m sorry I can’t give you this.” He gestured to the beautiful room. “ I just—there’s too much of him in here.”

“You don’t have to apologize. I’d never want to make you live somewhere that makes you uncomfortable. Maybe at some point we can remodel. We could expand our rooms and make them more of a private home. I don’t think I’d be comfortable with our future kids sleeping in a whole different area of the King’s Residence anyway, so eventually we’ll need more private rooms.”

“Kids?” Savine asked, eyes sparkling.

Avery gave him a playful shove. “Don’t be getting any ideas! I’m not talking now. But someday.”

Savine laced his broad fingers with hers and bent down, kissing her with tenderness that filled Avery’s soul. “I would be honored to have children with you someday,” Savine whispered against her lips.

“Like far into the future. Now, let’s get back to our tour of this crazy treehouse.”

Avery felt Savine’s smile on her lips. “That sounds like an excellent idea.”