Cherish

A squeak escapes as I jump out of my skin when a portal appears in front of Xander and me in the middle of the village.

Seconds later Kade walks out and I puff out a breath before narrowing my eyes on him, taking in the paleness of his skin and the uneasy expression on his face.

"Are you okay?" I ask moving quickly into his arms. He squeezes me against him as his eyes dart around us.

"I'm fine, but we need to talk," he suggests quietly.

I study his face for a moment more then nod. "Alright. Let's go over here." I gesture to a small alleyway that's out of earshot of everyone. "What is going on?" I ask as soon as we're clear. "And where is Andrei?"

"He stayed behind. It'll make sense in a minute, I swear," he assures me. Although, he isn't really sounding all that assuring.

"Did something go wrong?" Xander asks.

Kade shakes his head. "No, nothing went wrong. Well, nothing went wrong at the meeting but there is quite a bit that's wrong." He takes a deep breath, centering himself before he continues. "The informant had a warning for us. The Ikishri are planning on attacking Tira villages that are on the border."

I grind my teeth as my temper flashes. "Did he say why they were going to attack?" I finally ask once I feel more in control.

"No, he didn't. He did tell us something else though," Kade starts before hesitating. His mouth open and closes several times before I lose my patience.

"What did he tell you?" I just barely keep the snap out of my voice.

It's not that I'm mad at Kade. It's that we don't have time to be caught with our pants down if that attack happens so we need to figure out what to do. And I can't do that if he's not one hundred percent with me.

"The Ikishri King changed plans," he starts slowly, looking at the wall behind me. "He's changed his orders in regards to what his men are to do with you." He drags his eyes to mine, the distress in his eyes hurting my heart. "Instead of killing you on sight as they've been ordered to do before, they now are ordered to capture you and take you to him. He apparently has plans for you."

I gape at him for a heartbeat. "Seriously? Why?"

Kade shrugs his shoulders. "I don't know, mia."

"That doesn't make any sense." I bite the inside of my cheek as I run my head through everything that's happened since I've been brought here.

The only thing that's really sticking out is Forrest coming to me in my dreams. I tilt my head in question as I look from Kade to Xander. "Is it possible that Forrest was able to dream walk while in the prison?"

Kade shakes his head as Xander speaks. "Not likely. The only way that any powers work as a prisoner is if their cuffs were taken off and they were taken out of the dungeon."

I purse my lips as I consider that. "Alright, then that takes away that option," I mutter to myself before speaking to them again. "So, is it safe to assume that the Ikishri have spies here as well?"

Xander and Kade exchange glances before looking at me. "Yeah," Kade admits. "It's not uncommon, if I'm being completely honest."

I take a deep breath before letting it out slowly, bracing myself to tell them something they're likely to be unpleased to hear. "I think it's safe to say that Forrest told one of the spies about the Mark," I admit. "I also don't really think we will be able to hide it for much longer. That could be one of the things that they could try using against us. The fact that we've kept it hidden."

Their expressions darken, neither of them looking the least bit happy about what just left my mouth.

"You seriously think that they know?" Kade asks.

"Yeah, I do," I answer. "There's nothing else that makes sense."

"Fuck," Xander bites out.

I look at Kade and Xander, catching both of their gazes. "I want to find out everyone that had any contact with Forrest, including the guards, during his time in the dungeon. Kade, you're the least violent looking so I want you to be with me on that." I swallow hard and look solely at Xander, my heart hurting knowing that I'm going to be sending him and Andrei headfirst into danger. "I want you to take several guards and members of the army -however many you think you'll need- and go help Andrei get everyone out of those villages."

Xander narrows his eyes at me. "I don't like this, Cherish. They could be trying to separate us to make it easier to get to you. And with me taking so many men with me, that is seriously what will happen. It'll be so much easier for the Ikishri to get their hands on you and I'm definitely not okay with that."

I place my hand on his cheek and smile sweetly at him. "I know, Xander. I love you for that. But, my safety isn't more important than theirs. I still have to try to save them. Even if I physically can't do anything."

His jaw tics as he studies my face. Finally, he sighs and pulls my body firmly against his, his hand tangling in my hair as he kisses me hard. "You better start getting a better sense of self-preservation. Fast," he bites out before kissing me roughly again. "Stay safe. I love you."

I give him a soft smile, praying this won't be the last time I see him. "I love you too and tell Andrei the same goes for him. Both of you better come back to me or I'll kick your asses."

His mouth kicks up in amusement before he kisses me again. "You got it, Princess," Xander murmurs against my lips before letting me go. He pulls back and meets Kade's eyes. "Keep her safe."

Kade nods once, eyes as hard as Xander's. "You know I will."

Xander backs away from us, his eyes going to me once more before turning around and taking off down the path we were heading back toward the castle. I watch him go until he disappears from sight.

"Alright," I turn to face Kade. "Let's go find that guard, Sanev."

Kade frowns but gestures for me to start moving. Once I start walking, he falls into step beside me. "What made you want to start with Sanev?"

"Just a feeling I got while he was trying to convince me to bury Forrest with our family. I'm not a hundred percent sure that anything will come of it, but it's somewhere to start."

"Okay, then, let's go," Kade says as he weaves his fingers with mine.

We search the grounds for Sanev, finally finding him inside the castle near the throne room chatting with a few guards. He glances to the side, his gaze catching on us before widening in panic.

He says a few words to the guys near him before he takes off, speed walking down the opposite end of the hallway. Like he's trying not to be too obvious that he needs to get away. I almost snort.

"Guards!" I snap, gaining the attention of all five guards standing in the hallway, while Sanev turns his speed walk into a run. "Get Sanev! Bring him to the throne room. We need to talk."

Each of the guards exchange brief looks before turning to chase after Sanev. Kade guides me into the throne room and I sit my ass down in the throne, relaxing against the back, trying not to give away how tense I am. I don't like any of this. I don't like that I'm separated from two of my guys. Again.

I hate having to be the one in control and being the center of attention. Sometimes I wish that Forrest had been the right one to rule because then I wouldn't be in this position. The position where I'm pretty sure I'll have to punish one of my own guards due to treason. Which is technically a death sentence. And a very serious thing that I cannot overlook easily.

About two minutes later the guards come in, practically dragging Sanev in front of the throne and forcing him to his knees before me.

"I-I d-didn't d-do anything," he stutters.

Narrowing my eyes at him, I frown. "Why don't I believe you?"

"I-I don't kn-know." His eyes shift around the room as he frantically searches for a way out of this.

"My brother had visitors when he was in the dungeon, didn't he?" Sanev swallows hard enough that I can hear the gulp, but he doesn't answer. Instead, he watches me, a flash of defiance in his eyes.

Stupid.

"You were one of them?" I ask, keeping my tone pleasant.

Again, I get no response from Sanev. One of the guards beside him clears his throat, pulling my attention his way.

"He was, Majesty," the man confirms. "I was once on duty at the dungeon."

I smile gratefully at the guard. "Thank you-" I pause. "What is your name? I'm still learning everybody's names."

"Ryo, Your Majesty," he says, bowing low.

"Thank you, Ryo," I say simply before turning back to Sanev. "I need you to tell me everything you know about what my brother wanted the Ikishri to know. I know he had someone feeding information to the Ikishri after his imprisonment. I'm inclined to believe that someone is you."

Sanev pales. "Highness- Yes, okay. I went to see Forrest, but that was because he was a friend. That's it. I never fed any information to anyone about anything!"

I look up at the ceiling for a brief moment trying to find some semblance of patience that we really don't have time for. "Why should I believe you?"

Sanev stutters for moment before sighing heavily. "I can tell you everyone that went to see your brother. I don't know exactly who the informant may be, but I can give you a list of who visited Forrest during his imprisonment."

I frown at him. "Why would you do that?"

Sanev stares at the ground. "Forrest may have been my friend, but my loyalty is to the throne. No matter who may be sitting upon it. It always has."

I glance up at Kade who's frowning down at Sanev, but otherwise his expression is carefully blank. Pursing my lips, I make a decision. "I want those names, Sanev. If it turns out that you're telling the truth then there will be no punishment for you. However, until this is figured out, I'm confining you to your room. Under the watchful eye of a few armed guards to ensure you don't try to leave. All of your weapons will be confiscated until this is resolved."

I look at Ryo and the second guard standing on the other side of Sanev. "Take him to his room, confiscate his weapons, and please stand watch until I can send for replacements. It shouldn't take too long."

Ryo and the other guard bow, muttering, "Of course, my Queen."

I watch as Sanev is led out of the throne room between the two guards, looking dejected.

"Did I just make a mistake?" I ask Kade, staring at the now closed doors.

"Not at all," Kade assures me. "I think you did rather well."