Chapter 511: Catching Up
Ram filled Culectorion in while I was led to a private room and allowed to collapse into a sunken tub carved from stone and soak the filth of the desert I'd walked through and the sweat of anxiety from my body. I knew I didn't have much time, but it was hard to drag myself from the water, now scrubbed clean and smelling of some kind of Demoniconian flower, toweling off with a soft sheet, dressing in boots-thank the elements. Boots!-flowing black pants and a tightly belted red tunic, tossing my poor t-shirt and what remained of my pajama bottoms in the corner. It felt weird to go without a bra, but I didn't have much choice, hoping my demon's larger chest, though perky, wouldn't bounce too much.
Making me blush. Because I thought of Ram and if he'd notice.
Aw, hell.
A metal ring with an elastic substance on the inside held my hair back and a warm black jacket hemmed at my knees finished the ensemble. Much more wearable than most of the clothes I'd been forced to choose from in Ostrogotho. If I saw one more spiked collar or platform shoe with blades and sparkles I'd kill someone with them.
By the time I emerged from my bath, Ram was on his own way out, almost colliding with me in the narrow, stone hallway. His eyes traveled down the front of my tunic, the open collar exposing a little more flesh than I was comfortable with, the barest smile on his lips.
"You clean up well," he said.
"Comments like that will get you a punch in the guts," I said, any flicker of attraction killed by his snark. I spun and stomped off in a huff, grateful for the heavy boots as I imagined grinding him under them with every step.
Culectorion waited for us at the end of the hallway, just inside the large, open area.
"Rameranselot has told me of his fears for the Node," he said, falling into step beside me as I crossed to the table and helped myself to slice of heavy, sweet bread, my hunger returning yet again. "And while I'm concerned, I believe this is something Leader needs to deal with personally." He snapped his fingers, a small force of rebels stepping forward and saluting by tapping two fingers to their left shoulders. "I've been in touch with him directly and he awaits you both in Ilogabon."
Finally. "Thank you, Culectorion," I said. "I appreciate the help."
"For now, we need to get the two of you out of here." A young demon handed me a sack with two straps and I could tell from the smell it was full of food. I winked at him as he giggled behind his hands and retreated before turning to follow Culectorion and Ram, our protection trailing behind us, to a far door. "A large group of Guards has just entered the city," the rebel leader said, hands clasped tightly behind him, "and I have my hands full protecting and hiding my own people. My soldiers will escort you directly to Leader and I ask you trust them as you would me."
I turned, caught Fenukamadi in the crowd and shrugged. "As long as they don't get in my way," I said.
Culectorion smiled as we paused by the door. "From the impression you've made, Your Highness, I doubt any of my people will cross you."
I hugged him impulsively, the bag of food hanging from one shoulder. "Thank you for everything," I said as I pulled away.
He stammered a moment before beaming at me. "Demonicon would be lucky to have you in Second Seat, Your Highness," he said. "Travel well and safely. Until we meet again."
As we followed the now-leading group of soldiers, some remaining behind us as protection, I let the pull of Ahbi's power tell me what to do. Even though I was grateful, my appreciation for the food and the clean clothing genuine, this was the last time anyone would get between me and Ameline.
Lucky for the guards, I seemed to be heading in the right direction.
"Patience," Ram whispered as though sensing my intentions. "We'll meet with Leader and then deal with the threat of the false demon. I swear it."
"You can swear until your face turns into a rainbow, Ram," I said, "but if I see a chance to take Ameline out, I'm doing it. And your little rebellion be damned."
His face darkened, lips tight as he skipped a step in anger. "Is that what you think this is?" Amber fire glowed in his eyes. "Some 'little rebellion'?"
I glared back. "Let me tell you how much I care that you're mad at me right now."
Ram's shoulders jerked. "I'm struggling for the good of my race," he said.
"And I'm trying to ensure that race has a chance to reach whatever nirvana you're striving for," I snapped. "Or would you rather everyone died horribly when the whole show falls apart?"
Ram didn't answer. Not much to say.
Damned straight.
We entered a small hangar a few moments later, a large transport, Guard in design, waiting for us. The soldiers jumped in, Ram offering me his hand though his face remained set in anger. I ignored his offer and leaped over, settling into a bench formed on the side of the hull, pulling my jacket around me, crossing my legs, letting my heavy boot bounce as my own temper simmered.
Ram sat next to me, soldiers lining both sides of the transport before two settled in magic-formed seats at the front. Power hummed to life, a bubble of shielding forming as we rose toward the ceiling. I looked up, watched the darkness crack open and part as large doors slid open, exposing the sky. Bright light made me squint as we emerged into daylight at the very edge of Bilhaeder and I was actually sad to see the shining domes disappear behind us, if only because they looked so beautiful in the sunlight.
And while I wanted to watch for the amazing elephant-like creatures I'd seen the last time I was here, house sized with what amounted to five feet and black hides, as soon as the soft rocking of the vehicle settled into quiet, I felt my head bobbing. I'd had no sleep in quite a while and more than enough scares, excitement and sadness to exhaust me. Stomach full, body clean and warm, I dosed in the quiet of the bubble of power while Shaylee sang a soft Sidhe song to me.
***
I have no idea how long I slept, but when I opened my eyes, my cheek was pressed to something both strong and soft. I tipped my chin back and met Ram's glowing eyes. His anger was gone, arm around me, shoulder cradling me as I slept.
"Feel better?" He traced one finger down my jawline, thumb brushing my chin. My demon responded with lazy power, rumbling and purring, reaching for him as, in our drowsy comfort, he bent and pressed his lips to mine.
Demon. Kisses. Were. Amazing.
Amazing.
Fire power zinged over my skin and into my bloodstream, his magic heating the space between us as my demon sent sparks to him. His mouth tasted of sweetness, hot breath entering my lungs as I drew him close and let myself fall into the pure, primal joy of the kiss. Tingles ran from my toes to the tip of my nose, skin on fire, blood burning as it raced through my body, the connection between our power battling as much as caressing along the edges.
My hands dug into his hair, pulled him closer as he lifted me into his lap, teeth nipping my lower lip as we both came up for air. Not for long. Both of his strong hands pressed me tightly to him, one sliding under the back of my jacket and the hem of my tunic, flesh on flesh, the other cradling my head, pulling me tighter, the seal between our lips allowing nothing in but our breath, our fighting tongues, magic...
The soft bump of the transport snapped me out of my passion, broke the bond as I looked up, startled, to find we'd landed. The group of soldiers did their best not to grin, hiding their amusement behind their hands and in fake coughs as I glared around me. I smacked Ram's shoulder and slid from his lap, returning to my own seat, flushing so much my cheeks ached from it.
"Classy," I muttered, not sure if I was chastising Ram or myself.
"If Your Highness has finished," Fenukamadi said, eyes sparkling with amusement, "we've arrived at our destination."
***
