Dawn of Fire

Chapter 9

Clover

“You know nothing.” she said, the bite in her tone evident.

Cassius looked frustrated. Whether that was with her or his situation, she didn't know and she didn't particularly care at the moment. She wanted to get this over with. She didn't want to prolong the hurt if he was going to reject her.

“I'm not saying I don't want you Clover.” he said, reaching for her but she growled low in warning. It was clear the fae were more animalistic than the humans were especially in the way they communicated with each other. Growls, teeth baring, scents. They had human-like characteristics, but you weren't going to see a human with wings or pointed teeth and ears.

Cassius stopped and hurt flashed across his features. Clover was too upset to care though. He was the one causing her pain. She was doing what she could to protect herself and her heart. If only he could realize that.

“That is exactly what you're saying. I am your mate, but you already have one.” she bit her lip to keep it from wobbling from a cry that she had been suppressing.

“It hasn't been finalized. There has been no ceremony.” was his only response.

“Fine.” was all she said.

If he wasn't going to fight for this mating bond, neither was she. She thought about the pain she had already endured in her life and she wasn't going to go through another ounce of it. Not if she had a say about it.

She backed away and moved to leave the safety of the willow tree and river bank. The peace she had in that very spot was now tarnished with this canon memory. She wasn't going to beg or plead. She wasn't going to force him to keep her. She was stronger than that, mate bond be damned. God be damned. She thought.

Sensing she was leaving, Cassius stood in front of her. “Clover, wait. Please.” he whispered.

“We can work this out. We can still be mates. Give me time. Give me the time to come up with a plan.”

“And what, still be mates while you are mated to her? Have I been added to a harem? You forget one thing, if she is your mate to your court what will that make me? Your w***e? Any children I bear you will be deemed bastards and any children you have with her will be heirs. And let's be real, you will have to have children with her. What will I do? Be forced to stay in the shadows. Your mate in secret? Will I have to endure lying to everyone about who you are to me? Will you be forced to steal kisses and affection in hidden alcoves while you parade your MATE around for your kingdom to see? Will I have to deal with you coming to my bed after you've warmed hers? If you think for one second that I will stay and watch you parade around your chosen mate, another female, while I'm kept hidden away like a dirty little secret, like another w***e to add to your long list of lovers, then you're just a fool. I will not. I am stronger than that. I deserve better than that. You have NO idea who I am, Your Majesty, but one day you will. One day you will and you will realize what a mistake you've made. The gods select mates for a reason. Because we are two halves of the same whole and they have a plan. To go against the gods, to forsake the plan they have for us and for their subjects is a greater crime than treason. You've made your choice and it wasn't me. You put your kingdom first which is what any great king would do and I understand it, but I am angry, furious, and hurt. I don't like it at all, but I understand it. Your kingdom will come before your mate. Before anyone, I understand that better than anyone would. But don't you dare take me for a fool? I won't be kept like some trophy w***e you bed at night while another female has what is rightfully mine. This is goodbye, Your highness. I hope you have a fulfilling life. I wish you nothing but the best. Do not come near me, nor seek me out again.”

Cassius didn't say anything. He didn't seem to care that she had given him an order. He was processing her words she thought but she took the moment to walk away. He didn't try to stop her again. He didn't come after her, call out for her. He just stood there gaping at her. Looking at her with such sadness on his features it told a story of heartbreak.

Heartbreak was exactly what she was feeling right now. She knew Talon would find her soon. He'd feel her pain and distress through their bond. She wondered what she would tell him. The truth obviously but how would she begin to know where to start?

She walked deeper into the forest away from her mate. Away from the one male who was meant to treasure her. She walked farther and farther. She didn't know how long she had traveled for, but she wanted to fly. She wanted to get out of there quicker.

But her gods damned wings. They would be a homing beacon to her and if Cassius was still near she didn't want to chance him seeing them. Granted, it would tell him who she was and perhaps he would change his mind but she didn't want who she was to be the reason he wanted her. She didn't want the fact that she was royal to be the only reason he chose to keep her and only her.

She growled again in frustration. How dare he suggest he keep them both. No. she wouldn't allow it. He could keep his chosen mate. Second chance mates were never given. Not that she knew of but she would find someone to love. Perhaps she would take Talon as a chosen mate. Would that be allowed? Or would her parents and court do the same to her as Cassius was being forced to endure? No, they wouldn't. That was the whole reason the war escalated as much as it had. The humans wanted to marry her. The humans wanted a way in with the Fae. For what she didn't know but her parents turned them down. It was why she was in hiding. She knew they would stop at nothing to get her. How they knew how much power she held was unknown to anyone but her parents supposedly had suspicions based on their last letter.

A gust of wind blew over her and the ground rumbled beneath her. Talon stood behind her with a look of worry on his face. He assessed her head to toe finding no injuries. He stormed towards her and took her in his arms and held her tight to his chest. She cried in his arms and he waited patiently for her to calm down. To tell him what was wrong. She clutched onto his leather armor and soaked his chest in her tears.

“Clo, what is it?” he asked softly, cradling her head. Her wings drooped behind her as she dropped her cloak. She felt suffocated.

“He…he doesn't want me.” she whispered.

Talon stiffened. She knew that it had been determined that she had found her mate but didn't know more than that. He probed her to go on and she did. She told him everything. From start to finish. By the time she was done, Talon was growling and reaching for his weapons. He was ready for a fight. After all, it was in his blood. He was bonded to Clover. Sworn to protect her from anything that could harm her. That meant physically and mentally. A broken heart was just as serious to Talon as a flesh wound.

“Please, don't leave me.” she cried, sensing he was going to avenge her wounded pride.

A twig snapped and both Clover and Talon stiffened. Talon shoved her behind him and whipped out a dagger and sword. He looked around not seeing anyone at first but a glint in the shadows along the treeline told him what was there.

Who was there? The humans?

“Hello, Clover.”