To Bewitch a Devil

277 I knew all along

“I know the war is getting to you, but that is your wife,” Azriel said, indignant. “You’re lucky to have a woman to ease the stress of these times, and one who loves you.”

Love. Love. Love.

Would he be able to ever bring it into his present ever again?

....

Three maids stood by the bedside as Freya eased herself off the bed. The doctor had recommended movements at that point of her healing, and when she had started, Freya found it a real task to walk without pain spreading through her till it felt like her limbs burned with fire.

Zavian had had maids assigned to help her when it got tough and to follow her around the castle, but Freya would never have them do that. The maids knew that, so they kept their distance as she pushed herself off the bed, and gave a satisfied grunt.

Her door barged open, and she threw her hands in the air.

“Stop walking in like you own the place,” she hissed at the intruder.

“But I do own the place,” Zavian said. “Have you forgotten?”

.....

That earned him an eye roll from him. Zavian appraised her form, she looked healthier, and the gray colouring of her skin had sloughed off to reveal her true pale colour, and it came with cheeks red with health. The doctor had done everything he could to speed her recovery, and Zavian could imagine the kind of challenge someone like Freya posed for him on a daily.

“I’ll escort you around the castle today,” Zavian said.

The maids bowed, and off they went.

Freya scoffed. “It is truly my pleasure.”

She was dressed in a light cotton gown, and Zavian stood by her side, snaking his arm through hers and holding her to his side.

“I don’t need you to do that,” she said.

“But I need myself to do that,” Zavian said.

She didn’t fight him off, and he was thankful. Her anger had been abominable for as long as she lay on that bed, and the more she was able to get out of her chambers and the more she was able to able to move, the more she was willing to be more accommodating of people.

Her strides had also improved, Zavian noticed. They weren’t the slow, careful moves anymore and could match his already. But he slowed down nonetheless, knowing Freya would hide any pain she might be feeling.

“How are you today, Freya?” He asked.

“Alive.”

He smiled. “Great company made it worth it.”

She shot him a withering glare. “Killing both you and Azriel would have healed me at once. And by the way, I am surprised at why the Queen hasn’t come to grace me with her presence.”

Freya had avoided mentioning Neera altogether, and he wondered if she knew Neera had been taking care of her when she was sick.

“I need you to be diplomatic about what I am about to tell you, Freya,” Zavian said. “I only recently told Azriel.”

Freya’s frown disappeared. “What is it?” From the look on her brother’s face, she knew it was something serious.

“It’s Lydia,” Zavian revealed. “And she had gotten an ally to help her when you were ill.”

So he briefed her on the Kingdoms that had joined sides with Aloysius, and their growing army. He told her about his visit to the witches, and the next one he intended to go to in two days’ time. When he told her of Neera’s involvement in Aloysius’s scheme, just as he told Azriel in that meeting room, Freya was quiet till he finished.

“I knew all along,” she finally said as they came out of the castle. “And I tried to warn you.”

“I know, Freya.”

“It’s a good thing you are seeing it all for yourself,” Freya said, then after a pause, she asked, “but are you okay, brother?”

“No one is okay with the war coming.”

“No,” she stopped him. “I am talking about what happened with your wife. Are you okay?”

Zavian gave a chuckle. “I would be thinking you would give me plans on how to banish her or publicly execute her.”

“The thought did cross my mind, but if Lilah is back as you said, I would take your word for it,” Freya stated. “But I know how insanely you loved both Lilah and Neera, so I have to ask, are you okay?”

“No,” Zavian answered. “No, but I will be.”

He pointed to the carriage before Freya had anything to ask again. “I have got a surprise for you.”

“And what is that?”

“We are going to the training fields, one of them at least,” Zavian announced.

For the first time since she had gotten better, Zavian was rewarded with a genuine smile from his sister. Only for a few seconds, and frown snatched it away from her.

“Why can’t we just ride horses there?” She asked.

“Because it isn’t suitable for your healing.”

“Fine,” she spat out. “I will take what I get.”

He helped her into the carriage, and the ride took them a little past Azriel’s estate and close to the edge of a forest, passing over rocky terrains that jostled them in their seats. From the top of the sloping road that led to the ground, Freya gasped at the several heads that were busy practicing, their swords shining under the sun’s glare.

“We’ve got a lot more than expected,” Freya said.

“And this is one of 15,” Zavian said.

“I will follow you to the witches,” Freya told him. “I need to find out some things myself.”

Zavian did not ask her what she needed, and as the carriage rode on, she could see the different practices up close. Azriel was heading the hundreds of men as they wielded their swords in different techniques, slicing through the air like it was fabric, and she watched, studying their movements, and Zavian knew no doubt looking for flaws she can step in and correct.

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