Rennal's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

Arthur seemed surprised at my words. “Why do you say that?” He asked me as he closed the door.

“Because you didn’t stay.” My simple response made his lips tighten, and I went back to comforting Cassidy the only way I could. “Did you come to see her?”

“I did.” Arthur whispered at the foot of the bed as he watched her.

“She probably wouldn’t want you to see her like this.” I told him, and his frown deepened. “Not to mention Austin. It’s been painful to watch.” The Knight gave no reply this time. “Such a remarkable woman.” Moving a few stray strands that were covering her face, I caressed her cheek. “I’m forever grateful to you for saving her life.” My eyes moved to him, and I cut him off from responding. “But I also am disappointed in you for leaving when she needed you.”

Sighing, Arthur grabbed a nearby stool and sat at a distance. “As you should.” I quirked a brow at that. “You’re right, Rennal. Cassidy did need me, but I deal with things in my own way. Augustus was a friend. A close friend.” He then glanced at the girl asleep in my arms. “I’ve been told several times that I was a part of the Reed Family.”

I studied him. “And yet you left anyway.”

He nodded. “I did. I did that so others wouldn’t have to go through what she is. What Austin is…”

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“Have I ever told you how incredible Cassidy Reed is?” I questioned him. Arthur looked surprised at the sudden change but still shook his head no. “A Human girl that many wouldn’t give a second glance was chosen as the Priestesses student.” A small chuckle escaped my lips. “Not that my father knew that.” My nose wrinkled a little at the start of the memory. “You see, my father decided to belittle Cassidy one day when she was going up the mountain.”

Arthur’s brows shot up in surprise at that. A number of emotions seemed to cross his face as he processed what I had just said. He looked miffed and more irritated than I expected, but I knew why. I was a lowly Baron’s daughter, not a fool.

“You seem upset.” He didn’t answer. “Is it because you’re in bed with my father.” At his look, I rolled my eyes. “It’s an expression. I know both of you follow the law, but it did amuse me that you were so ready to enter into business dealings with him.”

“I chose him because of you.” Arthur told me.

A small smile split my lips. “I had a feeling you might’ve.” My attention soon turned back to Cassidy. “But you see, we’re not truly Nobles. We were merely given the title due to the wealth we possess and the trade we do between Kingdoms. My father was essentially a go-between, and the Priestesses used that to their advantage.” He became quiet. “You don’t seem surprised.”

Shaking his head, the Lestranian Knight answered. “That the Priestesses would do something like that? No. Not at all. That he would belittle Cassidy... Had I known…”

“You would’ve left him alone?” I offered, but he didn’t reply once more. “Still, I haven’t told you how Cassidy and I officially met.” At his look, I once again cut him off. “Cassidy punched my father and knocked him out cold. My mother was furious.” A small laugh escaped my lips. “Yet, when the guards came, they took my father before the Priestesses, not the other way around. You see, he didn’t know that she was the Human who had been chosen as her student.”

A chuckle escaped his lips. “That sounds like something she would do.”

I matched his smile. “Doesn’t it just?” However, it faded just as quickly as it appeared. “A fascination lit in me for the woman known as Cassidy Reed. So ready to assault a Noble, but the best part was, she didn’t even try to get out of the punishment. Nor did she use her standing as the Priestesses student. Cassidy merely surrendered herself, ready to face whatever consequences may come her way.”

Rubbing her shoulder as the memory played in my mind, Arthur waited for me to continue. Part of me expected him to stop my reminiscing or wake Cassidy up. He did neither. Arthur continued to wait patiently for me to continue.

“None came to her. I’d like to think my constant appearance was punishment enough.” I felt my cheeks flush at the memory. “I started to follow her around, and instead of sending me away or getting angry, she thought it was more flattering than anything. Said she should’ve punched my mother too since it worked wonders when she hit my father.” A hum escaped my lips as I played with her hair a bit. “Someone so quick to forgive and make amends, even when she wasn’t at fault. We took to each other like earth and sky.”