Meta Gods War 3 by B. Miles (the ebook reader txt) 📕

“I know,” Cam said. “I wonder the same thing.”

“I don’t blame you, you know,” she said.

He met her eyes then looked away. “You can if it’ll help.”

“I don’t,” she said and her voice was firm. “I made that happen. I orchestrated the situation. I put together the kindling and I held the torch above it. I can’t be surprised that I managed to burn everything down.”

“You did what you thought was right.”

“And I still think it was right,” she said. “But if I could go back, I’d change things. I’d try and talk to him more. Or I’d restrain him sooner. I’d do something to avoid what happened.”

Cam nodded and leaned back on his hands. “I wish things could be different too,” he said.

She reached out and brushed her fingers across his shoulder. He turned his head and she stared at him. Her lips hung open and her tongue pressed against her teeth. Black bags hung under her eyes and she looked so small and frail.

“I don’t know what to do,” she said. “For the first time in my life I feel like I’m lost.”

“You need to stand up,” Cam said. “You need to dress. And you need to be the Lord of this Mansion.”

“But—” she started then stopped herself.

“You know I’m right,” Cam said. “Even if it feels wrong. We’re in a crisis, Galla. The Mansion needs a leader right now, and we both know it can’t be me. I’m going to lead the army out of here in the next few days, and when I’m gone, I need to know someone’s back here protecting these people and taking care of them.”

“You think that person has to be me,” she said.

“We both know it.” Cam reached out and took her hand. She closed her mouth and bit her lip. “You have to be the Lord this Mansion needs, Galla.”

“You’re right,” she said and dug her fingers into Cam’s palm. “I just hate the idea of getting out of this bed.”

“Take more time,” Cam said. “Grieve some more. But come tomorrow morning, you’ll wake early, put on your clothes, and you’ll claim what’s yours by right.”

She met his gaze again and Cam held it there. She nodded her head slowly and pulled her hand away.

“Thanks,” she said. “I needed to hear that.”

“I’m only telling you the truth,” Cam said.

She pulled into herself again and stared down at the blankets. “Do you mind if I’m alone for a little while longer?”

Cam got to his feet. “I’ll check on you again later today.”

She nodded but didn’t look at him. “And maybe bring some of whatever’s cooking out there?”

Cam smiled. “Of course.”

She gave him a thin smile then rolled over onto her side, pulling the blankets around her again. She disappeared into a lump of skins and cloth and hair.

Cam left the room and shut the door behind him.

“How is she?” Miuri asked as he walked to the couch and sat down beside her.

“Hungry,” he said.

“I’ll bring her something when it’s ready.” Miuri moved closer and rested her head on his shoulder. “You saw a goddess today.”

“I did,” he said.

“I’m almost jealous.”

“Don’t be.” He kissed her hair. “I’d rather see you.”

“Flatterer,” Miuri said, laughed, and kissed his cheek.

He leaned back and stared up at the ceiling.

He saw a goddess. And soon he’d go to war with her.

15

Boots echoed through the vast entry hall as ranks of armed and armored men marched toward the mountain plateau. Cam stood on top of an empty cart and watched as his army gathered outside the great mountain gates, rows and rows of men, of camp followers, of carts laden with supplies.

“It almost looks like a real army.”

Cam looked down at Captain Brice. She wore her military uniform, but her armor was stowed away. Her dark hair swept over her shoulder and she gripped the pommel of her straight sword.

“They’ll do,” Cam said.

“Half of them were drafted overnight,” Brice said. “The other half are still exhausted from the first march.”

“There’s no other choice.” Cam gestured for Brice to join him on the cart.

She hesitated then climbed up. Cam watched the muscles in her arms and legs as she steadied herself beside him.

“I’ve been hearing some rumors,” she said.

“Like what?”

“Disgruntled former commanders.”

Cam nodded and didn’t react. “I expected that.”

“You were smart to shake up the hierarchy though,” she said. “Getting rid of most of the old Generals and only keeping those that swore an oath? That was smart. Then promoting new men from the lower classes.”

“You don’t disapprove?”

“I don’t,” Brice said. “My father was a farmer. My mother sewed dresses. I’m not part of the aristocracy.”

Cam tilted his head and studied Brice. “How many of the Generals would you say are truly loyal?”

“I believe all those you hand-picked, plus maybe half of those still remaining,” she said. “Within the officer corps, it’s a little higher.”

“I’m going to need your help.”

Brice shook her head. “Oh, no. I’m not military police. I’m not about to root out spies for you.”

“Brice—”

“No,” she said, giving him a flat look. “I’ll fight in the field for you. I’ll wear my armor and die for you if I have to. But I’m not going to be your pawn in rooting out your enemies in this army.”

He stared at her for a long moment then nodded his head. “Okay then,” he said. “I have someone else in mind for the job then.”

“Who?”

“Felin.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Your girlfriend? Felin?”

“That’s right.” Cam watched a group of men march past, talking to each other in quiet tones. Some of them smiled up at him and some of them ignored him, and he couldn’t help but wonder how many of those men would make it back in one piece.

He guessed not many.

“I’m not sure that’s a great idea. It’ll look… bad.”

“I’m not sure I care how it’ll look. I just need it to get done.”

“What do you want from me then?”

“Get her set up,” Cam said. “Find her some loyal men to work with her. Her entire job will