Cast Aside Without a Mate

Chapter 21: A War To Win

Chapter 21 Dante's POV

Although I felt hollow from my actions, I had to collect myself. I do not even know how to explain what just took place. I raked a hand roughly through my hair. Sweat beaded down my face as it fell towards my chin and neck. I looked at Desmond, who was looking excited and ready for war. His eyes locked with mine, and he suddenly looked a little pale. "Dante, do you know what just happened?" Desmond's voice shook a little. He seemed to be trying to adapt to his new power. My voice broke as I spoke, "I-I do not know what that was. I felt a rush of so many powers. The next thing I knew was the pain and inky bolts flying around." I paused and looked around at everyone present. No one was hurt or afraid. They just looked as puzzled as I felt. Their eyes flew between Desmond and me. "I also need to know what just happened. My Menyaka is encased in a golden light, but it seems to have cut us off from each other." I rushed out in a panic. I did not need to lie about my Menyaka now that something had happened to him.

I looked at my Papa for answers, but he looked shocked and worried. He even shifted away in his seat, a sign that worry was evident in his mind. It hurt a little that my papa may think I was changing into a Neubetu, and I quickly tried to ease any of those thoughts before I was exiled without reason. Fear bubbled under the surface momentarily, and then I remembered whether it was my destiny. I was determined to face it head-on—no hiding from what it was meant to be. I gulped with worry and spoke softly, "Papa, I know there must be a good reason for what happened. Perhaps we should check on everyone in the garden. Maybe they had just finished the ceremony, and a sudden rush of energy flowed throughout the entire castle, not just here." I put on my best acting to persuade my father to stop thinking about what could be wrong with me and focus on what might be occurring while we met during our ceremonial day. Papa sighed a breath of relief, and I knew I could relax, knowing he was still listening to me after all that. This means he still sees me as a leader and his son.

Fear gripped my heart, but there was no time to consider how I would dig myself out of this later. I would have to explain how I have lied to my parents and grandparents for the last year and that it was all fun to see how they would treat us if we did not meet their expectations. I just needed to keep any additional information about my powers and Menyaka until we discussed it later. There was a war to win, and we needed to be ahead of our enemy before they brought the fight to our home. They would be disappointed, I know, but I needed to get an understanding before they asked anything else. I turned calmly to look at everyone else before exiting the council room and returning to the garden. Immediately, I could smell honey and citrus filling my lungs. A sense of calm washed over me. I have felt lighter since I left that stuffy council room. I could also smell my mother, a warm cinnamon sugar and jasmine that floated through the air, bringing familiarity and warmth to my body. I inhaled no shame if anyone saw, which, thankfully, they would not notice.

I was right around the corner. I could see my mother's face and Alice's back as I rounded the corner of the garden we had left earlier when my father had rudely interrupted our time for lunch. I lingered, not wanting to stop them, their smells mixing, bringing clarity and calm washing through my veins. I gently closed my eyes, knowing I was in a good spot until the two most important women moved from their down-wind fragrance. I felt like I was in the best floral shop and imagined picking their favorite flowers. Mama loved tiger lilies and other types of lilies, but her favorite was the moon lilies that blossomed around the kingdom at night. I wondered what kind of flowers Alice liked and if her Fairy Fiance would have a problem if I were her mate. A low growl suddenly crept up my throat, and I thought it was quiet and kept my eyes closed and head against the flowery bed on the wall outside the main garden. I did not want this incredible moment to end with the mixture of calming and soothing scents whipping my face in the fall wind. An assault on my senses I would be willing to welcome every single day.

Unfortunately, I was interrupted by my bliss and pulled back to the reality of things. "Dante, why did you run out of there? Is everything okay?" Desmond's worried, laced voice hit me, and I realized I had research to do before my days at home became numbered. I swallowed back my fear and slowly opened my eyes to look at Des. My heart clenched as I have so many secrets I don't need another to hide from him. A frown instantly sank into my face as I looked down at my hands raised towards the heavens, proving I held nothing inside them. I sighed, tilted my head to look up at the sky, and prayed for the answers to come as I slowly looked down to look at Desmond. I hated that I hid so many things from him. "Was I in the wrong for keeping these secrets from Des?" A small ting of guilt crept up, but I quickly pushed it back down. I was only doing what Kumu said and could not tell everyone anything until progress was made.

My heart quivered as I looked at Des and answered honestly, "I do not know Des. I wish I could tell you, but," I looked around hesitantly, "not here. I will tell you after the garden lunch ends. Meet me in the secret closet after we shower." I said quietly and brought myself closer to Des. "I have a feeling someone might be observing us." I was now whispering right in Desmond's ear and was looking around. My heart squeezed again, and I wished the day would end already. I sighed and slowly pulled away from Des, scanning the open garden area for signs of any spies. Everyone seemed to be minding their own business or talking to one another about our birthday.

Mama must have spotted us because her voice cut through the air like we were about to get punished, "Dante and Desmond, there you two are! What did I say about hiding inside between ceremonial tasks?" She looked disappointed, and we could tell Papa had not informed her of what we knew. Des quickly grabbed her around the waist and pulled her into his body. He quickly whispered to her, and I walked between them and the approaching Alice, thankful that I had to explain things to her instead of Mama. I wanted to be near her until I knew what this was. An affectionate smile adorned my face as I looked into Alice's eyes. I inhaled, knowing she was still downwind in my direction, her honey and citrus scent hitting me wave after wave. I was nearly floating as the distance between us came to a close. Anticipation rising in my veins and a desire to make her mine in some way I could not explain. It did not feel like I thought love would, but I could accept it. I was not opposed to this new, almost uncontrollable feeling that enveloped me.