Page 51 of Secrets of the Six

I march down the hall to the second door on the left and burst into my own office, which I somehow feel like I'm intruding upon. A crackling fire illuminates the study, and I notice my private liquor stash has already been raided. My eyes dart to the two leather armchairs positioned in front of the fireplace and find Cassius has already made himself comfortable.

"A little late for a visit, Cas." I close the door softly and shove my hands into my pockets.

He shrugs, lifting his glass to his lips. "I was in the neighborhood."

I know Cas better than anyone and when he jokes, I know he's on edge. But it's his strained smile that hurts most because he's putting on a brave face for my benefit.

"You know it isn't safe to be out on your own."

"Then it's a good thing I'm not alone." He points an index finger up at the ceiling. "Olli went to sleep over an hour ago. See, you were ready to give your Always-Travel-With-Someone speech, and I was ahead of you."

"For once," I snip. "If you came here wanting to know if our plan is working, let me put your mind at ease." I pour myself a whiskey neat and claim the twin leather armchair. "She captured his attention. Soon she will hold his heart in her hand."

"That's great news!"

I nod, swirling the amber liquid in my glass absent-mindedly. "Yes. It's great news, indeed."

"You seem annoyed," Cas narrows his gaze. "Why?"

I pinch the bridge of my nose and sigh. "It's been a long day. I grow weary of the charade."

"It's an unfair burden you bear, Remus," Cas says softly, wearing his heart on his sleeve. "If I could take your place, I would."

"I know," I take a swig of my drink, the alcohol burning the back of my throat. "But we both know I'm a much better liar than you."

Cas' laugh fills the study and my chest swells at the sound of his unapologetic joy.

"Even you couldn't pull a fast one with the Tias."

I bob my head with a smile. "True," I admit. "Otero taught me the art of deception while Lupe made sure I never used my power to benefit myself. Balance."

"Balance," Cas agrees, reclining deeper into the cushioned seat. "How is she?"

"I'm afraid you will have to be more specific, Cas."

"Ines." There's a sadness in his voice that wrecks me. "I keep seeing her head underwater and I …"

When he trails off, I mercifully take over. "I told you not to go into the room with me."

"I know," he exhales a steadying breath. "But you can't shield me from the cruelties you’re forced to inflict forever. If I am to be king one day, I need and want to know how I reclaimed my throne."

"Wars are ugly and are won by generals," I repeat the mantra my parents used to say daily. And they're right. "I do not wish you to shoulder the burdens I do, Cas."

"Always the protector." There's a bite in his tone I don't particularly care for. Every few months we get into the same argument. Cas wants to be more involved in the daily operations and I always stiff-arm him away, partially to protect him but mostly to ensure he doesn't see me in a different light. I couldn't bear him seeing me as a villain.

"I swore an oath – "

" – to your dying mother. I know, Remus. The guilt of knowing she and so many others sacrificed themselves to save me haunts me. Countless people still sacrifice for me, and it makes me feel as if I'm not pulling my fair share."

"It's not just you, Cas. It's what you represent: hope, peace, unity. If we lose you, everything orchestrated for the last fifteen years will be for nothing. Hold on a little longer," I reach out and pat his hand. "It's almost over."

A silence stretches between us and for once, it's comfortable. I tilt my head back and rest in my armchair and if I sit here long enough, I'll doze off, but sleep isn't meant for me yet.

"You care for her."

My gaze meets his. "Who?"

"Ines."