Chapter 0771

It is so, so short a time later when I’m in the back of a transport, racing to the front line of the battle with Jackson and Rafe and Roger by my side. My hands tremble a little as I watch Roger fasten on the earpiece that my father gave him, so that he can use to communicate back to the base.

Because dad’s not here – he wanted to come, but sending the King to the front along side the heir and the spare? It just…we decided against it.

Dad – he held me for so, so long before he lifted me onto the transport truck. He didn’t say anything -1 don’t think he could, not at that moment. But the way he and mom looked as Roger climbed in behind me – their faces pale and serious, their eyes locked on me and my brother.

I knew, in my very soul, how much they love us. How they would never, ever send us off to the front like this unless they had to.

I clenched my jaw now as I remember it, determined not to cry again. Jackson just gathers me closer into his lap, resting his chin gently on my head, cradling me against him. He doesn’t say anything or send any emotions down the bond – he just holds me and lets me have a little private moment to vent my exhausted heart. But he’s there – always there – just in case I need him.

God, I love him so much.