28. Sympathy and Sorrow

Reyna

Cassandra has not let go of Cassian since we arrived at the castle. All throughout dinner, she insisted on sitting next to him and now she’s planted right in his lap.

I won’t say anything and I will be respectful because they’re all seeing it as her being deep in grief and anchoring herself to Cassian. But the three of us see it as what it truly is, and I have a sneaky suspicion she’ll want Cassian to lay in her bed until she falls asleep.

“May I please be excused?” she suddenly says, getting to her feet. “I don’t feel so well… I might just go lay down.”

Deana joins her and draws her into an embrace. “Of course, my love. If you need anything, please let me know,” she says, Cassandra nods, then she leaves the room without looking at anyone. But then Deana pats Cassian on his leg and gestures. “Go join her. I’m scared the grief will be too much for her to bear on her own.”

I nearly roll my eyes at this, but this seems to sadden Cassian more. He nods at his mother and then he foll