Chapter 50 - This is my fight too

                                    

                                          
I slowly get back to my normal routine after the stabbing. Cal takes me for walks, to get my energy back up, and by day 3, I am able to run around the castle with Cal by my side. We don't do anything more than that, even though I want to. Cal says it's too early and he treats me like I may break just with a touch. With my memory back recently, Cal still catches himself asking me if I am ok, or if I remember everything. I think he is worried that I will forget him again.
                          
I haven't been to visit Maven even though he has been asking for me. Cal went to visit him, and apparently made it clear that I did not want to see him. I know that one day I will have to, and Cal can't keep me in the dark forever.
                          
As for the Samos family, Cal ordered that they stay in the castle, but they are away from me and my family. That is the best way, for now. When I am stronger, I will deal with Volo.
                          
When we get back from our run, we head to the kitchen, where we usually find the rest of the family, if they are not in the family room. Everyone is around the main island bench, and Cal immediately goes towards Clara, picking her up from where she was sitting with Cameron. He lifts her over his head.
                          
"Hello baby girl" he says, bringing her back down and giving her a kiss on her cheek. He holds her with one arm, facing everyone. No one says anything, they are still having their little conversations, while eating. I am the only one standing there in shock, watching Cal with Clara. This must be normal.
                          
I walk over to Cal, grabbing Clara's hand in mine. I kiss it. "Hey cutie" I say to her. She smiles, pulling her hand back and placing her fingers in her mouth. I frown.
                          
"Not everyone is good with kids Mare" Cal jokes, and I give him a little look. It just shows me I need to spend more time with my family, especially Clara. She won't even know who I am. I could've died and she wouldn't even remember me. Cal sees my train of thought, and he grabs my chin, tipping my head up. "You'll get there". I smile, a small smile, but still think about how much I nearly missed.
                          
"Mare, you hungry?" Kilorn calls from the corner. He has gained a good amount of weight, but muscle too. That makes me happy. It means he is well taken care of. He is sitting with Maria and Shade, stuffing his face like he has never eaten before.
                          
"Yes, do you even have to ask" I reply and Kilorn laughs, waving me over. "Where is Farley?" I look around, not seeing her here.
                          
"She needed to speak to the Guard. They have some plans for us" Shade says, between bites.
                          
"Plans? What sort of plans?" I forget sometimes that we are still in a war, still have a job to do.
                          
"Well we can't stay here forever Mare. We need to find a way to overthrow the lakelanders" Shade replies, confused by my confusion.
                          
I nod, understanding that. "I know, I just. What are we supposed to do with Maven?" I look at Cal with the question, because it is his decision in the end. He is the King after all.
                          
"Kill him" Cal replies quickly, his tone cold. Kilorn and Shade nod.
                          
"What?" I exclaim.
                          
"Kill him. I don't want him around" Cal looks at me as if he can't believe I am asking this question.
                          
"You can't kill him. We need him" I say, and instantly regret the words. Cal's eyebrows raise, looking at me like he can't believe what I just said. Cal stares me down.
                          
"Do we?" Cal asks, giving Clara to Shade. Cal takes a bread roll from the table and takes a bite, waiting for me. I bite my lip before I reply. This could turn ugly.
                          
"Yes. We do. Iris is still out there, and who knows what she is planning. She saved Maven once, so who is to say she won't come back again. Her father is dead, so who is to say she won't come back for revenge" I say to Cal.