Chapter 97. Treason

Naomi sighed and stood on her toes, then hugged him tightly while stroking his hair. "I'm so sorry about what happened, my love. I truly am and I understand your fears. Trust me, I do."

Daegal broke their embrace and gave her a skeptical look. "But?" 

"But I'm not Daena and your father is dead. He isn't here to harm me."

"Yet others can, Naomi!" Daegal gripped her shoulders. "You can be hurt in the most brutal ways simply because Chief Topher, Nezetta, or Babatunde Alen might want to get to me! Nezetta especially. She knows who you truly are and how much you mean to me!" 

"Daegal, just listen to me. Chief Topher will want to kill you! I can feel it in my bones and I can't sit on my hands doing nothing."

"Chief Topher may try to end my life but he cannot do it openly or cause us to lose this war. The battlefield is dangerous. I cannot risk your life!" 

"Daegal—" 

"This is the end of this conversation. You will stay here, Naomi."<