Waking up outside, naked as the day she was born, would have normally had Tally shoot straight up. But she was warm despite her lack of clothing, and felt a familiar warm body pressed against her own.
"Good morning," Sarah said softly against Tally's neck. She had felt the younger witch begin to stir.
"Mmm, morning, baby," Tally moaned as she stretched—eyes lazily opening to take in the woman next to her.
Then her eyes noticed something.
She let out a boisterous laugh, making Sarah give her a queer look about what she was laughing at.
"I marked you," Tally said, absolutely beaming.
Sarah arched an eyebrow. "Is that so?" She grinned. She knew as much last night, and she couldn't wait to see how bad it was. "Will my uniform collar cover it?"
Tally bit her lip. "It should…it's pretty big. It looks like I beat your cords though," she informed her shyly.
Sarah hummed and pulled Tally even closer, pressing their foreheads together. "Perfect."
They kissed lazily as the last bits of sleep left them.
Sarah suddenly stopped, her entire body tensing as she tilted her head to glance at the pathway.
"What's wrong?" Tally questioned through the bond.
"I hear someone coming," Sarah replied, confused.
Then she saw Anacostia appear. The warding that Sarah had put up didn't just consist of a protective barrier for her magic, but hid them from prying eyes and soundproofed their activities.
"It's Ana," Sarah said aloud before she adjusted the blankets around them both, and then sang a seed to dispel the warding.
Anacostia arched an eyebrow as they appeared before her. They were a tangled mess, clearly still wrapped up in each other with the blankets tucked around them haphazardly.
"Did I interrupt?" Anacostia asked with a smirk as she approached.
"We were just waking," Sarah said, not moving from her spot half on top of Tally. "Is there a reason you're here?"
Tally couldn't help but chuckle lightly before she tilted her head up to see Anacostia, even if she was partially upside down.
"She's cranky," Tally teased, earning a playful glare from Sarah.
"I have a very good reason, actually," Anacostia said pointedly. Then her eyes drifted to the working imbued bag that rested at the foot of their makeshift bed. "You have any turnovers left?"
Sarah gestured for her to help herself as she sat back and held the blanket up so that Tally could grab her clothing and dress.
"I had to come wake you both to let you know that the brass is convening in two hours."
"What?" Tally squeaked as she finished putting her sweater on.
Sarah seemed equally surprised by the news.
"What did Magda tell them that made them move it to this early?" Sarah asked.
Tally switched places with her, holding the blanket so Sarah could put her clothing back on while Anacostia spoke.
Her fosterling let out a groan. "You need to make these more often because these should be illegal," she said between mouthfuls of turnover.
"Ana," Sarah chided as she stood with Tally.
Anacostia turned around, a shit-eating grin on her face. "What?"
"I thought I raised you better than speaking with a full mouth."
"You don't complain when I do it," Tally retorted.
Anacostia laughed so hard she nearly choked on her turnover. She started coughing between the laughs, especially at the faint blush Alder was sporting.
Anacostia offered Tally a fist bump and Alder shook her head.
"What did I do to deserve you two," Sarah teased.
"So much, because we are blessings," Tally answered.
When Anacostia finished her turnover, she finally answered Sarah's original question as she helped the two women pack up their picnic.
The biddies joined them a moment after, carrying their own bedding for the evening and offering Tally tender smiles.
She could feel how much they cared about her and Sarah through just their gazes.
"Honestly I'm not entirely sure. What I do know though, is the Imperatrix isn't very pleased about being summoned because she is apparently 'too busy to be at Sarah's beck and call'," she quoted.
Sarah ground her teeth as they walked back to base. "Goddess do I despise that woman."
Tally pressed her shoulder against Sarah's as they walked, since both of their hands were full. "I know, but in two hours you're going to wipe that self-serving, egotistical woman's entitlement right off her face."
Anacostia's eyebrows rose approvingly. "Someone is getting more of an edge to her."
Sarah sighed and offered Tally a gentle smile. "I believe my own edge is bleeding into you through the bond, my love."
Tally shrugged and smiled. "Honestly, I'm okay with that. Makes me more assertive in what I believe in."
"Hard to believe. You've always been assertive. No matter how nervous you were about questioning my methods, motives…you believed in what you said. That hasn't changed and I do not believe it will. I think that the bond is merely allowing us to grow with the positive traits of ourselves that may need more coaxing out. I surmise that it is one of the reasons I have been more willing to be open with others and you."
Tally was sporting a blush at having a positive effect on Sarah.
"Well, whatever is causing it," Anacostia began, drawing their attention back to her, "it's awesome so keep it up."
Sarah chuckled. "I do not believe that will be an issue for Tally. She is rather persistent."
Tally offered her a soft smile as they entered the building to head to their room.
"They're holding it in the war room," Anacostia supplied. "I'm going to go inform Collar and Bellweather so they can meet us there."
Sarah nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Ana."
Anacostia nodded, ready to turn and leave when Sarah's hand reached out and touched her arm.
The biddies all entered their room as Tally disappeared into their own.
Anacostia looked at Alder questioningly, knowing that Sarah had requested a moment alone with her since Tally left.
"What is it?" Anacostia questioned softly.
Sarah took a deep breath. "Is the President in attendance of this as well?"
Anacostia shook her head. "Did you want her to be?"
"No," Sarah responded immediately. "Merely curious. My next…this is more of an inquiry that I would like your thoughts on."
Anacostia nodded her agreement.
"I would like to procure some property. Preferably on base, so that it is within the warding here."
Anacostia tilted her head to the side curiously. "What for?"
"For Tally and I," Sarah answered softly.
A sweet smile graced Anacostia's face. "Why not down by the lake there? No one really heads there anyway and with some additional warding we could hide it. You'd still be near enough to base and you're in your office throughout the day anyway."
Sarah nodded in contemplation. "That would be excellent. It would have to have enough space for the biddies as well, of course. It's certainly something to consider. Thank you, daughter." She stepped closer and pulled her in for a hug.
"You got it," Anacostia replied as Alder embraced her. "Mom."
Sarah chuckled near her ear before she pulled back and lightly touched Anacostia's face. "Now, off you go. I am in desperate need of a shower."
Anacostia laughed loudly and her eyes fell on the bruise over her cords. "Yeah you both smell like sex and outside."
With that she left and Sarah headed into their room, finding that Tally was already in the shower. She quickly stripped—tossing her soiled clothing into her hamper before joining Tally in the shower.
She would much rather be soaking in the tub with Tally, but the two hour time limit wouldn't leave them with much time for the other activities Sarah wouldn't be able to resist.
She stepped in behind the redhead, wrapping her arms around her middle and placing a kiss to her wet shoulder.
"You know," Sarah began, trailing kisses across Tally's shoulder and up to her neck—where the younger witch tilted her head to the side to give Sarah better access. "We haven't had sex in the shower."
Tally hummed. "You're right, we haven't," she replied, breathless from the teasing kisses Sarah was placing on her skin.
"Think we have enough time for a round?" Sarah asked. Her hands trailed over Tally's clavicles to cup her breasts. She gently teased her nipples to hardened peaks as she moaned for her.
Tally's head rolled back to rest on Sarah's shoulder as her hands travelled down her stomach and then to the apex of her thighs.
"Goddess yes," Tally whined.
Sarah turned her head to place open-mouthed kisses to Tally's neck, her fingers trailing down Tally's thigh and back up teasingly, while her other continued to play with her breast.
At a needy whine from Tally after she passed by her folds once more, she finally relented and slid her fingers between her thighs. Tally moaned against her as she circled her clit before dipping lower to gather Tally's wetness on her fingers.
"Always so ready for me," Sarah murmured against her neck. She dragged her teeth over Tally's witch's mark, enjoying the way her breath hitched before she ran her tongue over it before nipping lower.
Tally released a shaky breath, leaning back into Sarah more before her own hand came to rest over Sarah's. She pressed it into her more, silently requesting more pressure.
"What do you need, imé wèlá?" Sarah whispered in her ear.
She knew. She could feel it through the bond and in the flashes in her mind of what Tally wanted her to do. She just wanted her to say it.
"Sarah," Tally whined, grinding into their joint hands more. "I need you inside."
Sarah hummed approvingly before she pushed Tally closer to the tiled wall, silently telling her to brace herself on her hands. She kicked Tally's legs apart, bending her over slightly as her hand detoured to behind her body.
She slid her fingers through soaked folds, gathering Tally's slick once more before she entered her with two fingers from behind.
Tally let out a low moan, and then a gasp as Sarah's other hand wrapped itself in Tally's hair to pull her head back.
She heeded Tally's silent request for her to fuck her from behind, and wasted no time beginning to pound into the younger witch.
"Fuck," Tally gasped as Sarah's fingers hit deep. Her eyes rolled back in pleasure as Sarah took her. She briefly thought about how amazing this would be if Sarah would wear a strap and take her like this.
A resounding growl echoed in the shower as Sarah pressed against Tally and pulled her head back more.
"I think that can be arranged," Sarah told her. Her voice was rough with desire, and she became mesmerized by the sight of her fingers sliding in and out of Tally's heat.
"Harder, please," Tally begged.
A smirk graced Sarah's face as she slammed deeper into Tally, earning a wanton cry of pleasure as she hit right where she needed her.
"There, there, there," Tally panted as she thrust back into Sarah's fingers.
She canted her hips, meeting each of Sarah's deep thrusts as she chased her orgasm.
"Touch yourself," Sarah commanded, her voice rough and desperate. She could feel Tally fluttering around her digits and knew she was close.
Tally removed one of her hands from the tiled wall to reach between her legs and rub her clit as Sarah pounded into her.
"S-shit," Tally stuttered out as she climaxed. Her body tensed and she clenched down on Sarah's fingers, keeping them trapped inside her as she gushed over Sarah's hand and rode it out.
Sarah eased her through the aftershocks until Tally caught her breath. She carefully slid her fingers from her, rinsing them off in the spray of water before she grabbed Tally's hips and turned her around to place all of her weight against Sarah's body. She held her to her chest, allowing the warm spray to wash over them both.
Tally hummed happily from her spot at Sarah's neck. "That was good. I like you taking me from behind."
Sarah chuckled. "Anytime you'd like."
"Ugh," Tally groaned with a bright smile as her eyes met Sarah's. "Don't tempt me or we would never leave the room."
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Sarah retorted as she kissed Tally's nose.
Tally tilted her head up and captured Sarah's lips in a soft kiss before she pressed her back to the wall.
She kissed her neck, humming happily as Sarah tilted her head to the side to give her better access. She lightly kissed over Sarah's bruised skin, delighting in the shiver she felt run through Sarah.
She dipped her head, taking one of Sarah's nipples in her mouth and lavishing it with attention as her hand caressed the other.
Sarah moaned, her head falling backwards against the tile. Tally released her nipple before she moved to the other, giving it the same attention until Sarah's moans were breathless.
She slid her hands down Sarah's body, eyes holding contact as she touched between soaked folds.
Sarah hissed at the first touch, a soft moan escaping her lips as Tally leaned in and kissed her.
Tally poured her love and affection through the bond, smiling when she felt Sarah respond in kind—then she slammed two fingers into her.
Sarah cried out before moaning deeply at the pace Tally set from the start.
"Yes," Sarah encouraged as Tally lifted her leg to open her more.
The redhead pounded into her, deep and hard, and she was pretty sure she was seeing stars as Tally hit the right spot over and over.
She wasn't going to last long. She was incredibly turned on from fucking Tally, and now having her inside her felt too good to resist. She met her thrusts, moaning as she pulled Tally in to kiss her.
It was sloppy and filled with need, and Tally took the opportunity to slide her tongue into Sarah's mouth—swallowing her moans as she curled her fingers and sent Sarah into her orgasm.
She shook against Tally, moaning into her mouth as she rode out her pleasure.
When she finally came down, Tally removed her fingers—licking them off before rinsing them under the stream. She placed soft kisses over Sarah's neck, across her jaw, and then to her lips where she captured them again in a gentle kiss.
"Have I told you that I love you?" Tally murmured against them. She sighed softly when she felt Sarah smile against her.
"Today?" Sarah asked, a teasing glint in her eye. "I do not believe so."
Tally's eyes widened playfully. "Oh, well that won't do. I love you, Sarah Alder," she told her before she kissed her again.
When they broke for air, Sarah responded in kind, "I love you, Tally Craven."
They kissed again, slow and passionate until they needed to breathe.
"We should probably shower," Sarah commented with a chuckle as she set to grabbing the soap and a washcloth.
They managed to make it fairly quick, especially once one of the biddies told Sarah they had thirty minutes before the meeting—along with some light teasing about how if it was possible for Tally to get pregnant, she would be by now. The mention had made Sarah choke on her own air with surprise…as well as a deep longing for that to be possible.
The time check had surprised them. They didn't think they were in the shower that long, but it seemed time moved differently with them—not that Tally was complaining. She loved her time with Sarah, no matter how long or short it was.
When they finally dried off and dressed, Sarah brushed Tally's hair for her before she redid her braid.
"I'm kind of nervous," Tally admitted as Sarah worked on her own braid.
She was impressed at how quickly the woman was able to do her own hair—but being alive for hundreds of years and repeatedly doing it would have that result.
"What's on your mind?" Sarah asked as she finished and tied the braid off.
"I just…" Tally couldn't put it into words, so she sent the feelings through the bond. She watched Sarah's face carefully as she catalogued the emotions.
"Ah," Sarah began with a soft smile and approached to take Tally's hands in her own. "Tally, if they disapprove, I meant what I said the other day. I refuse to cease our courtship. I'm considering this merely a formality. I am not asking for permission I do not need. The only permission I need, is yours."
"You know you have it," Tally said seriously.
"I do," Sarah replied with a gentle smile. She leaned in and kissed Tally. "And since I have the only permission I need…informing them is merely protocol."
Tally sighed with relief. She knew all this of course…but anxiety was irrational many times and she needed to hear it out loud, and from Sarah.
"Anytime you need reassurance, I am here," Sarah urged. She kissed Tally again. "I love you, my darling songmate."
Tally sighed happily into the kiss. They were able to enjoy a few minutes before Sarah pulled back with a sigh.
"Biddies?"
"Indeed. We need to go," she answered as she straightened Tally's jacket.
Tally's eyes flickered down to Sarah's collar. Her bruise was only partially hidden, and it brought a blush to Tally's face.
Sarah merely arched an eyebrow.
"You can see it."
"Good," she replied, leaning in to kiss Tally once more before she threaded their fingers together and led them from the room.
They convened with the biddies and set off toward the war room. Once they stopped outside the door, Sarah was concerned Tally was going to pass out from nerves.
"Darling, are you okay?" Sarah asked before they entered.
"Really nervous," Tally answered honestly.
Sarah nodded in understanding, and she sent as much reassurance through the bond as she could—also sharing that she was a little nervous as well.
They entered the room, and Tally relaxed slightly when she saw Abigail and Raelle.
"Hey, Tal!" Rae called as she and Abigail quickly came over to them.
Sarah sighed with relief as Tally's anxiousness dissipated some, relieving her of her own.
"General," the women in the room all said in tandem.
"Thank you all for coming," Sarah began as her biddies stood off to the side while she took her seat.
The Imperatrix sat across from Sarah, Petra Bellweather on her right, Izadora on her left, then General Clary to Petra's right. Major Verger sat next to Izadora, and then Anacostia between Sarah and Verger—and then Tally to Sarah's left.
Abigail and Raelle stood behind Tally, offering support.
"What is this all about? I'm curious as to why my daughter and her sisters are here," Petra asked as her eyes swept over them.
"I know that this was short notice—" Sarah began.
The Imperatrix interrupted, "I am very busy, General—"
Sarah held up a hand to silence her as the biddies hissed in displeasure.
"As am I, Imperatrix," Alder retorted coldly. "I have no intention of this taking longer than it needs. So I will cut to the point."
She looked over at Tally and offered a reassuring nod as their hands threaded together atop the table—causing the three women who didn't know of their relationship, to raise their eyebrows questioningly.
"As you know, Tally temporarily served as a biddy and when we severed the connection she began having adverse effects from what we thought was the severing. After Izadora's careful research we have determined that the bond between us, one that was already present, unbeknownst to us, is the rarest of bonds…"
The Imperatrix's eyes widened. "You can't mean…"
Petra seemed to catch on and her mouth fell open. "A songmate?" she asked, voice filled with disbelief. Her eyes flashed to Abigail's then, questioning her silently about it.
"It's true," Abigail told her. "Tally was seeing some of the General's memories and she wasn't getting sleep. The only time she did was whenever the General was near her."
Izadora chimed in, "I examined the biddy bond myself after the severance. It was perfect, no remaining link between them…except there is and it's one that took me some time to uncover. They have been able to share emotions and thoughts through the bond. It's more intricate and powerful than I ever imagined."
"I can verify it, I saw the connection firsthand, as did Anacostia," Verger added.
The Imperatrix laughed. "You honestly expect me to believe that this walking corpse has a songmate after hundreds of years?"
Sarah was about to give her a piece of her mind—then Tally stood, her chair pushing backwards roughly, scraping the hardwood floors, as she leaned over the table.
"She isn't a walking corpse," Tally practically growled. "She's served this Army and Nation for hundreds of years…what have you done? Aside from essentially being a glorified witch breeder?"
The Imperatix's eyes flashed. "How dare you speak to me that way."
"How dare you speak to the General that way!" Tally fired back. She groaned with frustration. "You all seem to forget that nearly all of us owe our lines to her. Jem Bellweather, the entire reason the Bellweather line exists, is because of Sarah! Jem was a slave that Sarah helped free. Rae's ancestor—saved Sarah nearly a dozen separate times, and she for her. She's protected your lines from the beginning as best as one can in war. You, Imperatrix, your entire line stems from a slave Sarah freed as well. Oh, and better yet—she delivered that same woman's daughter…and you have the gall to call her a walking corpse?" Tally finished, crossing her arms and staring defiantly at the others.
Rae whistled lowly, the only sound that was heard in the otherwise completely silent room.
Anacostia shot her a dirty look, and then glanced back at Sarah and Tally.
Sarah felt warmth bloom in her chest at Tally's defense, incredibly appreciative of the gesture.
"Darling," Sarah called softly through the bond, drawing Tally's eyes to hers. "Thank you for your defense."
"You aren't mad?" Tally questioned as she realized what she said, suddenly thinking she overstepped.
Sarah smiled. "Goddess no. That was incredible. I've never had anyone defend me so fervently."
Tally blushed prettily, and Alder reached out to take her hand—pulling her to sit back down and as close to her as she could get.
The Imperatrix was seething, her eyes darting between the two witches locked in a silent conversation. Then she caught a glimpse of Tally's braid.
"You're already courting her," the Imperatrix stated flatly. She'd suspected as much when she saw the way the General arrived at the matchmaking social—the way that she picked the younger witch up and left as if it was the most natural thing in the world. "I thought I recognized the courting braid…"
Sarah's eyes went back to her. "I am."
Petra sucked in a breath and shook her head. "This is highly—"
"You do not get to tell me what you feel is inappropriate," Sarah interjected, her voice warning. "Not after the shit you've done."
Petra sat back, looking slightly ashamed.
"None of you, actually," Alder told them. "My personal relationship with Tally is our business, not any of yours. This meeting is merely a formality in enlightening you of our relationship, and the depth of it."
"I need proof," the Imperatrix said pointedly. "Especially if there is a fertile witch being taken off the list."
Sarah could feel the anger stir in Tally, and under any other circumstance she would have to berate her for the outburst she knew was coming…but not today, and not in a discussion that is as much Tally's say as it is hers.
"A fertile witch?" Tally asked incredulously. "I'm a person. Abigail is a person. Raelle is a person. All those other witches out there are their own person. All female witches are good for to you is producing more daughters and carrying on the family lines. You don't give a shit about them, their goals, their opinions, none of it. It's bullshit. Even if Sarah wasn't my songmate, I still wouldn't be getting handfasted to some guy that you think would be best because of his lineage. It's medieval. Not only that but it isn't mandatory for any of us to find matches and handfast. You just don't like that we might not do it when you want," Tally said passionately.
"Agreed," Abigail added, eyes scorching her mother and the Imperatrix.
"Agreed," Raelle concurred.
Sarah smiled, incredibly proud. "Agreed."
Tally looked over at her, offering a grateful smile before she offered one to Abigail and Raelle.
"I believe the Imperatrix requested proof," Verger reminded everyone, wanting to get back at the task at hand before Sarah fried everyone in the room…or before Tally did.
Alder simply stood and held out her hand for Tally to take. When she did, she turned to face her, and began the seed.
Slowly, the magic became visible within the room, clearly bridging the two women together.
The Imperatrix stood and approached, eyes looking over what she could see of the bond.
"If you need to see it properly, I can show you," Tally supplied.
The Imperatrix merely placed her hand on Sarah's shoulder. She gasped as Sarah pulled her into her mind, showing her what Tally was seeing through their connection. She released her hold on Alder's shoulder and took a step back, eyes wide.
"I never, ever thought I would see a songmate bond," she said, voice full of disbelief.
"You believe this?" Petra asked, genuinely. There was no malice behind the question, just seeking confirmation.
The Imperatrix grimaced. "I do."
General Clary offered Sarah a soft smile, and then nodded supportively.
The Matriarch continued, "It is exactly as described in the few recorded accounts that we have. It's an exquisitely beautiful piece of the Goddess's work." She walked back to her seat and sat down with a sigh. "There is no doubt in my mind that this is a songmate bond. In which case, there is nothing we can do and there is no severance."
Alder practically growled at the mere implication, and Tally tightened her grasp on Sarah's hand, her thumb rubbing soothing circles. They sat back down once more, looking at the other women expectantly.
"So," Petra began carefully, "now that you've informed us of this, what is next?" She looked at the Imperatrix. "Is there to be a handfast?"
"I would prefer that there be one," the Imperatrix said.
"Why?" Sarah asked curiously. "Handfasting is traditional for the procreation of witches, and tying bloodlines together."
"What's wrong, Sarah? You don't want to handfast to your songmate?" The Imperatrix asked incredulously.
The General's jaw clenched. "Tally is still in War College."
"And? The traditional five years will apply."
"You're already bound to each other for life," Petra said seriously. "What difference does it make if it is now or in two or five years?"
"It matters to me," Sarah snapped. At Tally's reassuring squeeze of her hand, she began again—softer, "I have given my life in service, hundreds of times over…I want to court Tally, properly. I want to plan a perfect proposal and ask her to be my wife. I want her to say yes because she is ready and she wants to marry me. Not be told by the Imperative when and how we are to be handfasted," she finished passionately before sitting back in her seat, a tired sigh leaving her body.
Tally brought Sarah's hand to her lips and kissed the back of it, like Sarah always did to hers.
"I love you so much," Tally thought through the bond as she placed Sarah's palm against her cheek. "You know I would handfast you today if you asked me."
Sarah's eyes widened slightly and Tally couldn't resist her chuckle.
"You're my songmate, Sarah. So you know…I want to be your wife. I also really appreciate you wanting us to do that on our terms, and thank you for saying that."
Sarah smiled and stroked Tally's cheek. "You're welcome," she said aloud before she looked at the women in the room.
"They're as good as married already in the Goddess' eyes. Let them have their romance," Verger advocated seriously. She scoffed at the Imperatrix. "You think you can control people by roping them into marriages. It's ridiculous."
Sarah smirked at Verger. She loved that old bat.
"Tally and I will continue our courtship until we decide when to handfast. Tally will also be moving into my quarters effective immediately. I will submit any and all appropriate paperwork to your office, Matriarch. We will openly be courting but I assure you all that Tally will not receive special treatment in regards to deployments or anything concerning her military service."
The Imperatrix went to speak and Alder held up a hand to stop her.
"You have no say in military matters. That is a promise to my Generals and I am willing to sign an agreement attesting to that," Alder told them.
"Were you two together when they went on the Batan mission?" Petra asked, realizing fully why Sarah was upset that it was Tally who had worn the bridle.
Alder merely nodded.
"I accept the General's terms," Petra told the room, earning a scoff from the Imperatrix. "There is no way General Alder would have wanted Cadet Craven to go on that mission…but she requested their unit specifically for the task…which they were the only ones to come back from. Cadet Craven is incredibly capable of carrying out her duties, as is the General despite their involvement."
Abigail offered her mom a grateful smile as she squeezed Tally's shoulder in congratulations.
"I accept the General's terms as well," General Clary agreed.
The Imperatrix grimaced but nodded her acceptance as well.
"Excellent," Alder commented as she stood. "Imperatrix, if you would excuse us…we have business to attend to."
The woman stood, looking defeated and angry about it as she was guided out by the biddies.
When she departed, Alder gestured for Abigail to take the vacant seat, as well as had another chair added for Raelle to sit at.
"Now, is there anything that any of you need to ask about this?" Alder questioned, glancing around the room.
"General, I was hoping that after this meeting I could speak with you in private about a separate matter?" Petra asked calmly.
Alder nodded.
"Um, I have a question about the fight against the Camarilla," Raelle spoke up, unsure if she would get an answer.
General Clary seemed surprised by the question.
Sarah nodded for Raelle to ask whatever it was. Tally idly played with Sarah's hand, running her fingers up and down Sarah's—just enjoying the feeling of touching her as she sank back into her chair.
"What're we doing about Nicte and the Spree as potential allies?" Raelle asked.
Alder sighed. "The President has refused my request for Nicte to receive a temporary pardon so that the Spree may join in fighting the Camarilla."
Petra frowned. "We need Nicte and the Spree in this fight. I don't want to work with them anymore than you, General, but we can't beat the Camarilla without those additional numbers. Especially with this witch plague."
Alder nodded. "I agree."
Tally looked at Sarah then. "This is what you wanted to ask my opinion on isn't it?"
She met her gaze. "Yes. Tally, we need the Spree and Nicte in the fight and since the President wants an execution…my only idea that I see working is committing treason."
Tally's eyes widened. "What do you want to do?"
"Fake Nicte's death. It would be easy enough to do in front of the President. We could make her see what we want her to see. Then Nicte would be free to operate in tandem with us against the Camarilla, and we'd have access to her informants."
"What happens when the President finds out Nicte isn't dead?"
"I am hoping Nicte will be in Saint Dominique Prison before that happens, if it does. I don't intend to allow Nicte to disappear."
Tally's brow furrowed as she thought it over. She didn't really see a way out of this if they didn't get help from the Spree. But if the President found out then Sarah would be at risk, not to mention her position as head of the army.
"Don't you think it's too risky? Sarah, this could destroy everything you've fought for."
Sarah smiled and pulled Tally close so they could touch their foreheads, paying no mind to the other women in the room.
"There won't be anything left to be destroyed if the Camarilla win. We will suffer greatly. All of witchkind…that would destroy me worse than losing my position," she told Tally. "Because everything I fought for and built would be gone."
Tally nodded against her forehead. "Okay. I don't see another way around it and I know how important this is to you and how seriously you're considering it. I'm with you."
Sarah poured her gratitude through the connection before they pulled apart and finally addressed the other women in the room.
"I have a plan but I don't think you'll like it," Alder told them.
Tally cleared her throat. "The President wants Nicte to be executed without a trial, and she didn't agree to Nicte's terms of not using the list of Spree cells as a way to round them up after the war. We need Nicte and her connections and it doesn't seem like the President cares much for witches except as tools in war anyway," Tally spoke.
Petra was smirking at Tally. "You're correct in your assessment."
"Hard to fool a Knower," General Clary added. She smiled warmly at the cadets in the room. "You trust Cadet Craven fully?"
"Absolutely," Raelle and Abigail said in tandem.
General Clary looked at Tally. "And you trust General Alder—not Sarah—but General Alder?"
At that, Sarah's stomach dropped. The age old separation question. As a General, she's made some fantastic calls, but she'd also made some very bad calls. One such consequence was currently housed in their holding cells. She wouldn't blame Tally for not trusting her fully. She still needed to earn that back.
"Absolutely," Tally told her, voice strong.
Alder's head turned to regard her softly, unexpecting that declaration of trust.
"I trust my daughter's opinion. That means I trust Tally's as well," Petra agreed.
"What's your plan?" Anacostia asked, speaking after remaining silent through the whole exchange thus far.
"We fake Nicte's death," Alder supplied. "Allow the President to believe she's been executed, she hasn't seen what Nicte actually looks like so she could easily use a face she's already stolen, during the execution."
"That way she doesn't have to worry about hiding behind someone else's face at all times," Anacostia finished.
Sarah nodded. "Precisely. Once the execution is over we can reconvene with Nicte to discuss her Spree cells and any intel on the Camarilla. Petra, I would like you to work with Nicte in the meantime. We could use the information," Alder told her.
"Of course, General," Petra replied, clearly surprised she was being trusted with anything after the other night.
"Can I trust you?" Alder asked her seriously.
Tally would've been able to hear a pin drop with how quiet the room became at that question.
"Yes, General Alder," Petra replied firmly as she held eye contact with the General.
Alder nodded in acceptance.
"Then what?" General Clary inquired.
"We will need to begin destroying as many Camarilla bases as possible. We need to let them think the Spree and Army are not working together so that we maintain an element of surprise," Alder explained. "General Clary, I want you to begin selecting our best agents for these missions. Gather as many as you can."
"Yes, General Alder."
"What do you need from us, General?" Abigail asked, sitting up straighter in her seat.
Alder couldn't help but smile softly at her. She loved seeing the Bellweather unit become confident in their abilities.
"Bellweather, you're going to be working with me. I have some tricks in Weather Work I can show you."
Abigail's eyes lit up like Christmas lights at that, and Tally couldn't help but chuckle lightly at her friend.
"Collar, you're going to be with me as well working on your abilities with the Mycelium. Don't be afraid to reach out to Her to seek advice." Alder's eyes fell on Tally last of all. "I want you and Verger to work together. Magda has more advanced scenarios she can give you for training exercises. You're too talented to not be given ample opportunity," she said honestly. "I also am going to run your combat classes. Your company is composed of fine soldiers and we need them to be up to the task."
"So our fighting ability is shit," Abigail grumbled.
Alder laughed, having heard. "Are you really upset at receiving personal training from me?"
Abigail shook her head. "No, ma'am. It's great and we need to be at our best."
"You will each still have a few classes together, such as Mothertongue and your combat training. Outside of that though, you'll be focusing on your individual abilities to strengthen them."
Tally's eyes widened in realization. "Oh my god you want us to be your private unit."
Sarah whipped her head to look at Tally. She hadn't had her own unit in decades. After Nicte's desertion, she lost four of her unit members and ceased having the same soldiers serve with her. Attachment was hard. But Sekhmet had three of the most powerful witches Alder had seen in years, and she didn't doubt that two other members of the company had great potential.
"Yes," Sarah answered easily.
"Doesn't that fall under favoritism?" Tally asked with a smirk.
"No, because it isn't showing you favoritism. I am choosing your unit as a whole to accompany me on dangerous missions. Does that sound like favoritism?"
"Yes," came Tally's immediate reply with a smirk.
"Well it won't look that way on paper. Technically I am showing your entire unit favoritism. Abigail has powerful Weather Work in her—a Working I unleashed. Raelle is connected to the Mycelium and can channel its power—which I created, and you, Tally, are so gifted and strong, and are connected to me as my songmate. I think it's the Goddess who is showing the real favoritism."
Tally couldn't help but chuckle as Alder flashed a self-satisfied smirk.
"Sharing is caring," Anacostia interjected into the silent conversation—a smirk on her face.
Tally arched an eyebrow for Sarah to explain.
"I want Collar, Bellweather, and Craven as part of my private unit," she told them. "And preferably two more members of Sekhmet. I'd like Gregorio and M to serve as well. Gregorio will need some additional training but I can't see that being much of an issue with me bringing him up to snuff."
Petra nodded, approvingly, as did General Clary.
"I'd rather they be off somewhere dangerous with you, General, than be with other cadets," Petra admitted. She looked over at her daughter. "I don't want anything to happen to you. And what an honor for a Bellweather."
Abigail smiled at her mother, a tear leaking from her eye before being wiped away by Petra.
"I'm more than happy to be in your private unit. We both want every Camarilla member dead," Abigail said very matter of fact.
"Me too. I didn't appreciate being kidnapped and used as a science experiment," Raelle chimed in, a scowl on her face at the memory.
Alder leaned across Tally and took Raelle's in her own, squeezing it and drawing her attention. "They'll get nothing less than they deserve."
Raelle nodded in agreement as Alder sat back in her seat.
"Any other questions?" Alder asked the room.
Silence met her.
"Then the last thing," Alder said, eyes falling on her foster daughter. "Captain Quartermaine, I'm putting you in charge of Sekhmet Company. Congratulations."
Petra and Clary smiled warmly at Anacostia's shocked expression.
"General…" she trailed off, not knowing what to say.
"You've earned it," Alder told her seriously. "This promotion has been in the works for quite a few weeks."
"It has," Petra confirmed.
"Thank you," Anacostia said gratefully.
Tally, Raelle, and Abigail all offered their congratulations excitedly.
The women in the room chuckled at the others' excitement for Anacostia. Seeing Tally and her unit mates be so carefree brought great joy to her heart, as well as a sadness that she had lost so much over the hundreds of years. Then Tally's eyes met hers and that sadness dissipated—knowing that every decision, every mistake, every loss and gain, had brought her to Tally. She was suddenly very grateful for everything she had gone through, and the weight of it all seemed to lessen.
She waited for the excitement to die down before continuing on, "We will do the pomp and circumstance before the execution, as everyone will be gathered. Any other preparations can be done during the ceremony should we need extra time," Alder said.
Everyone in the room nodded.
"This goes without saying but this is highly classified. M and Gregorio are on a need to know only, which is only when I say." She fixed the Bellweather unit with a serious look. "Not a word."
They all nodded, and even Tally swallowed thickly at the seriousness in Sarah's gaze.
"Petra, you wanted to speak with me privately—come to my office at 20:00. We can speak then," Alder told her.
They stood and left the room then—Alder, her biddies, Tally, Raelle, Abigail, and Anacostia—all in a group.
"So, drinks tonight?" Raelle asked.
"I could definitely use one," Abigail agreed as she slung her arm over Raelle's shoulder.
"We need to celebrate Anacostia's promotion anyway," Raelle added as they bumped into the new Captain playfully.
"Fine fine, I'll do it," Anacostia conceded.
"General? Tally? You in?" Raelle encouraged. "Come on, please?"
"Collar," Alder began with a chuckle, "I'm your CO."
"So is Anacostia," Raelle retorted. "And you're bonded to one of my best friends."
"I'll rephrase for her," Abigail said, "we are asking Sarah to join us."
Tally leaned into Sarah, nudging her and hoping she would agree.
"Very well," Alder conceded with a sigh.
"I haven't drank with you in ages," Anacostia said wistfully as she walked up to Alder's free side and threw an arm over her shoulder.
Tally placed a quick kiss to Sarah's cheek before she fell behind and in step with the biddies. She asked them how they like Sarah's cooking, and what they did while they were having their date.
Sarah had glanced back, wondering where Tally had fallen behind to when she saw her with the biddies. She could feel the delight they all felt at her asking about them and checking in on them all of the time.
"They really like her," Anacostia commented to Sarah. She had seen Tally fall back to the biddies and surmised as much by the look on Sarah's face.
"They do," she replied easily. "How're you feeling about everything?"
"You mean with you and Tally, or the Camarilla, or the Spree, or…"
Sarah chuckled. "All of it, Ana."
Anacostia sighed as they linked arms. "The Spree, nervous but willing to trust them temporarily. There are some good ones that have just been…led astray. I'm not saying we are the good guys because I know we always aren't…but we're grey and the Spree can be grey too."
Alder nodded her agreement with that sentiment.
"The Camarilla," Anacostia breathed, "I'm terrified. Terrified for all of us, for my girls…"
Sarah smiled softly at the reference, knowing she meant the Bellweather unit. She knew Anacostia thought of them as her younger sisters.
"Terrified for you too," she said. "They've been after your cords for hundreds of years. I'm just terrified of the death that could befall so many witches."
"A reasonable fear, and one to be expected," Sarah agreed. "There will be death on both sides, such is war…but I seek to make it so their side suffers the most."
"Oh I know you do." Anacostia smiled. "As for you and Tally…I'm just happy for you both. I love Tally, and she is the most painfully honest person I have ever met," she whispered to Sarah.
They both laughed, glancing back at where Tally was still engrossed in her conversation with the biddies.
"She challenges you, pushes you to see things through her eyes, and she doesn't give up. She never did give up on you."
"She didn't," Sarah concurred.
"And I've never seen you more relaxed. Since you'd admitted having feelings for her, you've been more honest and open with all of us. Verger has told me, Izadora had mentioned the change…hell even Collar told me you two buried the hatchet." Anacostia shook her head.
"We did, for Tally's sake. I believe there is more of a respect between us now than there ever was," she acknowledged.
"You both have had a positive impact on each other and the people around you, and that was before you knew you were songmates. It's special," Anacostia told her. "I'm thrilled for you both."
"Thank you, daughter," Sarah replied gently.
"Hey not to interrupt," Raelle began, "but what time are we drinking, and where?"
Anacostia couldn't help but laugh at that.
Alder hummed thoughtfully. "Perhaps the field we reserve for Weather Work. There is a firepit there that we can utilize, and it is a full moon tonight so we will have more light."
They'd finished with their plans and Sarah and Tally parted from the group until later—heading back to what was now their room.