Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 123779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 495(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 495(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
I smell Raighne before his fingers brush near the cut on my throat. When I turn my head to look at him, I see him wipe my blood on his shirt.
Our eyes meet, and the gutted expression on his face makes a lump form in my throat.
“You should’ve waited for me,” he says, his tone tense with anger.
I lift my chin, wanting to look stronger than I feel. “Hey, at least I got a new trainer out of it. Hopefully, Roark won’t kick my ass as badly.”
I try to pass Raighne, but he brings up his arm and blocks my way. His hand curls around my right shoulder as he steps into my personal space, his chest almost touching mine.
Turning my head away, my eyes land on three people in the far distance. It looks like they’re sparring.
Raighne lifts a hand to my face, and taking hold of my chin, he nudges me to look at him.
The moment my gaze locks with his, the lump in my throat grows, and I struggle to swallow it down.
“I’m sorry I took so long to get to you,” he murmurs, his tone low and rough around the edges. “Once our bond strengthens, I’ll get better at sensing when you’re in danger.”
“It’s fine,” I say, letting out a tired breath.
Raighne surprises me when he leans down and presses his forehead to mine.
I close my eyes, and feeling his breath on my lips, it only makes me more emotional and overwhelmed.
“The minute I felt your pain, I ran to get to you.”
Wait. What?
Pulling a little back, I open my eyes to look at him. “You felt my pain?”
He tilts his head, his eyes drifting over the bruises on my face and neck.
“I feel everything you feel. That’s how I know when you need me. It’s something we have to work on, though. With time, the bond will get stronger.”
I don’t like the idea of him feeling my pain one bit.
Needing to know precisely what this bond entails, I ask, “You feel my pain and emotions?”
He nods. “It comes and goes right now, but when you experience something intensely, it gets through to me.”
Noooo.
Does he know about the stupid crush I have on him?
“What else?” I ask, my tone tense.
He shakes his head. “One thing at a time. You’re dealing with enough as is.”
He can say that again.
Letting out a sigh, I glance around us, then ask, “Which way is the infirmarius?”
“It’s north from here. On the other side of Roark’s camp.” He places his hand on my lower back. “Come, I’ll take you.”
I shake my head. “I can find it. I’m sure you have to get back to your own stuff.”
Ignoring what I said, his hand nudges at my back and he gestures with a jerk of his head for me to start walking.
As we head in the direction of the infirmarius, the aches in my shoulder and chest grow, and it becomes harder to take full breaths.
You already had your ass handed to you today, so suck it up and don’t show Raighne how much pain you’re in.
I focus so much on trying to keep the pain from showing on my face and keeping control of my emotions that sweat starts to bead on my forehead.
God, what a shitty morning.
Chapter 11
Alchera
We’ve walked for a couple of minutes when Raighne says, “Let me carry you.”
I shake my head. “I’m fine.”
My legs are growing numb, and my body aches, but I’m too stubborn to admit I need help. Everyone thinks I’m weak, and the last thing I need is my guardian carrying me like I’m a damn baby.
A minute or so later, we hear someone call out, “Raighne.”
He stops and turning, a smile spreads over his face, making him look way too hot.
Ugh. I don’t have the strength to stand around and talk to someone.
“Peace be, River,” he greets the other man, who’s a little shorter and leaner built than him.
“Peace be, my friend. Roark mentioned you were home.” He lifts an eyebrow as he glances at me. “You must be Princess Alchera.”
I’m starting to feel downright awful and can only nod.
“Yes, this is my Alchera,” Raighne replies, the word ‘my’ making my eyebrows fly into my hairline.
Like hell, I’m not some piece of property he can claim.
My mood sours even more, and feeling miserable, I wish I could just go to bed.
Raighne must see something on my face because he says, “I mean it in the way a guardian would refer to his charge.”
Not wanting to argue about it, I nod.
Just as I’m about to continue walking, River says, “Peace be, Princess. Welcome home.”
“Don’t call me that,” I snap, immediately regretting my harsh tone. “Ah…I’m going to go.” I don’t even glance at Raighne as I add, “See you around.”
“Walk with us,” I hear Raighne tell River.