Page 34 of Madness of Her Mages

“Did you see a stone?” Drae whispered, looking over his shoulder at me.

Blaze shook his head.

Drae crossed over to Nikkos and me, kneeling beside us. “How do you feel?” he asked, his brow marred with concern.

I tried to speak, but my throat was too sore from the burning bile.Like troll dung, I answered through thought.I’m thirsty.

He crossed over to the server and poured a tall goblet of water. He knelt back down and handed me the water.

I drank it in several swallows, going slowly lest I vomited it all back up.

There’s breakfast if you’re hungry,Drae said as he took the empty goblet from me.

I don’t think I can eat anything. I clutched my roiling stomach as a wave of nausea washed over me. My gaze darted to the doorway leading to the hall. All sounded quiet out there.I thought you didn’t want anyone to know we were here.

Mrs. Euphemia knows. That’s it.He slanted a smile.The girls teleported to her in the nursery this morning.

Those girls!I gritted my teeth. When would they listen?

It’s okay.He patted my leg.She won’t tell, and we got a decent breakfast.

I shook my head.I still can’t feel my magic.

His smile appeared forced. It will come out soon.

When?

He stood, his wings ruffling with the movement.Soon.

Blaze crossed over to us, his brow drawn down.We need to get back to camp before we’re missed.

I gave him and then Drae a pleading look. But I can’t access my magic.

Drae set down the goblet and held a hand down to me.And nobody else needs to know that.

I took his hand, regretting the movement as soon as I stood. The room spun so much it was as if a cyclone was trapped in my skull. Drae caught me when I fell against him.

Maybe standing wasn’t a good idea, he projected as he swept me into his arms and placed me on the sofa.

Draping a hand across my brow, I laid back against the pillows, waiting for the dizziness to subside. I thought I heard Nikkos stirring, but I was too dizzy to lift my head. I felt the sofa cushions dip as Drae sat beside me and draped a cool, damp cloth across my brow. I sighed in relief. It felt so good. I was so lucky to have attentive mates.How do we explain my illness?I projected to him.

We’ll tell them you have the sweating sickness.

Ugh. That was highly contagious. Malvolia’s mages would steer clear of me, but maybe Malvolia wouldn’t want me to ride with her on that flesh-eating horse. For that reason alone, I would tolerate vomiting my guts up.

And if the demons attack?I asked him.

Then we’ll protect you.He took my hands in his.Why do you think the Elements chose three mates for you, Shiri? It’s not just for the sex. It’s so we can keep you safe.

Oh, Drae.My eyelids fluttered open, and I squeezed his hand, wishing the room would stop spinning.I don’t know what I’d do without you. I wanted to wait for a better moment.I forced a smile.But I may not get another chance to tell you how much I love you.

You will have plenty of chances, my love.He brushed his lips across my knuckles.And there are no words to convey my love for you. You are my breath, my blood, and the fire in my soul. I will love you in this life and in the next.

My heart soared, even as my gut plummeted, and then the contents in my gut took that moment to race back up my throat. Drae jumped up just as I leaned over the sofa and retched onto the carpet. Ugh. Someone put a pot beneath me as I vomited again and again, heaving nothing but watery bile. And yet, I still couldn’t feel my magic.

Chapter Nine

Aurora was so proud of herself for taking us to the stream we’d visited earlier, but I was too sick to offer her more than a thanks. I heaved behind a tree, though only water came out. I hated this hopeless, dead feeling inside me, and I knew I’d lose my mind if I couldn’t access my magic soon.

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