Page 31 of Restored

“Rein it in, Cam. You’re too young for her.” Archie comes up and ruffles Cam’s hair.

“I feel like her type is blonde, incredibly handsome, strong, brave, can move things with his mind?” He smirks down at me as Cam pushes his hand away.

“Okay, I’m out, it’s nauseating watching you try to flirt.” Cam stands but before he walks away, he turns to me. “Thanks for healing me.” His cheeks turn a light shade of pink.

“It was the least I could do.” I grin at him. My toes delve into the water as he walks away.

“So, was I right about your type?” Archie plops down next to me and I huff a laugh.

“I’ll have to get back to you on that one.”

“I can be whatever it is you like, you tell me what you like, and I can be that.” My lip tugs up at his flirty banter, a distraction I welcome.

“What if I told you I liked murderers and dirty cheats?”

“Hmmm,” he considers. “For you, I’d send this dagger through Ledger’s heart right now.”

I snort, knocking his shoulder with my own. “Tempting.”

Archie chuckles, removing his shirt and splashing some water on his chest and neck. I glance over at the mangled skin of his back and swallow thickly as I assess the severity.

He catches my stare before I can look away and stiffens before rigidly putting his shirt back on.

“Did King Sandor do that?” I ask softly, my stomach flipping as I await his answer.

“Did you know I grew up in Bellehaven?” he asks, and I shake my head no. “My mother died giving birth to me, and my father didn’t want to be involved. My aunt raised me, and when my abilities began to surface around age six, she brought me to King Sandor.”

I listen as he speaks.

“I was a difficult child. I didn’t like authority, or being told what to do. I was unserious, unruly, and stubborn—all traits King Sandor detested and attempted to rid me of. He would get especially angry when I would make a quip after his discipline attempts, and that would lead to more beating, whipping, or sessions with Tamish.”

The color drains from my face and my throat squeezes. I reach for his leg and give his thigh a gentle squeeze.

“One day, Callum and his son came to visit. Ledger and I met, and we connected almost instantly. When we were playing, he must have seen some of my scars or healing skinbecause the next thing I knew, we were all on our way back to Westray.” He looks at me as he finishes.

“King Sandor never releases anyone willingly from his grasp. He hoards and collects the powerful like they are something to be possessed,” I say surprised.

“Callum won’t admit it, but I’m almost positive he traded one of his own for my release.” His nostrils flare as he blows out an angry breath. It’s the first time I’ve seen him affronted. It’s an emotion I’m very familiar with, one I’ve shoved down for years. “Either way, he gifted me a second chance, and I’m thankful for that.”

“Sandor did that to you when you were just a boy?” I ask the question, looking at his now-covered back. I already know the answer, and it makes me sick. Ledger glances up from a few feet away where he is moving brush around. Archie stays silent so I speak again, “Callum—is he a better man than Sandor?”

“I wouldn’t have stepped foot back in Bellehaven and assisted in your kidnapping if he wasn’t.” He tosses a rock into the water. “Did Sandor ever hurt you?”

I pause, contemplating my answer. “He killed my father.” From the corner of my vision Ledger goes predatorily still, clearly listening. “And then he plucked me from my home. He could sense that I had power and is not a patient man. He spent weeks experimenting on me, attempting to bring it fourth. His methods were–cruel.” I frown at the dreadful memories. “That was the worst of it.” With mymother safe in the castle any treatment after felt bearable. “I’m glad Callum got you out.” When I look up at Archie he wears a look of understanding.

“Me too.” He stands, brushing his pants off. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a comfy, luxurious bed right about now. And a beautiful woman warming it.”

“Sounds like you have been sleeping on the cold ground alone for one too many nights,” I tease.

“You’d be correct. If you get tired sleeping next to a brooding Ledger, know I’m a few feet away, waiting with open arms.”

“Archie, get over here and leave that poor girl alone. The last thing she needs right now is your advances.” Mia’s voice carries over to us as she shouts at Archie from where she is taking supplies out of her saddle.

“Well, that’s my cue. It’s been a pleasure, Layla.” He gets up, bowing to me before grabbing his boots and heading over to help Mia.

I force a smile as he walks away and begin putting my boots back on, still shaken by what he had revealed. He seemed to be a few years older than me, leading me to believe this all must have happened before my arrival at the castle.

I wasn’t surprised at all by the actions of King Sandor. He spared no mercy even for a child.

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