Page 61 of Restored

Ledger placeshis large hand on my shoulder. “You must stop, you’ve been at this for too long. I can feel your power waning.”

My powers continue to delve into the King’s body. I’ve been exploring every inch, every vein, every fucking nerve, and I can’t get a single reaction from him.

It is like channeling my abilities into a black hole. The King’s body is an impenetrable fortress, his nullifying power draining me. Still, I continue until my hands shake and my ears ring from exertion.

“Layla.” Ledger’s voice comes again, and I can’t bring myself to look at him. The thought of burnout seems far more appealing to me than stopping and seeing the utter disappointmenton his face.

“Just a few more seconds,” I breathe. I push my power harder into the King’s body, and my arms tremble. I grit my teeth against it.I can do this. I won’t fail. I cannot fail.

My head begins to spin and my knees buckle. Ledger’s arm wraps around me before everything goes, and I fall.

“What were you thinking?” Ledger is above me already, scolding me as I come to. “You’d rather force yourself into burnout than accept the fact this isn’t working?” He looks angry as he helps me sit up. “I refuse to watch you do that again.”

Ledger squats before me and his finger and thumb grip my chin. He turns my head roughly to the side. His other pointer finger brushes my ear and down my jaw. It comes away bloody.

“Gods.” He stands, walking away briefly before turning back and yanking at the collar of his shirt. “I want to make myself clear. I won’t watch you do that again. Not for me, not for my father.” He bends down, picking me up and caging me into his strong arms.

“Put me down right now. I will not be paraded around the castle in your arms like a weak damsel.” I buck.

He sighs, setting me down, but not before I feel his heart hammering wildly against his chest.

I sway as my feet connect with the ground, feeling my depletion. It takes immense strength and concentration to take a few wobbly steps forward. Ledger makes an exasperated noise before holding out his arm for me to grab. “You arethe most stubborn woman I have ever met. Will you at least hold on to my arm to walk?”

My eyes flick to his outstretched arm. “No.” I brush past him as I exit the King’s quarters and feel his powers growl over the skin of my back.

“Any success, Your Highness?” Humphrey questions when he sees Ledger.

“Not yet, but we will keep trying.” He grits out the words, and I avert my eyes.

“Of course.” I hear the fret in Humphrey’s voice. A reminder of his fading confidence in me. “Ms. Sutton, may I ask how long you’ve been the healer at Bellehaven? At what age did your abilities come through?” he asks as we pass, and even though the questions are rather direct, I answer anyway.

“Layla, call me Layla, please. I’ve been the healer in Bellehaven since I was a little girl. My abilities started to show when I was around four or five. I was quite young.”

“Mmm.” He makes a noise, and his lip curls up in the corner.

“I’m afraid I must get Layla back. Good night, Humphrey.” Ledger slides his arm around my waist, taking some of my weight as we walk away.

“He doesn’t seem to like me much,” I comment as we walk.

“I wouldn’t worry about it; Humphrey doesn’t like anyone.” Instead of going to my room Ledger pulls me across the hall to another door.

“Where are we going?”

“My room,” he states, swinging open the door and pulling me inside.

“Okay.” I stand awkwardly in the doorway. “And why am I in your room?”

“You extended too much power today. I want to make sure you are okay; you’ll sleep here tonight.” He removes his jacket and shoes.

“I don’t believe I will sleep here. My room is just fine.” I go to open the door, and his hand comes from behind, pushing it closed. “And I’m the stubborn one? Has anyone ever told you you’re a little bossy? Controlling?” I mutter as I feel his chest against my back.

“I am a prince, after all,” he drawls.

“What if I don’t stay here tonight? Will you send me to the dungeons?” I eye his hand, which is still holding the door closed. As I turn around to face him, his other arm comes up, caging me in.

“You’re too pretty for the dungeons, but I could tie you to the bed if that is what you’d rather?”

I swallow thickly as he grins down at me, that annoying dimple popping in the most alluring way. “He jokes. I was beginning to wonder if you had a sense of humor.”

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