Page 44 of Between Wrath and Mercy

“I need water.” I glanced up to Dewalt, wincing as my neck reminded me of my own recent attack.

“Water? Why?” He was confused, clearly thinking I wanted the water for the healing process.

“Because I’m thirsty?” I watched the corners of Dickey’s mouth turn up as Dewalt turned away with a huff, ruffling through one of the packs.

“Lady Emmeline, you’re going to get me in trouble.”

“Is that so, Dickey?”

“Well, if you keep talking to them like that, I’m going to start laughing, and it won’t be pretty for me.”

“Don’t worry Dickey, if you laugh at them and get in trouble, just blame me.” He smiled through his pain, and then his face turned serious.

“Are you Lord Highclere’s daughter?”

“Yes, I am. One of them, anyway.”

“Ah, yes. Martyr Lucia. I’m sorry for your loss.” I felt my skin pebble, shivers racing down my spine. Martyr Lucia threw me. I kept so isolated after she died, I didn’t even realize the Myriad formally recognized her as a martyr. It was something my father clearly failed to mention.

“Thank you, Dickey. It was a long time ago.”

“I know your daughter was taken by the Folterrans too. Does that mean she’s the Beloved?”

“Prince Rainier has been rather helpful in my pursuit of her. She’s not much younger than you.” I didn’t mention the prophecy, and thankfully Dickey either didn’t notice or decided not to pursue it. He could tell in my tone I was asking him a question.

“My father used to be a member of the guard before he died. It was just the two of us, so when he passed, I decided to join. All I’m in charge of is the horses.” He gave me a shy smile.

I took Dickey’s arm in my hands, bending it and twisting it. “How’s that feel?” The grin I received told me the answer. “Alright, Dewalt. Put the sling on him again.”

“You fixed him, why does he need the sling?” Dewalt questioned me as he walked back from his pack but worked to put the sling back on Dickey anyway.

“It was a bad break; I don’t want him to use it for the rest of the day.” I turned to Dickey. “Take it easy tonight, don’t use it. I don’t want you on any watches either, I want you to rest. Who makes your watch schedule?”

“I’ll take care of it right now.” Dewalt passed me a canteen before spinning on a heel and promptly mounting his horse. I sat there with the canteen, gulping the water back with only Dickey and his horse as company.

“My lady, would you like something to eat? I have some cheese in one of these.” The boy got up, rummaging through the packs.

“Dickey, say no more. I would love some, thank you.” He brought me a hunk of cheese, and I ate it ravenously. I’d slept most of the day, and I was starving. I couldn’t wait for us to stop for the night and eat dinner. I was nearly finished eating when I saw Rainier riding back, appearing disheveled. My heart dropped, and my face fell. Bree, my beautiful, stubborn mare, had been the packhorse to die in the attack.

“She’s not dead.” Relief flooded through my veins as Rainier casually dismounted. I was grateful for his directness, knowing where my thoughts had likely gone. “But she is not here. She is at Ravemont.” My confusion must have been evident on my face.

“Mr. Carson had a farrier called. He found infection under a shoe. They’re treating her, and they expect a full recovery.” I was disappointed, but glad she was checked out before she’d made the journey.

“Did anyone bring my things?”

“Yes, they did, I already grabbed them.” He turned to Dickey, “She fix you up, boy?” Dickey nodded, face stuffed full of food.

“Dewalt is taking him off watch tonight, he needs to rest. He should be back to normal tomorrow.”

“Good. We need to get going. I wanted to be further north before nightfall.” He held out his hand and pulled me up. My knees buckled, the cheese and water not being nearly enough to help me regain the energy I’d lost between nearly bleeding out and healing Dickey. I managed to stay standing, but Rainier studied me in concern.

“Your Highness, her neck.” I heard Dickey and realized I must be bleeding again. Rainier put a hand on my waist and turned me toward him.

“Gods dammit, Em.” He heaved a sigh and picked me up, gently positioning me on top of the horse. He hopped up behind me, as graceful as a cat, and berated me the entire way back to Lavenia who took one look at me and groaned, angling her horse off to the side of the throng. Rainier repeated the process of plucking me off the horse, and I was too weak to object. His hands held steady on my waist, and I was grateful as I swayed on my feet.

“You know, if you’d just have waited until we made camp, it would have been easier to take care of Dickeyandyourself.” Lavenia’s voice was laced with annoyance.

“When have I ever been easy?” I did feel bad for making trouble, but I’d never feel bad about healing someone when they needed it. Rainier barked a laugh.

---