Page 67 of Song of the Dragon Rider
Damien stood, his silhouette framed by the pale light streaming through the window. He leaned down until his face was inches from mine, his breath mingling with my own. The tension between us was tangible, a blend of concern, unspoken questions, and a strange, burgeoning connection for which neither of us had planned.
“Take care. I’ll keep watch from afar and come back tonight,” he whispered. His lips brushed mine in a lingering kiss that spoke of promises and uncertainties mingled together. It was gentle yet filled with a desperation that mirrored my own—a silent acknowledgment of the complexities we were entangled in.
Reluctantly, he pulled away, his hand trailing down my arm as he stepped back. He moved to the window and silently slid it open. With one last glance back at me, his expression filled with resolve and regret, he was gone, disappearing like a shadow.
Moments later, there was a cautious knock at the door. “My lady?” Maeve’s voice filtered through, tentative and respectful.
“Come in!” I called out, quickly composing myself by smoothing my hair back, as if that could hide my inner turmoil.
Maeve entered carrying a basin of water and wearing a concerned look. “I brought some warm water for you to wash up.” She placed the basin on a nearby table and eyed me closely.
“Thank you, Maeve,” I managed to say, my voice steady despite the emotional whirlwind Damien’s visit had enacted.
As she busied herself laying out towels and a fresh change of clothes, I caught my reflection in the mirror. There was a slight flush to my cheeks, a brightness in my eyes that hadn’t been there before. Whatever was happening, whatever feelings were brewing beneath the surface, they were as real as the danger we were navigating.
And as Maeve turned back to assist me, her usual fussing tinged with motherly concern, I knew I had to lock away thoseemotions. For now, survival came first, both mine and those entangled in this mess alongside me.
When she noticed my opened window, Maeve frowned. “My lady, did you sleep with the window open all night? You must have been freezing!” She hurried to close it.
I rubbed my hands together, knowing damn well I was as warm as a furnace. “I must have forgotten to close it after getting some air last night,” I lied smoothly, hoping she’d buy it. Maeve’s maternal instincts were both a blessing and a curse—wonderful for feeling cared for, but not so great for sneaking around.
Maeve clicked her tongue with worried disapproval as she secured the window lock before turning back to me. “You must be careful, my lady. The nights are still chilly, and we wouldn’t want you catching a cold, especially while you’re still recuperating,” she admonished gently, her eyes scanning me for any sign of discomfort.
“I’ll be more careful,” I promised, offering a weak smile. She nodded, satisfied for the time being, and helped me with my morning routine. The warm water was soothing, and I allowed myself a moment to enjoy the simple comfort it provided.
“Is there anything specific you’d like for breakfast?” Maeve asked as she wrung out a cloth and handed it to me.
“Something light,” I responded, my mind still racing from the events and conversations of the morning. Food was the last thing on my mind, but I knew I needed to keep up appearances—and my strength.
As I dabbed at my face with the cloth, cleaning away the remnants of sleep, I mulled over Damien’s words. Each thought was a piece in a perilous puzzle I was somehow supposed to solve. And as Maeve continued her fussing, arranging my hair and making sure I looked presentable, I knew that no matter how complex or dangerous the game, I had to play it smart.
For now, survival meant playing the part of Arya Ryder perfectly, even if every fiber of my being rebelled against the constraints of her world. But underneath, my resolve hardened; I’d find a way through this – for Jacob, for Maeve, and maybe for myself, too.
I was grounded.
God, I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d been grounded. I think I was still in high school. I didn’t know why Maeve got me all dolled up just to stay in my room. I could have stayed in my jammies and been far more comfortable.
There was a knock on my door and before I could tell the person to come in, Maeve entered with Garrick trailing behind her.
“My lady,” she whispered. “Garrick is here to check on you.”
I nodded and waved them in.
Maeve quickly shut the door and Garrick strolled to where I sat on the bed, then kneeled beside me. He took ahold of my wrist and pressed three fingertips on my pulse.
I waited with bated breath until he spoke. “Seems like you’re healing well, my lady.” With a grin, he released my hand and stood. “How are you feeling?”
I stretched. “A little stiff and achy, but overall fine.”
“That’s normal. The stiffness should go away in a couple days,” he said. Maeve brought over a chair for him and he sat down. “I didn’t just come to check on you, my lady. I also came because there’s been…talk.”
I furrowed my brows. “Talk? About what?”
“The Shadow Prince and this mysterious Dragon Rider.” He eyed me knowingly. “I, uh… know you’re friendly with the third prince…”
I chuckled. “So you think people are going to assume it’s me?” I raised a questioning brow.
Garrick nodded. “It’s bad enough that the vampires are in an uproar due to the black market being burned down, but—”
