Page 37 of The Call of Crimson
His gaze roams over my wet body, taking careful note of everything he sees. “Care to explain what exactly happened?”
“I–I don’t know, exactly.” My eyes drop to the floor. “I was dreaming of Layne. We were swimming in Amara. Next thing I know, I’m puking up water, and Jade is yelling at me.”
“She was floating in the river, not responsive. I don’t know how long she was out there.” Jade fills in the gaps, finishing the story. “I’m just glad I found her when I did.”
“I am as well.” Appreciation flashes across Elijah’s face. “Thank you, Jade.”
Elijah leans in and kisses me, soft and slow, and I part my lips for more before he pulls away. “You smell like river water,” he teases. “Let’s get you bathed, doll.”
Internally, I groan, but nod in agreement. I really do stink.
“Take care of her, E,” Jade says, her tone turned serious. “I’m leaving tomorrow and won’t be here to save your damsel next time.”
“So soon?” I ask, surprised.
“Breyla left me in charge of the army in her absence. I received a report this morning that attacks on the border are increasing. We’re losing soldiers to an enemy we didn’t know existed.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Before they left, Ayden confirmed that most of the attacks weren’t coming from Prudia. With the alliance and marriage contract, it wouldn’t serve him to provoke conflict. So that means someone else is behind them, and we don’t know who.”
“That’s… concerning,” I say, but it feels like a weak word.
“That’s an understatement,” Jade scoffs. “Good luck running Rimor, though. I’m sure you two will manage. I’ll keep you apprised of what I learn, Elijah.”
“I’ll miss you,” Elijah says evenly. “Stay safe, Jade.”
A sadness that I don’t understand fills his eyes and words.
I squeeze his hand in silent reassurance before throwing my arms around Jade. “Thank you, Jade.”
I know it’s a silly sentiment, given her position, but I can’t stomach the thought of losing another person.
“You’re welcome, Ophelia.” She hugs me back, and I wrinkle my nose at her matching river water scent.
Jade tilts her head, dark eyes calculating as she nods. “You too, E.”
Her silver-white braids swing as she walks away, leaving wet footprints in her wake.
“Okay, bath time,” Elijah declares.
Before I can protest, he scoops me up and tosses me over his shoulder. I let out a laugh that echoes through the corridor as he carries me the rest of the way to my room.
CHAPTER EIGHT
BREYLA
Ayden tends to the low-burning fire with a stick while people make their beds on the grass. We had crossed the border into Prudia two days ago and would reach the capital, Elentia, by nightfall tomorrow.
“I’ll take first watch,” Ayden says, and no one protests. Three days of riding and sleeping on the ground had taken their toll. Everyone’s quiet as we make camp in an open field on the fourth night. Silently, we eat roasted rabbit and the last of the crusty bread we brought from Rimor.
I bend forward, trying to rub the stiffness from my legs. Riding hard with minimal breaks has left me sore and cramping.
Ayden smirks at my discomfort. “The carriage offer still stands if you’d like a break from riding.”
“I might take you up on that. Luna would appreciate it, I’m sure.”
I sigh, giving up on stretching the muscles in favor of sleep. The stars twinkle brightly overhead as a crisp autumn breezerolls through. Shivering, I pull the blanket higher around my shoulders.
