Page 110 of Oath of War
‘If you wish,’ Alaric replied with a wry grin. ‘But maybe tomorrow. I’m exhausted, and Annika looks like she could use some sleep.’
Orm crossed the space in three long strides, pulling him into a rough embrace before kissing him with a passion that made me wonder whether it was me that should sleep with Vahin tonight.
As I was pondering my sleeping arrangements, Ormond took Alaric’s chin, tilting his face to the light before he growled, ‘How did you manage to escape? Fuck! I’ll kill the bastard that did this to you.’
My moan of embarrassment made him look over as I sank heavily onto the pillows, horrified by Alaric’s black eye.
‘I don’t think you will, although I admit our wicked woman has good aim,’ Ari said with a grin. ‘As for the rest, I climbed my way out of an oubliette and escaped via a very unpleasant sewer. That’s why it took me so long.’
Orm looked between Alaric and me, shaking his head as I tried to disappear within the cushions. ‘Let me sum this up. You, by some miracle, escaped the Lich King’s prison almost without a scratch only to ...’ He closed his eyes and inhaled slowly. ‘Annika, is this some strange foreplay between the two of you? Also ... why his face?’
‘I can try to heal it,’ I said, offended by his tone.
Alaric laughed, extracting himself from Orm’s arms to untie his cloak.
‘Leave healing to me, Domina,’ he said, looking around the tent. ‘But right now, more than healing, I need rest. I haven’t slept much since escaping Katrass. It was an arduous journey, and fighting golems was not fun. Still, here I am, smelling like rotten fish but safe, so if I could ...?’
Ormond nodded, pointing to a bucket of water in the corner. ‘Wash off the worst of it. The smell is pretty awful. We’ll get you a bath tomorrow after training.’
I wrapped my arms around my knees, curling up in the nest I’d created, observing their interaction. While I’d lashed out like amadwoman at seeing Ari, Orm took it in stride and immediately started organising things.
I couldn’t help but smile sheepishly as they both approached me. Orm carried a few blankets, effortlessly transforming the simple space into a cozy bed. He settled in first, leaning back against the pillows and patting his chest in invitation.
Without hesitation, I lay my head against him, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Then he reached for Alaric, who was still damp from his ablutions, pulling him close until Ari nestled against his other side, his grin mischievous as his eyes met mine.
I chuckled, reaching across Orm until my fingers entwined with Alaric’s. My Ursus let out a deep breath, his chest rising and falling beneath my cheek before he exhaled slowly. His arms tightened around us both, and I felt a gentle tremor run through his body—a release of tension he’d been holding too long, and I heard him whisper.
‘Fuckingfinally.’
Katrass was exquisite. The winter chill had stolen the last leaves from the trees, and the ground glittered with frost. The white walls of the Moroi city sparkled as the light of the rising sun illuminated the artistic beauty of the buildings. The scene would’ve been idyllic if not for the undead swaying on the city walls. I was stunned, wishing I could have seen the city when it was a bustling trading port, thriving from its inhabitants’ magic and finesse.
‘Nothing inspires a woman more than the stench of rotten flesh,’ I commented when a gust of wind gifted us the unmistakably sweet odour of decay.
‘Those are sentinels. A set of eyes in every corner. What truly worries me is that I can’t see any golems or corrupted Moroi,’ Valaram said, approaching me.
He looked good in his armour and rode his horse with the confidence of an experienced rider. Noticing my inspection, he inclined his head. ‘Good to see you smiling again, lara’mei. Afterthe battle, I was afraid we had lost your radiance forever.’
I nodded, acknowledging his words, more concerned with what Alaric was doing.
My fae manoeuvred his horse to block Valaram, glaring at the dark fae ambassador.
‘The Moroi won’t attack during the day, and the golems were gathered around the palace. What can we do for you, my lord?’ he asked, and I felt we were heading into an all-too-familiar confrontation.
I suspected that if not for me, those two could be friends, but Valaram’s persistence in courting me upset Alaric, who considered it a personal offence.
I enjoyed the older fae’s company when he wasn’t flirting. During our campaign, he had frequently found the time to see me, always under the pretence of some military matter, but different topics of discussion would soon emerge. He was charming, and I enjoyed our conversations, but I would happily distance myself from him for Alaric’s peace of mind. However, that had proven to be impossible.
Talena had entrusted her army to her brother, heading back to Care’etavos herself. As much as I welcomed her departure, Valaram was now in charge of our dark fae members and even more inclined to seek my company.
‘Prickly as ever, Master Shen’ra. I came to enjoy Annika’s company and offer to guard her during the upcoming offensive.’
‘Guard her? Did you sleep through the Rift battle?’ Alaric asked incredulously. ‘Besides, Annika already has plans for the siege of Katrass, and she has three Anchors to guard her.’
‘At least I was there,’ Valaram answered, circling Ari until he was beside me, so close that his leg brushed against mine. ‘Tell me your plans, my lady. What kind of earth-shattering experience should we prepare ourselves for?’
‘I’ll do what I’m told. Reynard is the strategist. I’ll just destroy whatever he tells me to,’ I said dismissively, annoyed by his attitude. ‘Shouldn’t you be with your men, my lord? Or at least discussing their positions with the king?’
‘Oh, you do much more than that,’ Valaram said with a smirk. ‘Will you do me a favour? You called me Val once. I liked it. We are already allies. Maybe it is time to drop the formalities for good?’
