Page 87 of Oath of War
‘Get her in the water,’ someone commanded, and soon, I was neck-deep in a horse trough, overwhelmed by the smell of Katja’s herbal concoction.
‘No ... too cold,’ I tried to protest, but calloused hands pushed me deeper while the water steamed and bubbled around me. A melodic voice chanted a cantrip, helping my body dissipate the magical energy.
‘Will she survive? Can you use Vahin and me? We can take it.’ Orm’s voice was devoid of emotion, but his hands were shaking as he kept me submerged in the water.
‘She will, but you can’t help. She wasn’t the one using her magic, and it caused an inversion of the flow, creating all theseproblems. In fact, you’re making it worse, Commander. Take your dragon and find yourself something useful to do far away from her tent. Her magic is reaching for you, amplifying the problem.’
I tried to protest, but I could still feel the hostile mind attached to my core. As I gained some strength, I tried to rip it out, a jolt of power racing through me instead, sending me into convulsions.
‘Fuck, fine, I’ll go on patrol, but if she doesn’t make it, I’ll have your head.’
The sound of heavy stomping and a chill breeze told me Ormond had left. I called for him to come back, but what left my lips was a pained, keening screech.
‘Don’t give up, lara’mei,’ Valaram whispered, gently stroking my hair as he sent another pulse of healing magic through my veins.
The magic prickled, but the sensation quickly subsided. I felt my power settle under the dark mage’s touch. Tiredness replaced the intense burning, and I drifted into a shallow, exhausted slumber.
I didn’t know how long I rested in the tepid water, but I was awoken by the rustle of a tent flap, the cold draft—and something else—making me shiver. An aura of power filled the tent as someone entered, and even with my eyes closed, I recognised Talena’s signature.
‘You can’t spend the entire campaign in her tent, brother. Even her rider was present during the war council meeting.’ Her tone was filled with disappointment.
‘I will do what I consider necessary,’ Valaram answered. ‘And Ormond was only there because I sent him away. I will stay atleast until I’m sure she’s recovered. Play the war queen with my blessing. You don’t need me for that.’
‘What if I require your opinion?’
‘Then you can always come here to ask, but we both know you don’t listen to my advice, just as you didn’t when I told you using icta poison on Alaric was a mistake.’
‘He killed my blood-bonded mate and his mentor!’
‘He wasfighting his curse,’ Valaram said. ‘We’ve already had this argument, so tell me, what do you want? If there’s nothing, let me return to my patient.’
I’d almost stopped breathing, hoping to not miss a word of the confidential conversation. Valaram might bow to the empress’ will in public, but it was clear he was stronger in the privacy of some tent walls.
‘Your fascination with this human is truly ridiculous. She’s mated, for the gods’ sakes! Stop fawning over her and leave her to that obnoxious herbalist.’
Talena’s irritation made me snort with laughter. However, my throat was so dry that it sounded more like a choking cough. Valaram immediately lifted me from the trough, wrapping towels and furs around me until I was half-seated, leaning on his body.
‘Take a drink, lara’mei,’ he said. ‘You’ve had a difficult night.’ He pressed a cup to my lips, and I gulped its contents greedily.
‘Ridiculous! Now you’re acting like her bloody nursemaid?!’ Talena rolled her eyes, storming out of the tent.
‘Yes, fuck you, too,’ I muttered.
The fae behind me shook with silent laughter before he bent to my ear, chastising me. ‘She is still my empress. Don’t make me punish you for insolence. Now, let’s get you in bed.’
There was no real threat in Valaram’s tone, and he carried me to bed, settling me against his body. I let him do it, still too weak to object, but it felt too intimate, and I was uncomfortable. Assoon as I could, I gently pushed him away, determined to keep some distance between us.
‘Thank you for your help, but your sister is right. It’s no longer needed. I’m well enough for you to leave.’
‘Are you in a rush to get rid of me, lara’mei?’ he asked softly, and I saw the longing in his eyes.
‘It’s complicated. I am grateful, but ... I feel you want more than I’m willing to give,’ I started.
He smiled knowingly. ‘You feel uncomfortable knowing that if you agreed, I would gladly abandon the dark fae court and join your household,’ he said, taking me aback with such a straightforward answer.
‘Yes,’ I responded. ‘I don’t understand that. Why me? Whatever you want, courting me won’t give you power. I’m not a dark fae female who enjoys adding men to my collection, if that’s what you’re after, either.’
‘No, Annika. Power has never been my goal. But I envy Alaric,’ he said, placing his hand on mine. ‘I have lived for so long, but not once have I met a woman I wanted to submit to ...’
