Page 106 of Poisoned Kingdom
Why is she so against it?If her objections were genuine, I wouldn’t force her to ride with me. Taking the reins, I bent to her ear, asking her a question before deciding my next step. ‘Does riding with me repulse you so much that you’d rather risk a fall?’
‘You don’t repulse me. It’s just . . . I remember what you said about my scent and your reaction. I don’t want to cause any trouble,’ she responded with a small shrug, and I couldn’t help but smile.
‘I promise I won’t sniff your neck. Is there anything else you’re worried about?’
Sana shook her head. ‘No, if you don’t mind your soldiers seeing their king being so . . . gentle and caring. I wouldn’t forgive myself if I spoiled your stern war hero image,’ she teased with a chuckle, making me feel better than I had in days.
I ensured she was sitting comfortably before easing my stallion into a trot, letting the rest of the men follow.
‘How I treat my wo . . . friend has no impact on my ability to lead them or my image as king,’ I said, and contrary to my earlier words, inhaled her scent.
Roksana didn’t answer, sitting stiffly against me. Still, as my stallion’s steps soothed her, she relaxed, melting into my embrace. I felt the tip of her nose touch the exposed skin of my neck.
‘You smell like lemongrass and musk,’ she whispered as she placed her head on my chest. Her finger traced down to my collarbone, sending pleasant shivers along my spine.
A gentle smile teased my lips as I pressed her closer to my body. ‘Be careful, my light, or I’ll think you like me,’ I teased as she yawned.
‘I like you . . . even though I know I shouldn’t. And I’m not your light,’ she muttered.
I leant down and kissed the top of her head, closing my eyes to savour the moment. ‘Oh, sweet lady, but you are. You are the light of hope in the deepest night, my Sanika.’
Sana turned to look at me. ‘You shouldn’t say things like that,’ she murmured. But though her eyes were serious, I caught the smile tugging at her lips.
We lapsed into silence after that exchange, and I watched as she fought a losing battle against exhaustion, drifting off until jostled awake a few times by the ride. In the end, I placed my hand on her cheek, pressing her head to my chest. ‘Sleep, you are safe with me.’
I waited until I knew she was deeply asleep so a change of pace wouldn’t startle her before pushing my mount into a canter. Sana whimpered quietly, but didn’t wake up. I adjusted her position, trusting my horse with the road while I cared for my lightly-snoring bundle.
Gods, she must have been exhausted.Sana’s mouth parted in her sleep, and she looked even younger than usual. I risked pressing my lips to her temple, gently kissing her soft skin. I lingered a little longer, savouring her warmth.
Finally, the beast inside and the man in charge were in agreement: She was mine, and woe betide those who dared to defy my claim.
I only had to convince my Sanika that she belonged in my arms.
Chapter 37
Reynard
Several hours passed, and even I was finding the ride hard. The chill misted my breath, and my muscles were stiff from keeping the same pose. The sun hung low over the horizon, blinding us with its last red glow as we crested the hill. Verdant plains, now bare in anticipation of the upcoming snow, framed the lights of Ostrava that highlighted the houses as dusk settled and my unit descended en masse. We were halfway to Tivalaran, and I toyed with the idea of checking the groundworks a report had mentioned.
‘Let’s go and face whatever fate’s prepared for us,’ I whispered, nudging the horse onward.
The town welcomed us with nervous bustle, unusual for this time of the day. Many people were still on the streets, likely curious about the sudden arrival of the large group of armed men. The town council was apparently also in the square, the three elderly men squeezing their hats in their hands as if they didn’t know whether to drop to the ground or bow their heads.
‘My lord, your herald arrived a short while ago. If we’d known you were coming, we would have prepared the town, a welcome. . .’ the eldest started, but quickly stopped, looking at his companions. ‘We assigned a house for you and your men. He said it would be enough, your herald that is—’
‘Herald?’ I asked, confused, until I saw the master of the Blades heading towards me with such a thunderous expression that I instantly moved away from the council.
One look at the woman in my arms and he exhaled slowly. ‘She’s sleeping, thank the gods. We need to talk. Tova . . . he’s in rough shape. I dragged a healer over to sort him out before she sees him, but I’m not sure if he’ll survive the night,’ he said.
I nodded, pulling the cloak tighter around Sana while pondering what to do.
‘Her quarters are ready?’ I asked, and when he nodded, I slowly, and as gently as I could, passed her to Irsha. ‘Take her there and point me to Orenson. I need to see his condition for myself.’
I wouldn’t be able to hold her off for long, but I wanted to be ready and ensure the healer spared nothing to save the dwarf’s life.
Irsha nodded again, and I clasped his shoulder, knowing he would guard her with his life.
He pointed out the houses. ‘Our quarters are in the house by the market—the one with carved flowers and vines on the front. Tova and some of your men are in the healer’s house. If you look to the left, you’ll see the banner.’
