I drank the tonic, pleasantly surprised by the taste. Kind of tasted like berries. As the pain medicine took effect, my muscles relaxed, and it became difficult to keep my eyes open. I now understood how Callum felt. No matter how much I wanted to stay awake, I was powerless against it.
As I closed my eyes, Maddox kissed my temple. Another kiss was placed on my knuckles. There was a gentle nuzzle against my thigh and a warm pressure on my opposite thigh, like someone holding it. And then, I caught the scent of vanilla bean, made stronger when soft lips pressed to mine.
“Sleep well, milord. We’ll see you when you wake.”
***
Nearly dying put a lot into perspective. Showed me just how quickly everything could be taken away.
I sat on the back porch, listening to the wind in the trees. Three days had passed since the attack. My wounds had mostly healed, but the burns on my chest had scarred. Considering that the fire spell should’ve turned me into Evan barbeque, I’d live with a few scars.
The door opened behind me.
“It’s a bit chilly with the sun setting,” Callum said as he stepped outside. He draped a blanket around my shoulders.
“Thank you.” I pulled it closer and dropped my face to the yarn. It smelled like Lake.
“Are you feeling all right?” He sat beside me on the steps.
I nodded. “Just enjoying the day.”
“It’s nearly evening now.” He tipped his face to the sky. The fading daylight brought out the traces of dark caramel in his irises.
“Your favorite time of day.” I smiled. “When the setting sun keeps shining, even with its final breath.”
Callum returned my smile, though the edges of his eyes remained tense.
“I’m okay, Cal. Really.” I found his hand and linked our fingers. The warmth of his palm eased some of the chill in the air.
“I nearly lost you, Ev.” He lowered his gaze to the steps. “It’s… taken a toll on me. Every time I close my eyes, I see you lying there. A hole in your chest and barely breathing.”
“I know the feeling.” I reached over and touched the scar on his neck. “Seeing you in that cot, covered in bandages and much too still, broke my heart too.”
Callum grabbed my hand and kept it against his neck. The tenderness in his brown eyes caused more warmth to swarm my veins. “The engagement ball is soon.”
“Yeah. Just a week away.” I laid my head on his shoulder, slowly playing with his fingertips. “I can’t believe the attack didn’t postpone it.”
I had spoken with Prince Sawyer before leaving the clinic. He’d come to check on me and nearly collapsed with relief when seeing me sitting up in the cot, stuffing my face with Briar’s fig bread. Apparently, my near-death experience had put Briar’s nurturing tendencies into overdrive, skirting the line of spoiling. Pretty sure I gained at least five pounds before being allowed to come home.
“If anything, the attack only strengthened the need for the alliance,” Callum said, upturning his palm and smiling asI linked our fingers. “The sooner it’s official, the better the advantage we have when war is declared.”
I froze. “Whenwar is declared?”
“You know I never lie to you.”
“I know.” I lifted my head from his shoulder to better read his expression. “It’s one thing I love about you.”
“Then allow me to be completely honest.” His apprehensive stare jostled the nerves in my gut. “King Eidolon didn’t retaliate when Haran sent the bandits and sell swords to capture Prince Sawyer, nor when our ranks were infiltrated. Yet, the incident with this dark mage won’t go unpunished.”
“Has the mage confirmed yet if he was hired by King Silas?”
Callum shook his head. “He still hasn’t woken.”
“But it’s been three days. Oreo didn’t hurt himthatbad.”
At least, I didn’t think so.
“Briar examined him earlier this afternoon and believes the mage put himself under a sleeping spell before the guards seized him.”
