Page 36 of Grounded By Love
“Stay.” He hoped the confidence within his eyes would give her some courage.
“No.”
His eyes widened, as his brows rose. She had a confident streak hidden within her body, when she wanted it.
Kaeldar shrugged his shoulders. “So be it, but don't stray far from my side.”
Her head bobbed in acknowledgement.
It was time to see if he really could keep her safe among his men.
This ended up being another very poor decision on her part. Why had she insisted Kaeldar keep her by his side? She probably would’ve been safer in the tent. Out of sight, out of mind.
Claira was glued to his side. She never strayed too far, as they moved through the camp. Every time she met the gaze of a rock giant, she was able to read the malicious intent clearly. If they got a chance to harm her, she knew several of them would end up taking it.
Although understandable, it terrified her to the core. Her flesh prickled, as she felt so many stares directed her way. She was half tempted to ask Kaeldar to take her back to the tent, but she knew he wouldn’t be amused if he had to retrace his steps. It had been her decision to join along.
Now she knew, at least, that it wasn't any better walking around with Kaeldar than just sitting in the tent twiddling her thumbs.
Claira was so engrossed in the stares directed at her that she face planted into Kaeldar's back, when he suddenly stopped in front of her.
She raised a hand to feel her nose. She felt like she could have broken it, had she been walking any faster, his back was so rock hard. A frown turned down her lips, and she peaked out from behind him to see why he stopped so suddenly.
A brightly lit campfire greeted her eyes.
Turning to her he took her arm within his strong grip and led her over to the fire, to take a seat before it.
Claira sank to her bottom, legs crossed, and she let out a long exhale of breath. She made sure there was barely any space between where Kaeldar had taken a seat and where she was seated.
Her skin again crawled, as she felt the weight of the rock giants' gazes on her. They had to be curious why Kaeldar had her. As food was passed around, their eyes slowly left her. Now it was her turn to watch them as they talked, drank, and ate.
Eventually, a jar of something was passed around. Kaeldar took a deep swallow of whatever it was, and then held it up before her.
“Would you like some?” He asked.
Claira lifted her shoulders in a shrug. She didn't even know what was inside the jar, so how would she know if she wanted some?
As he handed it over to her, he cautioned her. “Take only a little at first, it is strong.”
She eyed him, as she tipped her head back and took a swig of the liquid.
Liquid fire!
Sputtering, she handed him the jar. Coughing she tried to catch her breath. Her throat felt like it was burning. She couldn't help but wince and let the tears pool in her eyes.
“Strong?” She croaked out of her poor throat, a hand clutching it. It was a demon contained in a bottle.
If that was supposed to be some sort of ale, then it was stronger than anything she’d ever tried. It would clean wounds like nothing else she knew of. It would be painful, but it would do the job.
Kaeldar passed it to another rock giant sitting beside the fire.
“Thank you.”
A hearty laugh escaped him. “I said take a small amount. It's what you get for being greedy.”
She frowned at him, but could see the glint of merriment in his eyes. “It wasn’t like you warned me. It sounded more like a challenge.”
He smirked, while he shook his head.
