Page 55 of The Kingdom's Reckoning
"It’s his fault for dragging you out here," Ellie said, scratching Nyrri beneath her chin. "We had expected him to take a horse, not put you in danger."
Nyrri released a soft humph as if in agreement.
"Wait," Graeson said, eyes bouncing between Kallie and Ellie. "You knew I’d follow?"
Ellie shrugged. "You’re rather predictable."
Graeson sat up on his elbows and hissed out.
"Are you hurt?" Kallie asked, hurrying to help him. She scanned him, trying to identify the source of his pain.
Graeson ignored her concern. "Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving?"
"Well, I’m going to go…tend to the fire," Ellie said, spinning on her heel.
"The fire is probably—" Kallie’s words fell to the wind as Ellie scurried into the woods toward the campsite.
Kallie began to stand, but Graeson tugged on her hand, still expecting an answer.
She released a long exhale. "Can I please check to see if you are hurt before we talk about this?"
"I already told you I’m fine," Graeson said gruffly.
"Then stand up," she demanded, moving away.
Graeson muttered something about avoidance, but Kallie ignored him and folded her hands over her chest, waiting. The moment he leaned forward to push himself up, though, he released a hiss.
Kallie looked at his back and cursed.
A large stick protruded from his lower back. It punctured his shirt, piercing his skin. She grabbed her dagger and cut through the material.
"Hey! I liked this shirt." Graeson tried turning, but Kallie dug her nails into his shoulder.
"Don’t move," she ordered. The skin around the stick was red and irritated. Blood dribbled down his back.
"Whatever it is, it’s—" Graeson choked on his words the second Kallie touched the stick. He dug his hands into the ground, his knuckles cracking.
She carefully let go of the stick. "You’re not fine."
"Just pull it out," Graeson bit out through clenched teeth.
Kallie hesitated as she stared at his back. "I should go get our first-aid kit."
He pointed to Nyrri. "In the pouch."
Attached to the saddle on Nyrri’s back hung a small pouch. Kallie leaned over and unhooked it. Opening it, she pulled out the supplies she needed.
Eyeing the stick, she asked, "Ready?"
Graeson groaned a noncommittal response.
Kallie pressed one hand on his shoulder, stabilizing him. She raised her other hand, and it shook in the air. She swallowed and carefully wrapped her fingers around the stick. "Deep breath, all right?"
Graeson inhaled. When she felt his breath hit its height, she pulled. He spat out a curse and snatched Kallie’s hand holding his shoulder.
"Was that intentional?" he bit out.
"Perhaps," she said, tossing the stick away. She began cleaning the wound one-handed. It was a little awkward and would have been much easier and quicker if she had the use of both hands, but she couldn’t get herself to ask him to release it. She told herself it was because she didn’t wish to make a fuss, but she knew the truth. His touch was holding her together as much as it was him.
