Page 19 of Between Realms

ARRIVAL

WYNSTELLE

Just before daybreak, Oakes slips out of our healing embrace and leaves me alone in the bed.

Exhausted, I barely stir and only wake when Oakes returns to our room. “Where have you been?” I ask, wiping the sleep out of my eyes.

“I secured our horse.” Oakes sits down gently on the edge of the bed without jostling me, which should be an impossible feat considering his huge frame.

Elves, I envy their grace. Leaning closer, he palms my chin, leans in, and studies my eyes for clarity. He’s so close, I would barely have to move to kiss him. Would his lips taste as good as they look?

In response to his intense inspection of my eyes and face, I avert my gaze. I gingerly stroke my stomach along the lines of scars where my wounds have sealed.

“May I?” Oakes holds the edge of the blanket and waits for me to nod in approval before pulling the cover down to reveal my nakedness and inspect my stomach’s injury. Then he presses his fingers over the previously damaged area.

My arms automatically cover myself over my breast-band.

“Does this hurt?” he asks without seeming to notice that I cover my body.

I admonish myself. Whywouldhe notice a mortal?

Swallowing down my silly thoughts, I admit, “It’s pretty sore, but the sharp pain is gone.”

“Good enough for now.” Oakes smiles and brushes his deft fingers over my cheek. “You still have some light scarring. The ghoul’s toxins made the injury more resistant to repair. I can try to fix that for you now.”

My heart pounds in my chest with his gentle touch, caressing my face as a lover might.

“No. Thank you for the offer, but I don’t care about scars.”

Oakes cups my cheek to make me look at him. “Are you sure?”

I fight the urge to lean into his healing hand. “It’s more important that I get to Ryven today. I’m alive, and I’d like to keep it that way by making my appointment.”

His brow creases at my comment. “Do you truly believe they would kill you for being a bit late?”

“I would like to think not, but I don’t want to test the court.” I lightly run my finger over my stomach’s scars. “From what I understand, royals do not like being disobeyed.”

“True enough.” He clasps his giant hand over mine, engulfing my tiny one. He squeezes in a show of comfort. “Are you sure you feel ready to ride?”

“I’m much better. Hungry, actually.” My eyes search the room for my pack.

“Let’s eat downstairs and then head toward Ryven.” Oakes helps me out of bed. He picks up the damaged, blood-stained dress and frowns. “Do you have a change of clothes in your pack?”

“Yes, but I’m afraid I might damage my dress before my court appearance. I was going to change when I arrived in Ryven, so I looked presentable.” I reach out to take the old tattered dress from his grasp.

Instead of handing it over, he helps me slip the damaged, stained dress over my head, then places my cloak on my shoulders. Slowly, he buttons my cloak’s closures to hide the mess.

Guilt riddles his beautiful face, and I almost reach out to caress his cheek. I’m not sure where this boldness comes from. Why does it feel like I’m allowed to touch him?

“Don’t worry.” I pat his hand, turning away to pick up my pack. “The cloak will cover up my damaged clothes until I get to Ryven.”

As I turn back, Oakes pulls my small dagger out of his bag.

My eyes widen, remembering that he caught me with the weapon. “I didn’t mean… I was only… I wouldn’t hurt anyone who wasn’t attacking me. Andneveran elf. Please…”

Oakes ignores my explanation and slips the blade into my cloak’s pocket. “I won’t tell anyone,” he reassures me. “The road is dangerous. Having it has helped you to save yourself.”

I’m stunned by his actions. I vow to him, “I swear I will do anything to keep you from getting in trouble over me if I get caught with it.”

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