Page 133 of A Fate so Cruel

“It’s fine. I can take care of it myself.” She nodded, but reached into her bag and offered him more bandages and a fresh needle and thread.

“Thank you.”

She nodded again. “I’m two doors down if you need me or change your mind.”

She walked down the stairs and disappeared out the front door. Rion found Selina with the tray of food back in her lap.

“She said I should shower soon and to call for her when I need my bandages changed.”

“I can change them for you.”

“You don’t have to hover, you know.” He opened his mouth to retort, but she interrupted. “You don’t have to feel guilty, either. The fault goes to me for being careless.”

He was the one who’d been careless. The entire situation might not have even involved the rebels. It could have purelybeen revenge for what Saoirse and he had put Foley through. Selina had gotten hurt because of his past.

“Care to help me to the shower?” Rion swallowed hard and eyed the blanket covering her. The only thing left on her body, aside from bandages, were her undergarments.

“Sure.”

“The robe is over there.” Rion retrieved it, then helped her sit up, doing his best to keep his head turned. His face burned and he thought he heard her chuckle as she carefully slipped her arms through the sleeves. She held onto him and Rion helped her stand. Selina pulled the robe tightly around herself and tied the thin rope to hold it in place.

She eyed the door and grimaced after her first step. “Gods, I thought that painkiller was supposed to have kicked in by now.”

“She said you could have more.”

Selina shook her head. “I want to be able to think and I’d rather not pass out in the shower.” She stepped again and her hand reached out to grip the bedpost. Selina cursed and took several breaths. He wasn’t letting her suffer the whole walk down the hall. Rion stepped forward and carefully scooped her into his arms. She grimaced once and surprise covered her face.

Rion didn’t look at her. “It’ll be faster.” She only nodded and he carried her down the hall before placing her upright just inside the door to the small bathroom. “There’s a stool inside if you need to sit.”

“Thank you,” she said again, but didn’t look at him. Rion tried not to stare at the pink staining her cheeks. She reached out and took his arm when he made to turn. “I’m serious, thank you. Not just for this, but for coming for me.”

“I’ll always come.” She looked up at him and he swallowed hard. “For you. I’ll always come.”

Her lips parted when he moved a stray strand of hair out of her face. Rion forced a smile, then pulled the door shut before seating himself on the floor outside.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Selina wanted to be up and moving within a few days, but it came as no surprise to him when a week and a half flew by before she was finally able to stand and walk on her own. Albeit limping.

She still winced when drawing in a full breath, but the healer gave her instructions to walk outside every day. It didn’t take long for others in the village to recognize him, especially with his magic a constant swirling storm of chaos.

He’d marched right up to the village elder and gave explicit instructions that if anyone entered the village, he was to be the first to know. The male had nodded, his fear nearly palpable as he assured him visitors this time of year were rare. Everyone was busy visiting one of the major cities to celebrate the coming solstice.

The innkeeper kept her distance, delivering supplies whenever she thought necessary, and the healer stopped by every morning to check on Selina.

Her bruising had shifted to a nasty yellowish color and looked far worse than it had in the initial days. The swelling in her face was gone, thank the gods, but discoloration still lingered around her eye and beneath her jaw.

Rion paced the inn hallway whenever Selina kicked him out and walked the building’s perimeter when he needed fresh air. One night, he’d even slept on the roof, with his magic guarding Selina’s door, of course.

She was moody, as anyone might be when cooped up for too long, but gods—Rion wasn’t sure he could survive another night of her endless demands for perfection.

Food had to be warm, but not too warm. Her sheets needed to be changed daily because sleeping on sweaty ones wasonly for barbarians, never mind the fact that she showered every night. And the wine, gods, if he heard about the wine one more time he might chuck it all into a fire and force her to go without.

Rion rubbed his temples, then grabbed the tray of food from the counter. The innkeeper left it there every night, and every night she tasted it. The female had even gotten the courage to offer him a smile or two. She never complained, only bowed and offered her assistance should he need anything. Coin definitely went far where courtesy was concerned.

Rion marched up the stairs, listening to the sounds of night outside the windows. He’d barely closed the door when Selina said, “We need to leave tomorrow.”

“The healer said you should take a few more days.” He set the tray on the table beside her.

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