Page 71 of Desire

“Language,” Garron replied, not sounding as severe as he usually did.

Darian dropped a kiss on my forehead.

“I’ll haul water for a bath then start on the privy,” he said. “Will you heat the water for me?”

“Yes.”

He kissed me gently for several moments then helped me stand and straightened my skirts for me. When he turned, Ihugged him from behind. His hands closed over my arms, and he held me in return.

“If I had a choice, I would never leave you, Princess. Not for a moment. Not for anything.”

I kissed his back and rested my forehead against him.

“Thank you,” I said softly.

He chuckled. “I’m happy to repeat the experience whenever you wish. You only need to crook your little fingers.” He toyed with the digits then loosened my hold to bring them to his lips, kissing each one before facing me and kissing me gently once more.

“Ask me to stay, and I will,” he said.

I was exceptionally tempted, and he saw it in my gaze.

“If you ask me to stay, Garron can dig the privy,” he added with an eyebrow wiggle.

We shared a smile, and he nodded when I retreated a few steps.

“I’ll return to you quickly,” he said. “I received the better end of the trade, Garron,” he called over his shoulder as he strode out.

I hesitantly turned toward the study and found what I thought I would. Garron leaned against the doorframe, watching me.

“Check your well,” he said.

Surprised by the unexpected topic, I did so.

“It feels different. I can’t explain how.”

“Our charms flared briefly while you were with Darian.”

I flushed. “I wasn’t focused. I’m sor?—”

“I didn’t ask to rebuke you, Snow. I was simply curious how much energy you drew and if you had a target.”

My eyes went wide. “Do you think I drew from Darian?”

“No. Not that,” he assured me. “We’re safe. I promise. I was simply curious. Come. Let’s keep working on spell theory and brew another cup of tea.”

We worked together until dusk when Liam and Edmund woke. Both could sit up. Edmund wasn’t happy with his soup or with Eadric feeding him, but Edmund ate with a little coaxing from me. Liam ate his portion of stew slowly, and I could feel the pain he tried to hide.

“Do you want more tea?” I asked.

“Please.”

“We need to apply more salve, too,” Brandle said. “Kitten, would you mind going inside and preparing the beds with Garron?”

“I can stay and help?—”

“Not this time,” Brandle said. “Daemon will help me distract the pair as we change their bandages.”

“I have just the story to tell,” Daemon said with a grin. He sat next to Liam as Garron drew me back to the cottage.

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