Page 44 of The Anointed's Paladin

I glanced over at her sleeping form. She lay in one of my spare shirts since she couldn’t grow a nest in here. She was curled up, just a thin layer of fabric covering her. She must be cold—she usually slept inside an insulated orb. I reached out, gently placing the corner of my jacketover her as a blanket. For a moment, I imagined she was truly my wife. Not a ward or a slave or another contract. My princess.

So silly. The thought warmed me to my toes, sending an unsettling lightness through me.

Talon said I had to tell her, but maybe I didn’t? If I never used the compulsion, never commanded her, she’d never have to know. I could do that.

He'd also said I should let her go. And I may have… misled him slightly there when I said I couldn't. Technically speaking, I did have the power to release her bond. But I meant it when I said I couldn't. Even now, the thought made me break out in a cold sweat, panic swirling in my belly. I couldn't. Then she wouldn't be mine any more; and she might leave.

I gently used my finger to move a stray braid out of her face. She smiled in her sleep, and I smiled too.

Never.

The thought turned my mind back to Cassandra. She’d likely be travelling north right now, visiting Ajax to get him to find me. I was very glad I was not his payment this time. Though, perhaps, she’d still promise to bring me to him after. My stomach turned.

It was a long trip north, and then she’d have to travel all the way back south. I was likely safe. For now.

19

Nidori knows shit about people

Talon

Night fell, the only indication in the cave a slight change in light. We seemed separated from the rest of the world—no changes in temperature, the air still and stale.

I was packing my sleeping roll into my pack when Nidori walked over. She had a troubled look on her face.

“You all right?” I asked. Kaine glanced towards us.

“No. I need to talk to you boys,” she said, rocking on the balls of her feet. I put down my pack, worried, lowering myself to my knees.

She plopped down and laced her hands together, looking up at me with her luminous green eyes. She beckoned Kaine over, and he sat beside me, hand resting casually on his knee.

“I know you’re both very beautiful.” She started. “But it’s really very irresponsible of you boys to try and have a baby now, no matter how cute it would be.”

“What?” I choked out, trying to process what she had said. “A baby…?” Maybe I hadn’t heard her right.

Nidori pursed her lips. “Don’t try and lie to me, Talon. I saw your sexual reproduction last night.”

I froze, skin prickling as cold flashed through me. I gulped. She gazed up at me, maintaining a serious expression.

I looked at Kaine for help; he was staring at the floor, shaking. With silent laughter, I realised.

“I know I’m his wife, but obviously there are parts of a proper marriage I can’t fulfilyet,” Nidori said. “And honestly, I’m happy he’s found that in you. But now is not the right time.”

“No, hang on,” I said desperately. “Kaine was hurt, so I just gave him some blood?”

Nidori frowned. “That’s strange. I saw your length. Stamen? Peni—”

“Ahh! Stop right there!” I said, cheeks burning.

She folded her arms, narrowing her eyes. “So youweretrying to procreate.”

Kaine squeaked. I looked again; tears were pouring down his face as he tried to breathe.

Nidori patted his knee, a sympathetic look on her face. “I know, Kaine. But we should wait until after this quest. We can’t have you pregnant while we’re fighting monsters, and it might be more than nine days before we reach the island. We can't care for a newborn then.”

“Nidori,” I said helplessly.

I squeezed my eyes shut. Perhaps I could just…melt into a puddle and sludge away? Sadly, when I opened them again, I was still left to struggle through this conversation. Kaine was about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

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