Page 63 of Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King

“The physician will look you over now. Can you walk?”

“What?” Her head tipped back, her eyes brightening even through what had to be such horrid pain. “Why, are you going to carry me?”

“If necessary, yes.” I forced the words out. Of course I would. I’d snatch her up and hold her close right now if it wouldn’t make her even more of a target. That little sane part of my brain desperately begged me not to listen to the heated arousal that suggested we could just go somewhere private right now.

Leather boots squeaked on the polished marble floor behind me, and I glanced over my shoulder to see that the physicians had arrived.

I growled. I hated that they were going to touch her and see her this way. Only I should be allowed to touch this woman. The idea of their hands on her had my vision darkening at the sides, the urge to murder them overwhelming me once again.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my irrational thoughts. I couldn’t stitch her wounds, nor did I know what herbs would best aid her healing. I released her leg and nodded toward it, encouraging the now-scared-looking attendant beside her to do his job. For good measure I shot him a firm glare before focusing once more on Briar and trying not to look at those beautiful thighs.

Feck. A groan built deep in my chest, coiling through me to my core and beyond. The things I could do at a similar angle. She could sit on the desk in my observatory, and I could—I—I had to compose myself. Still kneeling, I dragged my attention to Rhielle. She was watching me with an arched eyebrow and a smirk on her face similar enough to Thalen’s that I wanted to smack her.

“Rhielle.” I nodded.

“Mm hmm?” She tilted her chin up, that eyebrow still lifted. She sat in a similar position to Briar, one leg extended and her head high. Her hair was plastered to her head, filthy and matted, and the bandage around her throat had gone green. But she looked like a cat who’d caught a snake, and I knew why. The image of her and Briar working their way up the column with Rhielle on Briar’s back flashed into my mind, including them passing Kaylen, and the sheer shock on that vicious harpy’s face. If I hadn’t been so worried, I’d have wanted to laugh with Rhielle and Briar about how Briar had helped her reach the end.

Rhielle reached out a hand, a couple of her nails torn and bloodied, and placed it over Briar’s. “I don’t know if you’re aware, but the only reason I’m here is because of Briar. She was exceptionally clever, and I am honored to call her friend.”

Briar’s face twitched at that, more wetness forming in her eyes. Her smile tugged higher.

“I’m aware.” The words were like sandpaper against my throat, making it even harder to fight the urge to focus fully on Briar.

A low choked laugh sounded behind me, alerting me to Thalen’s presence. Silus was likely beside him, probably staring in stoic disapproval.

“You need the physician’s attention too.” I gestured to Rhielle’s ankle. “That venom looks to be traveling quickly.”

“Well, it’s certainly traveling faster than I’d like.” Rhielle lifted her ragged blue dress, exposing her thigh. Long dark veins snaked and branched up from her ankle past her knee to at least the middle of her thigh. Probably higher, though she stopped lifting the dirty blue fabric.

“Hm.” I tilted my head, trying to focus and not imagine seeing Briar’s thighs again. Especially in this position.

Briar stiffened and leaned forward, lifting a hand. Then she scowled and drew back. Her nose wrinkled in the most adorable little frown, and my heart leapt. Was she jealous?

Some part of me calmed as I studied Briar in my periphery and continued to speak to Rhielle, hiding the small smile that wanted to pull free. “I’m sure Physician Karu will have some herbs to ease your pain and also stop the venom. She is one of the most skilled in the Shadow Kingdom.”

Physician Morlo would be looking over Briar. He was the best of all the physicians and the one my family most favored and trusted. Elara had already ensured that he tended to Briar yesterday.

The nervous gray- robed healing attendant edged closer to Briar. I gave him a warning look to make it clear that, if he so much as thought about enjoying touching her, I would rip his spine out. And I’d do the same if he failed to treat her properly as well.

I stood and held my hand out to Briar. For a moment, she simply stared, then she slipped her hand into mine. The most delightful warmth spread up my arm and filled me, and it took so much strength not to tug her all the way into my arms and kiss that sweet face of hers. Instead, I helped her stand and steadied her. My one hand fell to her hip, the curve fitting my palm perfectly.

Neither of the councils favored her, but I wanted her. That wasn’t the liquor talking either, though I’d give anything right now to have her tucked away with me in my observatory, sharing a large glass of night brandy or moon wine as I told her I chose her. Above all the others, I chose her.

Elara cleared her throat softly behind me. I looked back and saw her smiling and Silus scowling. Thalen was nowhere to be seen.

I frowned, but Elara made a small gesture toward the physician’s attendant and said, “If Briar is to be ready for the ball tonight, we should let her visit the physician, should we not?”

Sometimes, the way she asked such obvious questions made me just want to contradict her.No, we should not let the physician see her. We should let her stay with me. But I was a prince. And I didn’t want Briar to suffer. Some healing potions and salves as well as red tea and whatever other herbal solutions the physician had would give her comfort.

Reluctantly, I released her hand. The attendant bowed his head, his long ash braid sliding over his shoulder. “Can you walk, miss?”

If she couldn’t, I would carry her. I stepped closer, my wings tensing.

Briar shook her head, then cut her eyes up at me. “I can walk. Lead the way.” She rose and followed the attendant, her steps slow but surprisingly steady.

I cast my gaze around the chamber and tried to orient myself. Silus was still beside Elara, his face a blank mask. And—

A sharp yelp cut through the heavy air, causing me to turn.

---