Page 224 of Primal Bonds

Marjani hesitated, but the healer’s scent held nothing but compassion. “Thanks,” she replied. “I’d appreciate that.”

Ilka ran a hand down Marjani’s back, and her skin warmed as life-giving energy spread throughout her. Her pounding heart calmed, and her breath sighed out.

“That’s better.” The healer rubbed her back. “I wish I could do more,” she said in an undertone, “but…”

Their eyes met. “Thank you,” Marjani whispered back.

Ilka gave her a last squeeze before moving away.

Meanwhile, Fane had turned back to Sindre. “We were on our way back,” he said in a hard voice. “You didn’t have to set the goblins on us.”

“That was Lady Blaer,” the king returned.

“So she did it without your permission?” Lord Roald’s lip curled. “God’s balls, the night-fae woman grows bolder every day.”

“Yes.” Sindre’s face seemed carved from ice. “She does.”

Ilka stepped forward. “If I may speak, your highness?” When the king nodded, she said, “The fada is better, but she needs rest.” She looked at Fane. “Both of them.”

Sindre cut her off with a curt thanks. “That will be all, Ilka.”

She inclined her head and glided out of the room.

“My tower.” The king’s gaze swept over Marjani, Fane and Roald. “Seven o’clock. All three of you. Consider this your invitation to dinner.”

“We’ll be there,” Roald said.

“And Fane?” Sindre added. “Bring Marjani to the north tower first, and then return at seven for dinner. That’s an order.”

Fane nodded tightly, but Sindre had already ’ported out.

Dinner? Marjani thought. But then, the fae liked to think they were so civilized—as they forced you into unwilling bondage.

“You fool.” Fane’s grandfather scowled at him. “What were you thinking, to get involved with a fada?”

“Her name is Marjani.”

The fae warrior raked his fierce hawk’s eyes over her. “She’s an animal, boy. And worse, the king wants her.”

“Damn it, she’s not an animal. She’s a person—just like you or me. And the king can bloody well keep his hands off her.”

Roald’s heavy cinnamon brows lowered. “By the gods, you don’t deserve my help.”

Fane glowered back. “When have you ever helped me?”

“Who do you think vouched for you with the king?”

“That wasn’t you, it was my dad.”

“Aye, Arne brought you to the king’s attention, but it was I who asked him to give you a chance. And this couldn’t come at a worse time.” Roald shook his head. “I’ve requested that the king declare you a full member of the court.”

“A full member?” Fane got a funny look on his face. “You’d do that for me?”

Marjani looked from him to his grandfather. A full member of the court? She wasn’t sure exactly what it meant, but it was obviously a big deal.

“You’re my grandson, after all. And I have some small influence with the king.”

“But you never said anything…”

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