Page 55 of The Dragon King's Curse
At the man’s request, the driver helped him load Noxx into the carriage. I took a moment to thank the deer again, offering it the rest of the fruit in my bag. Before it disappeared into the trees, I bowed low before it, showing my greatest respect.
I climbed into the carriage to find Noxx sprawled across one seat. The man and a woman sat on the opposite side. The woman’s expression was pinched. She didn’t like this situation.
“I am Victor Morgan.” The man extended a hand to me. “This is my wife, Olivia. We’re on our way to a ball in Skarngard.We can take you to an inn if that will do. I’m sure there are healers in town.”
I gratefully greeted both of them, doing my best to appear non-threatening despite my disheveled appearance and the sword strapped to my back. “That would be perfectly lovely, thank you. I’m sure some proper rest in a nice bed will do the king good, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your help.”
“Think nothing of it,” Victor insisted. “I’m happy to do whatever I can. Might I ask what the two of you are doing out here anyway? Forgive me if it’s none of my business. It’s incredibly uncommon to come across royal folk wandering the roads.”
Even though humans rarely got involved in the business of magick folk, I wasn’t about to tell him about Atlas and the fae. Instead, I said, “We were travelling back to the Fire Realm together when we were accosted by enemies to the King’s throne. I’m sure you understand that it’s best if you do not tell anyone where you take us.”
Victor nodded vigorously while Olivia pursed her lips in silence appraisal. “We won’t say a word.”
The gentle rocking of the carriage as we travelled nearly lulled me to sleep. Exhaustion overtook me. I hadn’t closed my eyes since Noxx was hurt. We reached Skarngard by the time night fell. The town was bigger than Grimm’s Reach. Populated mostly by humans with some magickal folk mixed in. It would be a relatively safe place to stay for a few days if needed.
Victor and his driver went over and above in their kindness. Victor checked us into the inn before the two of them carried Noxx to our room. Before he left, he pressed a handful of gold coins into my palm.
“Just in case. Best wishes, Princess.”
“Thank you again for everything you’ve done. If ever you need help, reach out to the Earth Realm, and tell them I sent you.” I almost collapsed to the floor after closing the door.
The room was larger than the last one we stayed in. Fancier décor with a larger washroom area. Victor had paid for three days and left me enough money for a few more if needed. I didn’t plan for us to stay here that long. Once Atlas figured out what had happened to his warriors, more would come for us.
Noxx had been placed on the bed still wrapped in the sheet we’d been carrying. I carefully unwrapped him before covering him with the fresh blankets from the bed. His breathing was even and steady, his pupils responsive. It was the best I could’ve hoped for considering the circumstances.
Even though I was reluctant to leave his side for even a minute, I went down to the man working the desk and requested that he send for fresh clothing and food. I paid him with a gold coin and returned to the room where I quickly bathed. Then I crawled into the bed next to Noxx, stroking my fingers through his hair. I’d done my best to clean the blood from it.
Somehow, I managed to keep my eyes open until the food and clothing had been delivered. I shed the clothes I’d been previously wearing and returned to the bed in only my undergarments. There was no keeping my eyes open a moment longer. Pressing close to Knox to feel him breathe, I promptly fell asleep.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
FERYN
Never in my life had I slept so deep. A dreamless slumber. Every now and then I would reach to touch Noxx, to make sure he was still warm and alive next to me. Otherwise, I didn’t stir until well into the afternoon the following day.
I woke with a groan as I stretched out my limbs. Stiffness had set in while I slept. When this was all over, I planned to spend a lot of time lounging around relaxing. I had a renewed appreciation for rest.
My eyes opened, and I found Noxx staring at me. I blinked several times, making sure I was awake. His bruises had begun to fade, though his face was still a mural of blue and purple.
A smile curved his sensuous lips. “Finally, you’re awake. I thought you were going to sleep the rest of the day away.”
I sat up quickly, looking him over. “Me? You’ve been unconscious for days. Are you all right? I thought I was going to lose you.”
Noxx reached to give my tangled braid a playful tug. “I didn’t know you cared whether I lived or died, princess.”
The memory of his torment at the hands of the fae flashed through my mind. I’d never been so terrified. So sure I was watching someone I’d come to care about die a brutal death. I’d worked hard to deny my attraction to Noxx. Then I foughtagainst every warm, fuzzy feeling that had developed. There was no more fighting.
Holding his enchanting golden gaze, I said, “I might love you a little.”
His hand went to my face, cupping my cheek. Drawing me closer, he softly whispered, “I might love you a lot.”
Then his lips were on mine in a drowning kiss that left every part of me shaken. Nothing thrilled me more than seeing him alive and well. Knowing that he would be just fine.
Noxx’s mouth moved on mine. Tender but alive with emotion. The feelings that had seemed to sneak up on both of us, taking us by surprise. He sucked my bottom lip into his mouth before delving deep with his tongue, entangling it with mine. I didn’t care about anything but being close to him in every way possible.
When he rolled us over so I was beneath him, I stared at him with uncertainty. “Are you sure? You need to finish healing. I don’t want you to do anything to prolong your progress.”
Noxx’s hardness pressed against my thigh. Already his hands were working to rid me of my flimsy undergarments. “Trust me, princess, this is exactly what I need to finish healing. You are exactly what I need.”
