Page 109 of Oath of War
I chuckled, my cheeks red as we parted. ‘We need to get back to the tent. Orm most likely thinks I’m lying drunk in a ditch,’ I said. He gave me a sharp look and I shrugged, explaining, ‘I didn’t know how to handle everything that happened, so I coped the best I could ...’
Ari only sighed, pulling his hood over his head, hiding both his white hair and aristocratic facial features. ‘Let’s go. Things will improve now that I’m here to look after you.’
‘Good,’ I said. ‘I’ve run out of excuses to keep Valaram away.’
Alaric’s hands tightened on my body. ‘That wretched fae ... Did he try to entrap you?’
‘No, he was helpful. Maybe just a littletoohelpful,’ I answered, resisting the urge to chuckle at Alaric’s unhappy expression.
‘I shouldn’t care, Domina, but I think I will break his fucking legs if I catch him chasing after you.’
His words were harsh, but Alaric’s presence soothed a deep ache in my soul, and even though I still felt guilty, holding his hand allowed me to smile again.
‘I’m so glad you’re back. No one can replace you, Ari, no matter how hard they try,’ I said, stroking his face and pulling him towards the camp. ‘Come, I want to see Orm’s face when he sees you.’
As we strolled back to camp, I cast one last look at the ash by the riverbank.
Thank you, Katja. Thank you so much. Take good care of her, Arachne.
Alaric’s appearance right after I had said my goodbye felt like her blessing, and if I knew my Katja, she would already be pulling Arachne’s strings to help us.
The camp was quiet as we walked through the sea of tents. A few curious glances turned our way, their frowns deepening when they saw me walking arm in arm with a strange man. Their disapproval only stoked my rebellious streak, so I leaned closer to Alaric, a playful smirk tugging at my lips. For a moment, I wondered if anyone would be bold enough to defend my virtue, but it seemed the soldiers knew when to keep their heads low and their mouths shut.
As we neared Ormond’s tent, I stopped and turned to Alaric. ‘Let me go in first. I’ll soften him up for this sweet little surprise,’ I said with a wink.
Alaric nodded, positioning himself near the entrance.
I stepped inside and sauntered over to the cushions where my warrior sat sharpening his blade. His expression didn’t change, nor did his tone when he spoke.
‘I’m glad you’re back. Do you need anything?’
The flatness of his voice caught me off guard, pulling a frown to my face.
‘No. How was the patrol? Did something happen? I’m not drunk—I was just busy,’ I blurted out, wondering what had prompted his strange mood.
Orm set his sword aside, standing up with a deliberate calmness that sent a shiver down my spine.
‘I know you were busy. The soldiers saw you kissing a fae next to a burning wagon. Why, Annika? You promised there would be no one else besides Ari and me. Who is it? Valaram?’
The golden ring of fire flared in his eyes, betraying his jealousy, and I suddenly realised how far his thoughts had spiralled. The absurdity of it struck me, and I struggled to suppress a laugh, which only deepened his scowl.
‘Does my pain amuse you?’ he asked. ‘Who is it, Ani?’
I simply raised an eyebrow. ‘And if I told you? Would you kill him? Is that why you’ve been sharpening your sword?’
‘No, Annika. If any man forced or coerced you, that would be different. His life wouldn’t be worth the mud under my boot. But we both know you are too strong to be forced and too smart to be coerced, so it was your choice, and I have to accept it. So, who is the lucky bastard I’ll have to call brother from now on? Tell me—before I go sleep with my dragon.’
Ormond was furious, and as much as his jealousy pleased the vixen in me, I couldn’t continue with him hurting like this.
‘Come in, my mysterious fae. The commander wishes to see you,’ I called, my voice loud enough to carry beyond the tent.
‘You brought him tomytent?’ Orm growled, rearing back like an enraged bear as the entrance flap opened. His eyes narrowed when Alaric, still hooded, stepped inside with unhurried grace.
‘I hope you are satisfied with our lady’s choice,’ Ari said smoothly, pulling back his hood to reveal his face. ‘Because I intend to stay.’
Ormond stepped back, grasping the edge of the table.
‘Fuck me.’
