Page 16 of Upon Buried Embers
“Still.” He wraps an arm around my shoulders and pins me to him.
My cheek hits his bare chest, and more warmth fills me as I feel the thunder of his heartbeats against my ear.
It feels strong, a steady rhythm that I match with my every breath.
“It may need stitches, turn around and I’ll wash your hair, I’ll be quicker than your fumbling.”
He turns me, then pushes me under the water without warning. I come back up spluttering, but he pays me no mind as he scrubs my head none too gently before shoving me back under.
When he’s done, I’m lifted back up. By the time I wipe the water off my face, he’s out of the water getting dressed. I avert my eyes from his bare ass.
“There’s a large towel to dry yourself with there,” he points to the floor next to some clean clothes without looking at me. “Hurry up.”
I bite my lip, looking at him and the clothes, and deciding speed is better than hesitation. I go to the edge and grab the towel, mindful of my injuries and wrap it around me as I get out. It reaches just below my thighs.
Rohan pays no attention as I fumble to get dressed, my ribs and ankle aching, my head feeling like it’s being battered by a rock repeatedly. The cuts are a stark red against my pale skin, the bruising easily showing.
It will all heal in time, they always do.
The tunic is long, and goes down to my knees. I have to roll up the pants at the ends and at the waist, but it’s so nice to be in something clean. Something thicker than my threadbare old clothes.
Rohan comes over, lifting a cloak and putting it on my shoulders. He shakes his head at how big it is on me. “You’re too tiny.”
I know that.
He lifts a hand, touching my neck. “You’re red here,” he runs a finger just beneath the metal. “And this? What’s it for?” His finger goes to a small loop at the side.
“It’s for Master to attach me to the home.”
His brows furrow. “And why would he do that?”
“So I won’t leave when I’m not allowed to.”
A pause. “And did you leave?”
My eyes go to his, wary. “I tried.”
“What happened?” He moves hair out of my face and puts it behind my ear. I flinch again. “You are a scared little thing, aren’t you?”
I’m alone, in a cave with a man, of course I’m scared!
“Nothing good came if I tried to leave.” I only tried it twice.
“Did you leave when you stole bread?”
“No, that was at his home,” I whisper.
A dragon roars, and he turns toward it.
“Do not try to leave me, it’ll be far worse than the consequence yourMastergave you.” He ties the rope back around my waist. “Now, keep up.”
Six
Elf
“I got you last time and put you on your ass! If you were my opponent, my axe would have gone through your neck!” Kaldar says to Olaf, the smaller man I saw before, as we walk through the cave.
“Yeah right.” Olaf rolls his eyes, patting the horse beside him. “I was taking it easy on you.”
