Page 54 of Upon Buried Embers
Who is this woman to him? His mother?
They don’t look alike, but I was never good at faces, always looking at the ground the majority of my life.
Rohan huffs. “Still, she’s a weakness we won’t tolerate. The Dragorie do not act this way.” He gestures in my direction.
The woman’s eyes narrow. “May I remind you, Dragonbond, that the life of others is not always the life ofus.”
He’s silent at that.
“Now, stop being grumpy and have some manners, she’s a guest, you buffoon. One you brought here.” His jaw tics, and my eyes widen at the way she’s talking to him. “Have mercy on the poor girl, she has obviously been through plenty of hardship.”
I watch the interaction with fascination and dread. The woman doesn’t seem afraid of Rohan at all, but I am, and I’mwaiting for him to explode in the rage Dragonbonds are so feared for.
For him to pick the table up and throw it at her… to twist her neck and roar in victory.
But oddly, he’s silent.
“Hello,” the woman says, and I tear my eyes away from Rohan to peek at her. “I’m Asseya. I was told you have some injuries?”
She was? I look to Rohan for a clue about how he wants me to answer her.
Do I tell her I’m hurt? Do I lie?
“I’m… no, I’m okay… thank you.” Better to be safe than sorry.
She raises a brow. “Is she always so polite?” she asks Rohan.
“Sickeningly so.” I feel his stare on the side of my face. “Tell her where you’re hurt, Elf.”
I swallow, wondering what’s best to mention. “Um, my… my ankle hurts, but it will be okay in a few days.”
“Oh?” she says, looking down and seeing the purple bruising on it. She tuts. “Now how did you manage that?”
I shrug and look away. I’m not about to tell her Darcia made her horse step on it.
“And what else?”
“No, there isn’t—”
“She has a cut on the side of her head, she has some slightly bruised ribs, there are cuts all over her body, her left-hand hurts and she has a really nasty gash on her thigh that I don’t think she has noticed. That wound on the side of her head needs the most attention as it may need stitching.” I whip my head toward Rohan, mouth open in shock.
He’s looking down at some papers, not even sparing a glance at us.
“I see,” Asseya murmurs. “Let’s go to the bedroom and have some privacy while I look you over. Okay?”
My eyes widen in panic, and I look to Rohan who is now staring at me.
Nothing good ever came when someone looked me over.
“I… I…” My breathing becomes harsh and fast, and I grip the collar.
“It’s okay, just breathe,” Asseya murmurs in a gentle tone, lifting her hand toward me. I flinch back, bringing my knees to my chest, trying to make myself as small as possible.
“Elf, go to the room and let her see to you,” Rohan demands, his voice filtering through my panic. “You’re of no use to me if you’re injured.”
I squeeze my eyes shut for a moment, then do as I’m told, unfurling and rising on shaky legs, going to the bedroom.
This I can do, follow orders.
