Page 51 of Over the Emerald Valley
“That’s up to me, isn’t it? And none of your business. You know, you’re very eager to offer your protection but not so willing to accept mine.”
“You have a way of saying things I’m not expecting. And being right. You’d have made a worthy adversary on the battlefield with such a mind for strategy.”
Temaj’s cheeks heated at the praise.
Solon’s expression softened. “Let me see your wound. If I do agree to leave you here, I want to know you aren’t going to bleed to death while I’m gone.”
Pulling his hand from the sticky mess at his neck, Temaj tilted his head to allow Solon better access. “I think it’s stopped bleeding. Has it?”
Solon laid gentle fingers on his throat and shoulder, lightly touching the skin. “Yes. But a sudden movement could open it again. Please be very careful.”
“I will. Now go. Leave this to me.”
Solon stared directly into his eyes, dark brown and intense. He planted a hard kiss on his lips. “I trust you.” Then he bent to the ground and scooped up the discarded knife. “But at least take this.”
Temaj clutched the weapon as he watched Solon leave, then cast his gaze to Ottah. With a heaving sigh, he knelt next to the crumpled guard and checked his pulse. He had to know for himself. Finding it strong and even, he settled on his bottom and crossed his legs to wait.
“You went and got yourself knocked out, you big oaf. Serves you right with that knife to my neck. What were you thinking?”
The way Ottah was sprawled on the stone floor, Temaj couldn’t see his face. How badly was his nose broken? Gently, he nudged Ottah’s shoulder, but the man was far too heavy. He didn’t budge.
“You absolute dolt.” Temaj huffed and gave him a firm poke with two fingers. Still nothing.
“Ottah, wakey wakey. It’s time to get up.” Temaj nudged his calf with the tip of his leather sandal. “Get up. We can’t stay here.”
Ottah let out a pained groan but otherwise didn’t move.
“I know you can hear me.” Temaj laid a hand on his shoulder and shook it. “We need to go.”
Stiff and groggy, Ottah rolled over and sat.
Temaj held in a gasp. Blood covered Ottah’s face, and his nose was most definitely broken. Maybe in two places. Yes, definitely two places.
If he could just get Ottah back to their quarters, Seli could take care of his wounds.
“Don’t be mad,” said Temaj as Ottah’s face screwed tight with anger. Or was that agony? Could be either. Or both. Probably both. “Youdidstart it.”
The guard’s hand flew to his nose and came back bloody. “What in the name of Ra, Temaj? You lied to me.”
“You can’t know that because I don’t even know that.” Temaj was already done with this conversation. “Can you walk?”
“Course I can walk.” Ottah spit a mouthful of blood on the stones.
Temaj scrunched his nose in disgust. He stood and reached a hand to the guard, who ignored the offer of help and stood on his own. He shuffled on his feet like he was dizzy.
“Are you certain?”
“Shut your mouth. I can walk well enough to escort you to the cells. You’ll be calling them home soon enough.”
Temaj rolled his eyes. “You underestimate my value. I won’t be going to the cells. You need to come with me to my quarters. We have much to discuss.”
“We have nothing to discuss.” Ottah’s gaze caught the blade. “Give me that.”
Temaj handed it over. He didn’t have it in him to use a knife on Ottah anyway.
Ottah tucked the dagger away. “Where’s your boyfriend? He up and left you?”
“I sent him away. We need to talk, but not here. Your men could return any minute. Come with me, and if anyone sees you, you were hurt training or something.”
