“To a village west of here,” he answered. “We received reports of scattered attacks. Not yet known if it’s demons or bandits.”
“The Third Order can’t do it instead? Aren’t they like the grunt soldiers who are supposed to deal with this stuff?”
“Knights of the Third Order are joining us,” he said. “Most of them are fresh from the academy and need guidance before leading their own expeditions.” His face fell a bit. “Their captain was killed in the dark wood.”
When all of them were attacked.
“How long will you be gone?”
“Our party should return by sundown.”
“You’ll…” My heart thrashed around. “You’ll be careful, right?”
He grazed his knuckles across my jaw. “Worried about me?”
“No,” I lied. “It’s just gonna be a pain if you come back injured. I’ll have no choice but to return to the clinic and help out again. You’re a horrible patient. Stubborn and refuses to stay in bed.” I thumped his chest with my closed fist. “You’ll need around-the-clock supervision, and I have better things to do than—”
Maddox dipped his head and kissed me, right there in front of all his knights. But I didn’t think about them as I locked my arms around his neck and pressed closer. I only thought about him and how, yes, I was worried. He and Briar were… well, I didn’t know if I could call them “my men,” but that’s how I felt.
One night with them, and they’d each laid a claim to me, body and soul.
“Behave while I’m away,” he murmured against my lips.
It had become our thing when saying goodbye. He told me to behave, and I rolled my eyes and said I always did. This time, however, I added something.
“Come back to me,” I whispered, a shaky pressure enclosing my sternum.
“I will.” Maddox traced my bottom lip with his thumb. “You have my word.”
I watched as he then joined the group of knights waiting in the yard and swung up into the saddle of the black stallion. He looked every bit a regal knight captain as he led them from the area, horse hooves thudding on the grass, then clacking once reaching the stone path.
Spotting Callum near the stable, I walked toward him.
“Hey again,” I said. “Got any chores for me?”
“Chores?” He wiped the sweat from his forehead using the back of his hand. He had just finished defensive drills and was taking a hydration break. He seemed more interested in pouring the water over his head than drinking it though. “You’re not helping Briar today?”
“Nope. He fired me.” I released an exaggerated sigh. “Probably for the best. It’s not good to bone your boss. Or have him bone you.”
Callum flashed a lopsided grin. “There aren’t any chores for you here, but if you don’t mind running an errand, that’d be a lot of help.”
“I don’t mind at all. What’s the errand?” I needed to dosomething. I was kind of just drifting along at the castle, not really fitting in anywhere. It couldn’t continue like that forever. I wanted to feel useful.
“Documents need to be taken to the accounting department,” he answered. “Details of our expenses for the last month and a budget request for more armor and weapons.”
“Well, I have good news. I’m a pro at delivering documents.”
“Excellent. You’ll find them in the captain’s quarters on the table.”
“Got it.” I started to leave.
“Evan?” he called after me. I stopped and glanced back at him, seeing another smile. Well, more like a shit-eating grin. “Please don’t get lost along the way. I like my head right where it is.”
Meaning Maddox would kill him. I laughed and continued walking.
The documents were the ones Maddox had worked on last night after our steamy fun by the fire. I exited the room with them tucked under my arm. As I walked down the path beneath the sun, I hummed to myself. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been in such a great mood. In this world or my own.
The warm morning was a sign that spring was nearing its end. Summer was inching closer. A somber reminder that my time was running out. I stopped humming, no longer as elated.
