Page 83 of The Crowned Queen

“She didn’t want to do it because she’s afraid you’ll tell her no.” Serafina twisted another strip of linen, wringing it out with more force than necessary. “But it’s important, Loren. For her physical and emotional recovery. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t discourage her.”

“I’m not trying to discourage her,” Loren protested. “I just don’t want her to push herself too hard. If she injures herself again⁠—”

“She won’t,” Serafina said firmly. “This will be good for her.”

“I’m not sure why you think I would have a problem with it then.” Loren crossed his arms, shoving down the bitter guilt that threatened to rise up. “All I want is to keep her safe.”

“Has it occurred to you that she doesn’t need a protector?” Serafina asked.

Loren scowled. “Considering she was tortured and nearly whipped to death, I think she does,” he retorted. “I’m going to check on her.”

He left Serafina behind, pretending not to hear her deep sigh as he shoved through the curtain they had hung across the door to the back room. It must have been some sort of storeroom once—but the roof was sound and it had been easy enough to clean out, even if it did still smell faintly musty underneath the sharp, medicinal scent of the poultices Serafina had made for Araya’s back. More importantly, it was dry and warm, with enough space for them to lay their bedrolls side by side.

Something in Loren’s chest unclenched at the sight of her lying there, stretched out on her stomach with one arm tucked under the thin pillow. The blanket had fallen down around her hips, exposing the tapestry of scars that crisscrossed her back, each one another blow he’d failed to shield her from.

But she was healing, Loren reminded himself. She was here. Safe. And if Serafina thought it would help her to spend time with the others she was probably right.

He unbuttoned his shirt, tugging it over his head and leaving it in a pile by the door with his boots. The shadows spread out around them both, settling into their accustomed places as Loren slipped under the blanket, wrapping his arms around her.

Araya exhaled softly, her body shifting toward him. Her back pressed against his chest, his aether rising eagerly to the call of her magic. This morning’s reckless experiment had drained her of strength she didn’t have to spare, but there was nothing to be done about it now. All he could do was offer up his own power to replace what she had lost.

Which he would do gladly, any time she needed it.

Loren pressed a soft kiss to the back of her neck, breathing in her rain-soaked earth and wildflower scent. She didn’t need to tear herself apart to carve the sor’vael runes from her soul. Even with their bond muted, she was still his and he was hers. And no matter what it cost him, Loren would never let Jaxon Shaw hurt her again.

Chapter

Thirty

“You don’t have to do this if you don’t feel up to it.”

Araya gritted her teeth, biting back the urge to snap at him. She had lost count of how many times he’d said it this morning alone—like she might collapse on the walk from the cottage to the cook fire.

“I feel up to it,” she said.

She did. Physically, at least. As for what the others thought about her—well, she’d find out soon enough. They were all gathered around the cook fire already, eating bowls of the same porridge Loren had brought her earlier and laughing like they’d been friends for years.

“They’re all from Farhallow?” she asked.

“From the rebel movement there,” Loren confirmed. His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. “Good people.”

She didn’t recognize any of them. But then she’d always been careful not to get too invested when she helped Serafina at the clinics. She’d never wanted to learn names or swap sad stories—and she’d always returned to Serafina’s cozy little house and her job at the Aetherium afterward.

Yet another reason it didn’t make any sense that these people had volunteered to come save her.

“Araya!” Serafina looked up from her conversation with a serious, silver-haired female, a wide smile spreading across her face. “I’m so glad you came! Have you met Naeva yet?”

“We haven’t had the pleasure,” the silver-haired female said. She tipped her head, not rising from her seat. “I’m not entirely sure how I’m supposed to greet you,” she said. “Do I bow?”

Heat rushed to Araya’s cheeks. “Please don’t,” she said, laughing nervously.

Loren squeezed her hip. “Don’t worry,” he said lightly. “We aren’t standing on court protocol here. Not one of them ever offered to bow to me.”

“We weren’t sure we liked you,” the golden-blonde female sitting next to Kai called out, sending a wave of laughter across the group.

She grinned widely, rising to her feet in one fluid motion.

“I’m Caela,” she said, extending her hand. “Serafina mentioned you might train with us today.”