Page 73 of Of Shadows and Blood

“No, that’s something else. We have a direct line to each other but it’s not always open-ended.” Cedric reaches forward, still stunned and lightly grabs the ruby locks that frame my face. He rubs the hair between his fingers and closes his eyes.

The hum intensifies in little spurts.

Humm.

Hummm.

Hum.

Hummm.

My mind feels a soft vibration. It’s his doing. I gasp and my eyes fly open.

Our bond.

Cedric looks to be in a trance but he nods, one hand resting on his heart and the other on my leg. His eyes stay closed and his face is firm in focus but there is something else there. Elation, determination, joy.

“I can’t hear you saying anything,” I say, squeezing my eyes shut.

“It’s likely going to take time.”

I join him and focus on the sound again because it feels like home. Like a summer’s day. Like peace.

My eyes peel open slightly and I find his gaze is drilling into me with a warming fire behind his crimson eyes. My face heats and I wish I could curse myself in the moment. Cedric leans forward hesitantly, sliding his hand into my hair, thumb stroking my cheek. Our foreheads touch and the intimacy of the moment is all too much for my breath. I feel that all of the air has been stolen from me.

“Cedric,” I murmur.

Everything pauses. The humming depletes before rushing back at full force.

“You’re injured,” he says, moving his hand from my head. I reach up and catch his wrist.

“But not fragile,” I whisper, feeling a need grow. He hesitates, but slowly moves forward again, towering over me with his hand caressing my neck as he lowers me to the pillow.

“I’m so sorry,” he says, looking all over my face as though he needs to memorize it.

“For what?” I’m afraid to breathe with how close he is, almost completely on top of me.

“I almost lost you again.” His throat works. “You were injured already; I shouldn’t have let that happen. They will never hurt you again.” I stifle a wince at the twinge of pain from my crown from the water tumble. Placing my hand on his chest, I meet his eyes. The rubies that never seem to leave my face. There is a delicate sort of darkness that hides behind them. Right now, they are clouded with desire.

“You’re forgiven,” I whisper. Cedric retracts immediately and distances himself from me.

His hands slide into his pockets and he looks away, defeated. “You should rest. I’ll send the cess up here soon to check on you.”

“Don’t be cold with me.” I sit up more fully, though my chest oddly feels like caving in.

He walks over to the bed and glances at the night sky spilling in from the balcony. A tendril of smoke wafts from his body, a slackening of his control.

“My job is to protect you and to see you to health. Already, I understand my presence is conflicting and I apologize for that. That is not my intention and it never will be when it comes to you.”

My head throbs again and I slowly sink into the pillows, nodding at his statement. Boundaries.

He pulls the velvet duvet closer to my chin, adjusting my foot in the process. I can only observe his movements.

I reach for his hand softly and his head drops before he retreats again, shaking off my touch. “Liv, I am walking a fine line between want and duty. Duty to you and my kingdom, want for everything that hums between us despite your malady. Do not think otherwise, please.”

And with that, Cedric pads off into the antechamber, shutting the door behind him.

Chapter 18