7. Chapter 7
I frowned, looking up at two sets of glowing eyes: one swirling with crimson light, the other blazing gold like the midday sun.
‘Godsdamn it! I thought the healer did her job,’ Orm muttered, his voice sharp with agitation.
It took me a moment to piece things together. I recalled Reynard dismissing everyone before a wave of dizziness washed over me, then nothing. The realisation that I had fainted like some delicate damsel in distress sent a flush of heat to my cheeks.
Orm and Ari seemed oblivious to my stirring as they continued worrying. I closed my eyes again, letting them fuss to their heart’s content.
‘She did, but Ani spent several days in prison, and gods know what they did to her. Give me a moment to check her injuries.’ Alaric’s voice lost its soft timbre once he opened the collar of my dress. ‘Hrae! Those bastards strangled her. These bruises . . . I am going to flay the skin from their bodies for this.’
‘Get in line. How serious is it? Is her life in danger?’
Orm was frantic, and I tried to speak, but the raw emotion on their faces stole my voice. I took a slow, deep breath to centre myself, the scent of their closeness soothing my senses.
‘No, but she’s exhausted and malnourished. There’s a cut on her neck, but it’s superficial, as well as her other bruises and cuts. The healer repaired her biggest wound well enough, though it’ll leave an ugly scar,’ Ari responded as he ran his hands over me, whispering an incantation. Warmth spread through my body, dulling the ache and pulling me into a haze of comforting magic.
The feeling of weightlessly swaying welcomed me as I slowly awoke. I smiled, enjoying the sensation, too sleepy to pay attention. When a deep yawn interrupted the moment, I pouted, then cracked an eye open to look at my surroundings. I was cradled in Orm’s arms, bundled in a cloak, riding on a horse through the city.
After days in a cell, I wanted to enjoy the fresh air, so I wriggled free, taking in the cool breeze, decadent architecture, and intricate gardens of the noble mansions lining the street. It wasn’t long before the luxurious area gave way to lively and colourful shops with loud street merchants advertising their goods, but it was the smells—oh gods, the scent of food being cooked—that made my mouth water.
The aroma of freshly baked bread and exotic spices overpowered everything else. My stomach rumbled, encouraging me to leave Orm’s protective embrace. He tensed instantly, and when I looked up, the ring of gold in his eyes grew bigger. A woman carrying meat pies came closer, and I could feel a tremor running through his body as he moved his horse away.
‘Please, let them come,’ I whined. I would have killed for a meat-filled pasty or a sweet roll so sticky with sugar I’d want to lick my fingers raw. But each time I caught the eye of a seller and waved them to approach, Orm glared at the unfortunate soul and whatever money they thought they’d make quickly lost its appeal under the commander’s hostile stare.
‘They’re just merchants,’ I murmured, noticing the way Orm clenched his sword.
‘Or assassins,’ Orm countered darkly. ‘Ihrain is still at large, and the empress has made it clear she wants you dead. Reynard may have claimed the throne, but his enemies—and yours, especially since your proclamation of support for him—are everywhere. No one is safe until the lords of Dagome officially name him their king.’
‘I know, but—’
‘No buts, Nivale. I just lived through the worst days of my life, thinking you were lost to me. When I couldn’t feel your Anchor, and Vahin told me he couldn’t reach you . . . it broke me. Even now, holding you, I can’t help wondering if I’d paid closer attention, those bastards wouldn’t have taken you, wouldn’t have brutalised you. The marks on your body . . . Gods, I can’t—’ His voice cracked as he held me tighter.
‘Orm, stop,’ I interrupted gently. ‘They didn’t ... I was unconscious for most of it. Like a sleeping beauty, only with rats.’
It was a poor attempt at levity. He clenched his jaw, and his horse snorted in agitation, mirroring his fury.
‘You don’t remember, but I do. And it haunts me. I failed you, Nivale.’ His golden eyes burned with guilt.
‘You didn’t fail me. You found me. And now Reynard is king. The rebellion succeeded. I’ll face the empress’ trial, and it’ll work out.’
‘Worked out?’ He barked out a laugh. ‘I barely have you back, and you have to do that damn trial. I can’t even fight for or with you.’ Orm signed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. ‘It’s difficult. I just ... I love you so fucking much, Ani. It terrifies me.’
I smiled, brushing a hand against his cheek. ‘Then trust me to fight my battles. I’ll make it right. Even a dragon rider in shining armour needs to have a little faith.’
He barked a laugh. ‘My armour isn’t shining these days. Maybe Bryna can fix that—she was practically drooling over it before ... everything.’
I chuckled before sighing. ‘You know I’m not reckless—mostly—but they had Ari . . . and when I’m done with whatever they throw at me, even the empress will have to agree to my terms.’
I glanced to the side and noticed Alaric looking at us longingly from the corner of my eye. He made no move to come closer, however, as if he sensed Orm needed time with me alone.
‘You will be the death of me, woman. You declared my brother king. Now you want to take on the empress? I’m having doubts about whether even three of us are enough to keep you out of trouble,’ Orm teased, finally relaxing his grip before pulling my hair to the side and kissing the crook of my neck.
‘What are you doing? We’re in the middle of the street!’ I laughed.
‘And? In a city where you can find a brothel on every corner, you think anyone would be shocked to see me kiss my woman?’ he said before pressing me to his chest and laying his chin on my shoulder. I could only shake my head and sigh, trying to hide my smile.
‘Where is your decorum, Lord Commander? Onlookers may think you are harbouring strong affections for m—’ I jested when he suddenly tilted my head back, sealing my lips with a long kiss.
‘If they want to watch, they can. I’m not harbouring affection—I’m obsessed with you to the very core of my being,’ he said, pausing for a moment, and I saw the muscles in his jaw tick rhythmically. ‘Unless . . . you want me to hide it?’
‘Well, no. I don’t mind showing affection, but judging by the strength of your . . . enthusiasm, I’m worried your beast will take over and publicly stake your claim.’ I chuckled, stroking his face, and he turned, kissing the soft skin of my palm.
‘No, I’m not quite that beastly,’ His eyebrows drew together in hesitation until the dam he was building in his mind broke loose. ‘I want to marry you. I want to stand before the gods and pledge our love in a handfasting ceremony. I want to make it so fucking grand that not only Dagome but all the fae and human kingdoms know you’ve chosen to be mine. I won’t allow any twat on the throne to ever question that you are my family.’
‘You know that the current twat on the throne is your brother?’ I teased, trying to lighten the mood that had suddenly grown too serious. I didn’t realise he felt so strongly about formally announcing our bond. Anchoring someone was a lifelong commitment, so having a handfasting ceremony had never occurred to me.
‘Any other twat,’ he said with a smirk. ‘If this world needs proof you chose me, I’ll ensure every living soul knows that you are, and always will be, the one who holds my heart. Please, will you—’
‘We’ve arrived,’ Alaric called out and I turned to see a sprawling mansion on the riverbank, but Orm tightened his grip on my waist.
‘Annika?’
‘After the war. And if you try to put me in a white dress, I’ll run away. Also, that was the most awkward way ever to propose to a woman.’
He shrugged. ‘You agreed, so it worked,’ he said with a content smirk. ‘You can come naked for all I care. It may even make it easier later—’
I smacked his shoulder. ‘Ormond Erenhart! What would your mother say if she heard you right now?’
‘Knowing her, probably “ fucking finally .” Shame she is not here at the estate. You could have asked her yourself,’ he replied, pointing towards the main building. ‘See that balcony, that’s your bedroom.’
The building stood like a vision from a storybook—majestic and timeless but imbued with the lightness and charm of light-fae architecture.
A sprawling courtyard brimming with vibrant wildflowers welcomed us, their untamed beauty blending seamlessly with the structure’s elegance. Ivy draped the pristine white walls and sunlight danced off the exterior, making it shimmer like polished gemstones, lending the place an ethereal air. Yet beneath its beauty lay subtle defences: turrets manned by sentinels, servants with military precision in their movements, and a nearby guard post that could have passed for a fortress. Its position beside a landing field hinted at the presence of a dragon.
Just then, a deafening roar split the sky, and a black shadow plummeted to the earth.
‘Vahin!’ I cried, my voice trembling with emotion as I tore myself from Orm’s protective hold. Tumbling off the horse, I gathered my dress and sprinted towards the dragon.
Vahin landed hard, sending a tremor through the ground, before rushing to meet me. His enormous body coiled around mine in a wall of warm scales and muscles, his deep rumbling purr resonating through my chest as I clung to him, wrapping my arms around whatever part of him I could reach. His forked tongue flicked across my cheek and neck, a tender greeting akin to a flurry of kisses.
‘Little Flame, you’re back at last, but still can’t I hear your thoughts,’ he hissed, his voice rougher than usual.
‘My magic isn’t working properly yet, but it’s coming back. Vahin, gods, I missed you so much.’ I laughed as his tongue tickled my neck. ‘Don’t—I’m filthy!’
‘There’s blood on your face,’ he growled, licking it clean before pulling back to study me with a sharp, probing gaze. ‘But some of it is yours. Who did this, Little Flame? Who made you bleed?’
‘It’s nothing a proper bath and bit of salve can’t fix. My cell wasn’t exactly luxurious, and the battle was a little messy, but Ari took care of me. I’m nearly good as new—just starving. Ormond scared off all the merchants—’
‘Little Flame. Who. Did. This?’
‘If you want revenge, you’ll have to ask Alaric to resurrect him so you can kill him again. I dealt with it, and I’m safe.’ I pressed my hands against his warm scales, soothing him with my touch.
His anger and fear weighed on me, evident in every hissing syllable. I rubbed the delicate skin of his eyelid, and his tail thudded against the ground before he curled around me tighter, a fortress of flesh and scale.
‘When we learned you were being held in the palace, I wanted to go there,’ Vahin confessed, his voice low and raw. ‘I wanted to burn, smash, and tear it apart to reach you, but I was afraid you’d be hurt. I have never felt so powerless.’
‘Oh, Vahin,’ I whispered, my heart breaking for him. ‘I’m here now. I’ll stay with you until you can hear my thoughts again.’
‘No, Little Flame. You need to rest. Go back to Orm before I steal you away, my precious treasure.’
I kissed his cheek, and Vahin uncurled, revealing Orm patiently waiting. The dragon lifted his massive head and locked eyes with the commander. Their silent telepathic exchange left me feeling conspicuously excluded, stirring a vague unease. I braced myself for an argument, anticipating overprotective measures after my kidnapping. But just as I was becoming agitated over my own assumptions, Orm nodded, and Vahin nudged me gently towards him.
‘I sent Ari to prepare a bathing chamber,’ Orm said, his hand cupping my cheek. His thumb ghosted over my bruises, his scowl deepening as he surveyed the marks. ‘Once you’ve rested, food will be brought to your room. You must be exhausted, Nivale.’
‘Orm, I appreciate the idea of a bath and sleep, but I’m starving. Feed me, or I’ll whine about it until you plug my gob with a bun or I get so desperate I hide in the stables and steal the horses’ oats. Please , show me the way to the kitchen before I start gnawing on Vahin’s tail,’ I begged, causing both man and dragon to laugh.
‘I see Orm is being neglectful. I will hunt something for you. What game would you like, Little Flame?’
‘For fuck’s sake, I’m not being neglectful. I will order food to be brought to the bathing chamber. Every single bun the servants can find in this damned city.’
The promise of food was all the motivation I needed. Since Orm mentioned a bath, I couldn’t stop fantasizing about scrubbing away the grime that clung to me. My time in a cell felt like a stain that soap alone couldn’t erase. Combined with the sweat and blood from the fight, I was ready to scour my skin raw.
‘Lead the way,’ I said, already anticipating the relief of hot water. ‘I have so much to tell you. The Lich King—’
My words turned into a startled squeal as Orm pulled me into a fierce kiss, lifting me off my feet. Without breaking his stride, he carried me towards the mansion.
‘Not today, Nivale,’ he murmured against my lips before quickening his pace.
‘Orm!’ I laughed, clinging to him. ‘What are you doing?’
‘I’m making sure you end up naked in a steaming bath, a bun in your mouth, and too blissfully sated to complain when I fuck you so hard you see the stars you pray upon,’ he said, his voice a low growl. ‘I want to see you smile again, Nivale, and I will.’
His grim determination was so at odds with his words that I burst into laughter.
‘Wipe that stern scowl off your face,’ I teased, ‘and you can do whatever you want to me.’
Servants scattered like startled birds as Orm barrelled through the hallways, shouting for them to clear the way. I could hardly breathe from laughing as he carried me, his strength and stubbornness leaving no room for protest.
‘Orm, please, I can walk!’ I protested, squealing as he finally stopped before a set of massive, ornately carved doors. Steam seeped through the gaps, curling in the air like a promise of paradise.
‘I don’t care,’ he said, his tone rough and resolute. ‘I want to carry you, pamper you, touch you. I’m not above begging to have what I want.’ With a kick, he opened the doors, the heat of the bathing chamber rushing out to greet us.
I could feel the raw power coiled in his body, the need in his every move. With a contended sigh, I tilted my head to look at him.
‘After such a promise, how could I ever ask you to beg?’