Chapter 5
CHAPTER FIVE
ALINA
It was still dark outside when I returned to the bedroom. Tynan had not woken up. His face remained calm, his chest was peacefully rising and falling. He needed time to heal, and while he was too weak to face the clan warriors, I was the only one who stood between him and them.
I had to come up with a way to delay his meeting with the three clans.
Adjusting the shawl around my shoulders, I paced the room, desperate to find a solution. When the sky turned light purple, my heart nearly sank. I was out of time. My eyes were bouncing around the room, eager to grasp at anything that could help.
“Milady?” May appeared in a doorway.
“Yes?”
I knew it was too early to hold a clan meeting, but there was no way his enemies would allow him to fully recover. Not when the power of three clans was on the line. Many clan warriors were too ambitious to let this opportunity slide. The blood drained from my face.
“Milady, please take some rest. I will take your place.”
“There’s no time to rest.”
I stopped, looking out the window, not seeing much past the silver droplets on the glass. My efforts would not mean a thing if I could not protect both of us.
How far was I willing to go to save Tynan?
I would do anything. But I wavered, uncertain.
I was waiting for some sign, some change in the air that would give me an idea, show me a course of action.
My intuition has always been my biggest asset.
I just had to listen to it, and the answer would come.
It always did. Suddenly, as quick as a flash of lightning, a new plan formulated in my head.
I turned, meeting May’s gaze.
“I need to move Tynan to another room.”
“Milady?”
“Find me a room. One furthest from the main hall with a sturdy door. And bring Sage here.”
“I don’t . . . understand.”
“Hurry, May! Time is not on our side.”
Fifteen minutes later, Sage entered the room, followed by my maid. Sage’s face was wrinkled on one side and he was wearing a voluminous, silken robe and a night cap.
“Milady.” His eyes darted toward Tynan and his brows lowered.
“May, have you found another room?” I asked.
“Yes, milady.” She inclined her head.
“May I ask—” Sage attempted to speak.
“I need help from both of you,” I interrupted him.
“Does anyone know about the room?” I asked.
“No, milady.”
“Great. Let’s get to work.” I approached the bed.
“I’m not following.” Sage froze, his jaw rolled.
“I need to move Tynan to another room,” I said.
“Why?” He wrinkled his forehead.
“To delay the meeting we talked about. Many warriors saw him in this room.” I approached the bed and took off the blanket.
Sage’s mouth hung open.
“I meant we use diplomacy,” he said.
“Here. Hold on to his shoulders. May, if you could help me here,” I commanded.
The three of us carried Tynan into the corridor that was barely lit by the early morning sun.
“How far is it?” I asked as we climbed the stairs.
“Just two more floors up.”
“Two floors!” Sage huffed.
“We’re almost there.” I panted.
“So heavy,” Sage muttered.
“Try to be quiet,” I whispered.
“I demand a raise.” Sage lowered his voice.
Finally, we made it to the new bedroom that was almost outside the living quarters. It was spacious, with the distinct stale smell of unused furniture and linens. Motes of dust rose in the air, disturbed by our movements.
We placed Tynan on the bed, and I covered him with a thin blanket while May went to start lighting the candles.
“Its perfect, May. One candle is enough,” I said.
“This room belonged to one of the past leader's mistresses. It’s removed from the main portion of the castle to avoid a meeting between . . .” May chewed on her lip.
I looked at the walls decorated with multiple tapestries and the elegant furniture that confirmed that the previous owner was female.
“So, this is your plan. To hide him?” Sage adjusted the silk fabric, tightening the belt of his robe.
“No, this is only one part.” I met his eyes.
Sage raised his eyebrows.
“May, bring all our clothes here. And try not to be seen.” I looked at Sage. “Can you find a high priest?”
“Why do you need a high priest?” Sage asked.
I glanced at Tynan, who still remained unconscious, and my courage nearly gave way. But a moment later, I collected myself and met Sage’s eyes.
“We need someone to perform a marriage ceremony.”
Sage’s mouth hung open.
“A wedding would delay a clan meeting. No one would think he’s not well enough,” I said, shifting my gaze from my maid to Sage.
“I don’t know . . . what to say,” Sage muttered.
“May, can you find someone discreet?”
“There’s no need. I have the power to perform all ceremonies. When are you planning . . .?” Sage responded.
“Right now.” I swallowed.
Blood rose to my cheeks. It was the last thing I ever expected to have to do.
To get married in torn flying leathers with messy hair, and streaks of blood on my forehead, to a man who was not even awake.
But if I could connect Tynan to the red bloodline, it would give him more protection.
I approached the bed and looked at Tynan.
His face remained pale in the soft morning light.
His long lashes cast soft shadows shaped like half-moons on his cheeks.
Even in his current state, he looked incredibly handsome.
I brushed a damp lock of hair from his face and let my thumb graze the straight line of his brow. Tynan did not stir.