Kane walked over and patted the man on the shoulder. “Indeed, you did. But I would not call an attempt on Auriena’s life fun.”
Wulfgar’s teeth, snout and claws started to elongate, but Thaid quickly stepped into view. “To be fair, he has been taken care of, and the human is alright. She was not injured. She merely suffers from pains from her conditions that Indrell is treating.”
“Tis true.” Kane released Wulfgar’s shoulder and returned to my side. “Indrell will be joining us on our return journey.”
“Great. We have another woman to watch over, and I did not get to kill anyone.” He turned toward the door. “I’ll be outside.
“Go rest. We will be gathering the men soon. We will not need to stay as long as we thought.” Kane handed me the water from before everything started.
“As I said, I will be outside. We can gather them when you are ready.” Wulfgar was adamant.
“Suit yourself.” Kane returned the water glass after I took a drink and focused on me as the raider left the room to take up post.
Chapter
Thirteen
Returning Home
"You love her." Indrell stood before Kane, stirring a fresh mug of the herbal mixture.
"That will be all healer. I thank you for your service. Should you need anything else, please let me know. For now, should she not sleep as she is? Or should I worry about how exhausted she is?” Kane paced the room by the door, clearly ignoring her statement.
I had been asleep, but between Indrell replenishing the herbal supply and him nervously pacing, I woke. Before I had fallen asleep, Kane commissioned Thaid to gather our horses, carriage and the rest of the supplies we needed with instructions to let him know once all was ready. I gathered some time had passed, more than he was comfortable with, by the sound of his voice. However, I was still wiped out and not ready to sit up yet. Instead, I stayed curled up and quiet.
The Emalne healer stopped for a moment before answering his question. "Let her sleep. I will stay by her side if you must leave to make any arrangements. I see no reason she should not travel if she is protected from the elements."
"As I instructed Thaid to retrieve, we have a heated carriage for her. You may ride in it as well. Once you inform me that you have everything that they will need, we can load up and depart. I will not risk any travel until then.” Kane walked off to his bag, pulling a flask out and drinking deeply.
“Yes. You do love her.” Indrell’s words were more to herself… a vocal confirmation based on her observations.
“My feelings are none of your concern, healer!” Kane roared.
I flinched, but his back was to me, so he didn’t see it.
Indrell paused, bowing her head. "My apologies. I meant no disrespect. I find it beautiful that you two found each other all things considered. That is all."
Sucking in a deep breath, Kane took another swing from his flask before turning and sitting in the chair next to where I was laid out. He cringed slightly. “You did not offend me. I am just not accustomed to having a weakness.”
“That, she is - your weakness.” Indrell crossed the room, stirring the mixture. “But she is also your strength.” She knelt down next to me, Kane’s eyes watched her closely. She moved the mug under my nose, dipping her finger in and pressing it to my temples. "You need to come back to us, my dear. Your king needs you to keep him calm, or way may all be doomed." She let out a chuckle.
Kane growled, looking away from us. "I can hear you. And I’m not sure I approve that you are liberal with your teasing as Auriena." He set the flask down on the table and turned back, looking at me as if waiting for me to respond.
She laughed. “I bet she is the only one that gets away with such a thing with you. And I only because you need me to keep her alive. Am I right?” She had spoken, still looking at me until her last few words. With them, she smirked as she turned to stare at Kane.
“Something like that.” He rolled his eyes. With a huff, he leaned forward, propping himself up on his knees. "She needs to wake up."
“She is awake. Just does not have the energy to respond much. She needs her rest right now.” Indrell sat back on the floor beside my lounger. "I have faith that she will get through this. It is just going to take a substantial toll on her body… and mind. And with a spill like that, she likely jarred something enough that her body needs to repair."
"I didn't know she was right behind me. I thought she was further away. I thought she knew to get out of harm’s way, not stay and try to help or whatever she was doing so near. She is stubborn." He hung his head.
“You blame yourself?” Indrell recoiled slightly as the words escape her lips.
He glared at Indrell before he looked away from her. "Of course I do. I swore to protect her. Now, I am stuck here looking at the damage I have done to the woman I want to make my wife.”
“You do love her.” She smiles sweetly. “But you did not do this on purpose. And her condition is stable. Auriena is strong and a fighter.”
"I am thankful for that." He watched me, focusing on my half-closed eyes. "Can you tell if there is anything wrong with my child?"
Indrell placed a hand on my stomach and one on my forehead. She sat, quietly for a moment. “The energies are unclear,
