The sun begins to sink low on the horizon as we ride. I don’t want to stop, but when the darkness begins to descend, we don’t have a choice. Only a thin sliver of moonlight ahead provides any light, and what little there is, is not enough to safely navigate the roads.
I guide the horses off the main path and deep into the forest. The sound of running water ahead catches my attention, and I move toward it. Although we have water in our pack, it would be good to have another source to draw from.
I brush the hair back from Kyra’s face and lean forward to whisper in her ear. “We’re going to stop here for the night.”
She twists her neck just enough for her eyes to meet mine, and I don’t miss the sharp hiss of pain that escapes her with the small movement. “Are you sure it’s safe?”
“Yes.” I scan the forest around us again as I listen carefully for any sounds to indicate there may be people close by. “We haven’t passed anyone, and I don’t hear anything unusual. I believe we’re alone out here.”
When we reach a relatively clear spot, I dismount, then help her to the ground. She’s silent as I dig through our belongings, pulling out the tarp and tying it between two trees to give us shelter if it rains. I remove the blankets next and spread them over the ground for bedding. I’m glad when I find more blankets in the packs we took from the men, so I use those as well.
A few pairs of trousers and shirts are mixed in their belongings, and I dart a glance at her torn clothing. This may be a bit large, but it will have to do. When I’m finished, I turn back to her.
“Are you hungry?”
She lifts a haunted gaze to me. “There’s water nearby. I’d like to bathe first.”
I lead her in the direction of the sound of the water. The stream isn’t far from our camp, and as I test the temperature, it’s not warm, but not exactly cold either. Kyra looks to me.
“Can you please turn around?”
At first, I don’t realize what she’s talking about, but then it dawns on me. I nod and turn my back so she can undress and bathe. A small splash tells me she’s entered the water. I train one ear toward the forest, listening for any sound of unwanted visitors and the other toward her in case she needs something. When I hear her coming out of the water, a broken sob escapes her.
Spinning, I find her on the ground. I rush forward and kneel down beside her.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” her voice quavers softly.
“Are you all right?”
She lifts a tear-filled gaze to me and softly shakes her head. “No,” she barely whispers.
My gaze travels over her nude form. Several cuts and dark bruises mar her skin, and anger flares inside me anew at the abuse she endured at the hands of those men. I quickly drape my cloak around her and gather her in my arms. She nestles into my embrace as I run a hand soothingly across her shoulders.
“I’m so sorry, Kyra. It’s all my fault.”
“No, Cael.” She shakes her head, then looks up at me. “You rescued me. You saved me before they…” Her voice hitches.
Her words fill me with guilt. If I hadn’t let myself get distracted, she wouldn’t have been hurt.
Her entire form begins trembling and I notice her hands are curled into fists at her side.
“Kyra, what is wrong?” I ask gently. “Please. Tell me.”
She lifts her gaze to mine, clenching her jaw. “I’m weak, Cael.”
“You’re hurt, but you will heal, Kyra. You—”
“That’s not what I mean,” she snaps, her eyes full of anger. “I couldn’t defend myself. If you hadn’t saved me, I would be dead. How am I supposed to save two worlds if I cannot even save myself?”
I place my hands on her shoulders. “Kyra, you’re being too hard on yourself.”
“No, I’m not, Cael. I’m supposed to be strong, but I’m not.” She meets my gaze evenly. “I need you to teach me how to fight.”
“Kyra, I’m your guard. It’s my job to protect you. You don’t need—”
“Yes, I do.” She grits her teeth in pain and stands to full height. Tilting her chin up, she stares down at me with an imperious look. “If you are my guard and I am your queen, then I command you to teach me.”
My mouth drifts open as I stare up at her. Her eyes burning with determination.
In this moment, we are no longer Cael and Kyra. Memories flood my mind and we are once again Bryndon and Alora. I remember moments like this. When she was not only my greatest love, she was first and foremost my queen. I would live for her. Breathe for her. Fight for her. And die for her. She did not have to ask this of me, for I gave my life and all that I was freely to my queen.
Alora was as fierce as she was beautiful and in Kyra’s eyes I see her again, standing before me just as she did in our last life. Memories of pledging my fealty to her fill my mind as I cross my arm over my chest and bow low before her. “Yes, my queen. If that is what you wish, then that is what I shall do.”
She blinks several times and her expression softens. Her mouth drifts open slightly as she stares down at me. “I… I remember this,” she whispers more to herself than to me. “I asked you this before and you were reluctant to teach me… And yet, you did anyway because I ordered you to.”
Holding her gaze, I rise to my feet.
