Episode 130
“Ishestableenoughfor you to put your trousers on?” Viala asks as she leans her arms and cheek against Tharios’s back. He’s so cold and growing pale. “If someone did hear me—”
“I know. I’m afraid to let up on my magic. Every time I try, he starts bleeding again.”
“You’re freezing, Tharios. You need clothes.”
“Just toss me a blanket, and keep doing what you’re doing. Actually, you should put your dress on first. As much as I like you in that.”
“I haven’t found it yet. It must have flown into the woods or got buried in rubble during that attack. I’ve looked as far as I can without dragging you with me. The cord isn’t very long right now. I’m all right, though. A little cold, but I’ll survive. I’m more worried about you.”
She spreads a blanket around his legs before lifting the tunic she’s still wearing and pressing her body against his back. He needs flesh contact if he’s going to survive this drain on his life magic.
“That’s not distracting,” he says with a chuckle.
“Are you asking me to stop, elf prince?”
“Never. Thank you. It’s helping. Why don’t you wrap the other blanket around your shoulders first, though. I don’t wish for you to grow too cold.”
She does as he suggests, wrapping the blanket around both of them as she presses her chest to his back again.
“What if my message didn’t get through?” she whispers.
“I don’t know. I suppose he dies, and we’re no worse off than we were before, except now we know there are two elves out there ready to stir up trouble.”
“Or an entire rebellion forming.”
“Possibly. I’m sorry our night together ended like this.”
“It was perfect, Tharios. And if we hadn’t been here—”
“I keep thinking the same thing. And if you hadn’t been at my side with that wild magic of yours I love so much.”
His words draw out her smile. “You were terrified. Don’t try to deny it, elf prince. Images of me catching the Wildthorne Woods on fire filled your head.”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about, faerie.”
There’s a smile in his voice, and she rests her cheek against his back. “We make a good team, don’t we?”
“The best team.” His response is a little shaky, and she presses closer.
Hopefully, someone comes soon before Tharios has to choose between keeping this elf alive and himself.
If it comes to it, she’ll use her magic to stop him from giving everything.
Because knowing Tharios, that may be what it takes.
“High-bornrebels?”Cerianasks.
“That’s what Mother said.” Elowyn looks ready to pass out as Rominy builds a mountain of pillows at her back. Apparently, putting on that sleeping gown was a feat in itself.
“That’s who Tharios is struggling to keep alive?” Cerian says. “Why couldn’t they just tell me that?”
“They probably didn’t wish to worry you,” Elowyn says.
“Because not telling me anything helped me not worry? I should be with them. If there are rebels nearby—”
“You can’t go anywhere alone,” Rominy says quietly. “Don’t forget that.”
