The woman shook her head, her face horrified. “Telroi, I can’t promise that. He’s gravely wounded.”
The words were like a blow to Shea’s already faltering foundation.
“You will keep him alive, until Chirron arrives,” Shea clarified. “You will do this for me.”
The woman looked from Shea to the warlord still lying at her feet. Her mouth firmed. “I promise to do my best, but I cannot work miracles.”
Shea held herself still for a long moment. She wanted to tell the woman that her promises weren’t good enough, that she’d keep Fallon alive or Shea would order her head separated from her shoulders. She did none of that. It wasn’t the woman’s fault matters had deteriorated to the point they had. Also, a small piece of her knew people didn’t do their best work when they feared a single mistake might lead to their deaths.
The woman knelt at Fallon’s side and looked up at Shea. “I can’t work miracles, but Chirron can. I’ll keep your warlord alive as long as I can. Pray that the healer gets here in time.”
“I will,” Shea said, stepping to the side to let the woman work.
To the Anateri who’d brought the woman, Shea ordered, “You don’t leave his side. Make sure someone gets her anything she needs.”
The man snapped to attention, giving her a salute she’d only ever seen Fallon receive. Her head jerked down in a shaky nod. She was unable to hide the quiver of her lips or the feelings his actions had sparked.
She sent one last lingering look at Fallon. Much as it burned, there was nothing she could do for him.
She strode out of the tent, her back ramrod straight, blood still covering her. No, she was useless here, but there was always another path to a destination. Time for her to turn her attention to those who’d tried to take her warlord from her.
*
It took only a few questions for someone to point her in the direction Caden had taken the other two.
This time of the night, there were very few people out and about. The victory celebration of the earlier hours was long since over, most having sought their beds.
Trenton trailed behind her as she stalked through camp toward a tent on the outskirts. Braden saw her coming and broke from the small group of Anateri he’d been consulting with.
“Shea, we can take care of this,” he said, moving to intercept her.
“Maybe so, but I will be a part of it,” she said, her face daring him to tell her no. She was hanging on by a thread. Keeping busy, taking care of Fallon’s people as he would have, was the only thing preventing her from toppling off that last ledge. If Braden told her no, she wasn’t going to be responsible for what she did next. She just knew it wouldn’t go well for him or any who stood in her way.
Some of the determination must have shown on her face, because Braden stepped back and gestured her forward.
Shea stepped into the tent, small candles lighting the interior. It lacked the comforts the Trateri normally piled into their homes. There were no rugs or room for comfortable seating. The inside was bare—just a single table.
It was also notably missing either of the clan leaders.
Caden ducked in seconds later, his eyes going unerringly to Shea before turning to Braden, a question in them.
“I want both Rain and Earth in here, immediately,” Shea said, not giving the two time to speak.
There was a small hesitation before Braden said politely, “It’s generally wise to question them separately.”
Shea took a deep breath, struggling for patience when all she wanted was action. Taking her feelings out on Braden was unwise, especially since he was trying to advise her. She’d need her allies before this was over. Alienating one of them because of the boiling feelings inside would only serve to isolate her at a time she needed people at her back.
Shea lifted her chin, her gaze piercing. “My order stands.” She gave him her best attempt at a smile, her lips barely tilting up before she abandoned the endeavor. “Thank you, though. Your concern is unnecessary. I have a plan.”
Caden’s face was expressionless as he considered her. She tamped down any emotion, knowing they were less likely to follow her lead if she was a sobbing mess. The respect she’d garnered as Fallon’s telroi only went so far. She needed to become the battle queen, someone respected and obeyed in their own right, not as an extension of Fallon’s power.
Whatever he saw there must have established her determination because he turned on his heel without another word. Braden didn’t move to stop him.
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Braden murmured in a quiet voice, taking a stance at her back, a clear indication of where his loyalties lay.
Shea did too.
It didn’t take long for Gawain and Ben to be escorted into the tent. Shea wiped all emotion off her face, building the layers of protection over her thoughts and feelings she’d once used as a mask against stupid villagers and their idiotic prejudices.
