“I take it Trenton’s message was a ruse.” There was understanding in his eyes.
The sudden grief on Shea’s face was all the confirmation he needed.
He sighed and nodded.
Trenton stepped through the tent, his sword still out, blood on the tip as he dragged a moaning Ben after him. The former Earth clan leader’s legs were covered in blood as he whimpered, curling around them when Trenton dropped him.
Caden watched the man with a predatory interest.
“I give this man into your custody,” Shea said, capturing Caden’s attention. “Finish this interrogation. Find out how many others in Fallon’s army wish for his death. Report to me anything you find.”
Caden gave her a respectful nod, before touching his fist to his heart in the same salute the other Anateri had given her. Shea hid the aching pain the sight caused her and swept out of the tent.
Shea’s stride ate up ground as she returned to the quarters she shared with Fallon. The public part of the tent where they held the war council and entertained guests was empty except for a pool of red.
The evidence of her warlord’s attempted murder haunted her even as she turned away, moving past the privacy screen and into their private quarters.
A weight felt like it lifted off Shea’s shoulders at the sight of Chirron as he straightened over the bed, Fallon a still figure before him. Her gaze turned to the woman on the other side of the bed—Alexa, Trenton had given her the woman’s name on the trip back here. She’d kept her promise, as impossible as it had seemed.
For some unknown reason, Shea was convinced everything would be alright now that Chirron was here. It was a ridiculous belief, but she couldn’t help the spark of wild hope that leapt in her chest. The healer, more than any other, stood the best chance of saving him. Of that she was sure.
Her mother stood, unnoticed in her seat in the corner until now.
Shea blinked in surprise, the sight momentarily distracting her. “Mother, I—what are you doing here?”
“The watch notified me when your warriors showed up to collect the healer, Chirron,” she said, her face sympathetic. “I came as soon as we learned what had happened. I’ve brought Whelan and Joseph.”
Shea blinked rapidly, this time to keep the tears at bay. Her mother’s gift was unexpected, especially given the state of their relationship. Whelan and Joseph understood many of the old ways, their knowledge would fill in any gaps. Their methods were just as effective as Chirron’s strange power. Between all of them, Fallon stood a fighting chance.
That was all he needed, Shea told herself. With their help, her warlord would win this battle.
Lainey opened her arms wide; Shea crashed into them without hesitation. Lainey’s arms wrapped around her, comfort seeping into Shea at the simple embrace.
The tears Shea had been holding in escaped in great gulping sobs. Her shoulders shook so hard Lainey struggled to keep hold of her.
“We’ll fix this, I swear,” her mother whispered, emotion clogging her voice.
Shea nodded, already gaining control of her wild emotions. She stepped back, swiping a quick hand across her eyes. The release had been cathartic, some of that relentless pressure Shea had been carrying around finding its way out. She felt lighter, even as her mood remained grim.
“I can’t thank you enough for this,” Shea said, her voice quiet.
Lainey gave her a firm nod, taking Shea’s arm and pulling her along with her. “Let’s keep out of their way while they work. Wash and change; I have food, water and a place to sit.”
Shea stared down at the plate and chair her mother had somehow procured, no easy task given the state the warlord was in, yet her mother had somehow managed.
“You’ll eat it too,” Lainey ordered, her voice firm. “You won’t insult the woman who brought it. She seemed to be as in need of distraction as you.”
It was the right tactic to take.
After she’d cleaned herself up, Shea forced herself to pick up one of the meats and nibble on it before turning to the cheese. Piece by piece she worked through the plate, all while her attention kept straying back to Fallon.
“You know, when we sent you away, we thought it for the best,” Lainey said softly.
Shea’s chewing paused, and she closed her eyes in irritation. She didn’t want to do this now. Her mother’s presence and the gift of her people’s assistance in healing Fallon were something Shea would never forget. It was something she would always be thankful for. That didn’t mean the old wounds weren’t still there.
“This isn’t the time. Let’s talk about this later,” Shea murmured as the healers bent over Fallon, their voices a quiet hum.
“When we sent you away, we felt it was for your own good,” Lainey said, spearing Shea with an unfathomable look.
