When I came back into the bedroom, he was still smiling and lazing in bed.
“Get up! You're coming with me, aren't you?”
Tae sighed dramatically. “I suppose.”
“Oh, please.” I rolled my eyes. “As if you aren't eager to see what else I can do.”
“Oh, I am most eager for that.” His grin turned wicked, and he sat up with a hunter's look.
“Cut it out!” I pointed at him before heading out of the room.
“Where are you going?!” He started after me.
“My clothes are in the other tower,” I reminded him.
Tae grimaced. “I forgot.”
“I'll be right back.” I pulled him into a hug and nestled close for a moment. “I really missed you too.”
“You have no idea how tormented I was,” Tae whispered. “You haunted my dreams.”
I kissed his chest and looked up at him. “I hope you won't stop dreaming of me now that I'm back.”
“Never,” Tae groaned and kissed me soundly before setting me away from him. “You'd best get dressed or I'll have you bent over the bed.”
I ran away, his laughter following me.
Chapter Forty
“So, truth has prevailed,” Avanla said smugly as Taeven and I strode into the classroom.
I winced. “It was . . .”
“Traumatic,” Tae finished for me as he went to hug Avanla. “Thank you for standing by Shane and helping him when I could not.”
“When youwouldnot,” she corrected him, but she did it gently. “You're welcome, Falcon Lord. I'm glad to see that you have your valorianand your sensesback.”
“The Royal Army will have to assign a new general,” I added.
“The General has been removed from duty?” she asked in surprise. “I would have thought he'd be executed.”
“Ava!” I gaped at her.
“She's right, Shane,” Tae said gravely. “You saved his life. He was proven to be a traitor to the crown and his kingdom. The punishment for that crime is execution. That's why the King stood aside and watched while I fought Thalsar. He expected me to kill Thal. Expected and approved of it. Maybe even hoped for it so he wouldn't have to punish his daughter's lover.”
“You fought him?” Avanla lifted a brow. “Good. I hope you beat him soundly.”
I sighed. “Can we forget about this now? I just want to get back to my lessons.”
“He's doing well, I've heard,” Tae said to Avanla.
“He's doing miraculously,” Ava clarified. “The Goddess is doubtless behind it. That both gladdens and troubles me.”
“Why does it trouble you?” I asked.
“If she is interfering in your training, things must be dire,” Tae concluded.
“Yes, Falcon Lord, those are my thoughts exactly,” Avanla confirmed and led us out of the room. “I think we should study in the library today. You need a break from physical manifestation.”
