It wasn’t an easy spell. But when were they ever? Finally, after about an hour of ripping out my hair, I got it right. A barrier shimmered around Vexxion.
Will anyone else see it?I asked him.
No, but they’ll feel it if they try to touch me. Even better, if someone tries to harm me,you’llfeel it.
Me, not you?
You crafted the spell,he said.Hence, you’ll feel someone trying to breach it.
Amazing.
The grin he sent me made my knees melt.That’s you, my love. Amazing.
One of these days, we need to take time for us.Would that day ever come?
His smile faded.One of these days.He said it like a promise, but we both knew the odds of that happening were nearly nil.You flit to our suite, and I’ll follow.
You travel first, andI’llfollow.I would insist on this. I could defend myself, more or less. He could not. He was still too weak after the king drained him. He put on a brave front, and I appreciated how hard he tried, but he was slowly fading away.
He gave me a long look before nodding. His body slumped, and seeing it happen stole half of my heart. I’d never get it back again. I wanted to shake him, but that was the point of this. Ivenrail needed to think he was “repenting”.
I flitted to our suite, finding Vexxion lounging on our bed—no, lying there because he was incredibly weak.
It crushed me that he kept taking the blows meant for me and every other Nullen inside the castle. I didn’t want the king draining me instead, but this situation was untenable. We couldn’t keep it up for much longer, yet we still had days to get through until the king would try to collar Brenna.
Vexxion could barely stay awake.
I climbed into bed with him and for tonight,Iheldhim.
He was gonewhen I woke in the morning.
Are you safe?I asked, feeling frantic.
I’m alright—relatively.
Drask shot over and landed on Vexxion’s pillow, tilting his head, watching me as if he could hear the thoughts in my head. I jerked my hand out to pat his back, and he took off, landing on his perch to stare at me from a safe distance.
Where are you?I asked.
The king released me from the dungeon. I bathed and changed mid-flit. Ivenrail requested my presence in the throne room.
Requested?
As he does.
Is Madrood there?I barked.
Yes, why?
I clutched my fist to my chest.Stay out of fire-blasting range.
Vexxion’s low laugh rang out, thrilling down my spine and easing my tension.Will do.
He was alright. He had to be.
I swiped the tears from my face.How do you feel?
Surprisingly refreshed,he drawled.What did you do?
