“At ease, soldier,” I muttered, frustrated because I was forced to turn my attention to Terra who, as a civilian, and a woman, should be given my regard and assistance if she needed it. “Terra, areyouwell? Is there any need for—”
“I’m well, Sir. I was only walking back with Bren. We’ve been.. spending some time together.”
“Very good,” I said, my words clipped as my head screamed,yes, but doing what?
“I’m training, Sir,” Bren said brightly, and I could feel her in the bond, quivering with suppressed excitement.
It was a relief to know she was safe and well—better than well, it was the lightest I’d felt her for days. Weeks, even. But I was forced to keep my mouth shut and deal with Terra.
She couldn’t know.
“Kearney, I hope you’ve savedsomeenergy. You’ll have more training this evening—and again in the morning.”
Bren blinked. “I will? I mean—yes, sir. Of course!”
My lips thinned, but I turned to Terra, whose eyes snapped to me from Bren. “Thank you for your help. Do you require an escort back to the Keep? I have duties for Furyknight Kearney, but they can be delayed for a short time.”
Terra tipped her head. “Soattentiveof you, sir, to seek out Furyknight Kearney when the task isn’t urgent.”
“Oh, it’s urgent,” I pretended to grumble. “I only don’t mind delaying her sleep that much longer if it means you’re safe on your return.”
Terra’s lips curled up on one side. “You’re very kind, General. But if Bren has more duties this evening, she should get to them. She needsrest.”
And Terra gave mea look.
I went still, stopping myself from reacting with the unease and shock I felt. But thank God, Terra gave Bren a quick hug, then continued down the road with a simple wave and farewell. While I stood with Bren, pretending to review orders, until Bren couldn’t see her around the corner in the road anymore.
Then, to my surprise and delight, Bren threw herself into my chest.
‘It was good, Donavyn! I did it!’
‘Did what?’
She squeezed me tighter. I wanted nothing more than to hold her, but we couldn’t be sure who else might be on the road tonight. So, after a very quick embrace, I stepped back and met her eyes.
‘Terra wanted me to have alast resort, as she called it.’
I frowned. “What, precisely—”
“She’s given me some herbs that, if added to a drink, or food, will make a man feel drunk, then go to sleep in a short time,” she said quietly, looking up and down the road to make sure we weren’t overheard, but her smile broadened and her eyes twinkled. “We were practicing—and I managed to get powder into two men’s drinks without them noticing!” she said, hopping up and down, then pressing her hands to her stomach.
“You knocked them out?!” I blurted, but she laughed and shook her head, dropping her chin and sending the next words.‘Donavyn, it was practice, just a small mix of salt and sugar. Harmless. But they were sober men who paid me attention. And I did it! The first one took some time, but I did it twice! Neither of them noticed.’
She beamed up at me, clearly thrilled, and I realized how long it had been since she felt like she’d had a victory.
Shit.
“That’s really great, Bren. Well done,” I said quietly, wishing I could touch her.
Bren was less restrained. She grabbed my arm with both hands for a moment and leaned in. “And I got myself out of the conversations without making them angry, too—Terra said it’s a really important skill to find reasons to stop a conversation that won’t raise a man’s suspicion.”
Terra was right, but… fuck. The words rose in my throat to warn her, to caution. But she was sohappy.I nodded, Kgosi’s words echoing in my head.
Be her leader, Donavyn. Be her strength. Do not be the voice that tells her she has reason to be afraid.
She realized she was holding me, and she let go. But she smiled up at me with such delight, I couldn’t help but smile in return. “Congratulations, Love,” I murmured. “I knew you could do this.”
“I know it’s a little thing. But it felt like I was finally doing something that mighthelpme—and Terra’s giving me a couple of small vials, so I can carry them on me. She says you never know when you might need a reason to get a man to the floor…”
