“Thanks, Farrah.”
“Of course. Do you need anything else?”
I look over at Auri, who shakes her head at me. “I think we’re good thanks.” Farrah disappears, and I help Auri out of her clothes and into the soft shirt and pants Farrah brought for her. They’re too big of course, but we make them work. I slip on another set of clothes. The pants are short, but they’ll do. After I get Auri settled in bed, I crawl in next to her. Her breathing evens out almost immediately, and I figure I’ll fall asleep right awayas well. But sleep doesn’t find me as I stare up at the ceiling. My mind won’t relax, and I keep thinking through the attacks. I can’t get away from the guilt that rides me hard. The members of the Dragon Kingdom couldn’t figure out why the Northerners and the Southerners were finally pairing up, and all I can think is that it’s my fault. They saw Red and came to attack. I wonder how many deaths there were today, and I wonder absently if Rauk is okay. I huff out a quiet laugh to myself; of course, he’s okay. He's Rauk; he’s too stubborn to get hurt. Still, there’s a disconcerting feeling inside me that won’t go away, no matter how many times I try to fall asleep. I finally sit up and slip on my boots. I grab a fur and wrap it around me and slip out into the hallway and make my way downstairs.
It’s quiet, and I walk over to the fireplace and sit a few feet from it. There’s an empty feeling in my chest that I don’t quite know what to do with. I reach out to Redara, hoping I’m not waking her.Are you settled okay?
I guess.
Her answer doesn’t really surprise me. She and Noxlyn have been inseparable since we got to the Dragon Kingdom.I’m sorry you had to leave him behind.
It was the safest thing for Auri.
I notice you didn’t say the same for me,I point out.
The safest place for you will always be by your mate’s side.
I snort at that.Right. She doesn’t comment on my sarcasm.Did you hear anything more about Elowen?
Yes, Nox said she’s safe and whole.
Relief fills me. Good.Thank you.
You should sleep.
I know.But I can’t bring myself to move.You need rest too; it was a long flight. Thank you for getting us here safely.
Of course.
My mind doesn’t settle, and it’s a long time before I finally head back to bed. And when I sleep, it’s fitful. I feel like I’ve only just shut my eyes when somebody shakes me lightly. “Harper.”
It takes me a moment to remember where I’m at. Once I remember, I roll over. “Hey, Kiddo, you okay?”
“There’s a cramp in my leg,” she says through a clenched jaw.
I get out of bed quickly and walk over to her side of the bed. I start taking her legs through the gentle movements Elowen taught me. It takes a few minutes for the tension in her face to ease. I keep going until she finally lays her head back on the pillow. “That’s better. Thank you.”
“Yeah.” Giving her leg one last pat, I stand up. “Did you sleep well?”
She shrugs and watches me. “Are you getting up now?”
I stretch out the muscles in my back, which are weary from holding us both up all day yesterday. “Yeah, I’m too awake to go back to sleep.” I don’t tell her that sleeping’s pretty pointless anyway. “Are you?”
“I can’t sleep now either.”
I look over at her. “We probably both need a bath after riding on Red all day.” She nods but doesn’t say anything. I rub my hands together. “Okay. Let me get the water going.” When I come back, I walk over to her side of the bed. “All right. Ready?” I bend over, and she puts her arms around my neck. I take abreath and pull her up and into my arms. The muscles in my back scream at me, but I push through. When we get to the bathroom, I set her down on the side of the large tub and hand her a towel. “All right. Take off your top and use that, and then I’ll help with your pants. I turn around to give her a minute.
“Okay,” she says softly. We make quick work of her pants together, and I don’t give her a chance to get embarrassed. We turn her so her legs are in the water, and then she uses her arms to help lower herself in.
“Is that good?” I ask.
“Yes.”
“Okay, I’ll give you some time. Let me know when you’re ready for me to help you get out.”
I head back into our room and make the bed. When she’s ready, I go to work trying to get her out. Getting her out is a whole lot more complicated than getting her in. By the time we get her back in the clothes Farrah loaned us, we’re both breathing heavy. I help her get settled on the bed. “All right. Let me get a bath and then we’ll see about getting some food.”
As soon as I finish, I dress in the clothes that Farrah gave me and walk into the bedroom. “Are you starving?” I ask Auri, who’s sitting quietly on the bed. I frown at her. “Why are you being so quiet?”
