“No,” I cut him off. I didn’t need anyone else coming to my cabin and disturbing my peace. “It’s fine. I’ll make sure she gets adequate rest and will return her to the castle tomorrow morning.”
“Perfect.” Nevan patted the little pocket on his dark green shirt and pulled out a quill. “I’ll leave you some instructions. I’m going to chat with her a bit, and then I really should get back to the castle. I have appointments all day.”
I wasn’t sure what caused me to say the next words that came out of my mouth, but they burst out before I could stop them. “Nevan?”
He turned.
“You’re welcome back any time. Maybe next time, bring a few ales.”
My brother smiled, dimples showing. “Yeah, that would be nice.”
He turned and entered the bedroom to check on Niamh.
CHAPTER 16
Niamh
My eyes blinked open, sunlight piercing them, and I tried to sit up, but my head spun, causing me to fall back into the bed.
What in the bloody godwitch had happened to me? I felt like I’d been hit by a boulder. Every part of my body ached, weak and shaky.
“I’ve got a tincture,” a voice said, low and quiet. “It’s okay. Her body just got overwhelmed.”
“I shouldn’t have pushed her so hard,” another agonized voice said, and I recognized it: Wolfe.
Suddenly the entire morning came flooding back: the training, the way I’d felt so sick and tired but hadn’t wanted to say anything, the water, and then... I groaned. I’d definitely thrown up on Wolfe. I threw an arm over my face, burning with embarrassment. How was I ever going to defend myself against an attacker when I couldn’t even handle a simple training session? Wolfe probably thought me pathetic, and after this, he’d treat me like the fragile little piece of glass everyone else always had. For some reason, that made me sad. I likedhow Wolfe acted toward me—liked that he saw me have a total panic attack in front of a fire and didn’t treat me differently after that, didn’t coddle me.
“She likely didn’t know her limits,” the other voice said, “and neither did you. Don’t be too hard on yourself.”
Wolfe just grunted in response.
“Well, looks like someone is awake.”
I blinked a few times, realizing Nevan stood in the doorway, a kind smile on his face that revealed adorable dimples. His green shirt was tucked into black pants with suspenders, and I could make out the definition of his arms. He and Cillian had similar builds, though Nevan was the leanest of the three.
I pushed myself up, this time able to stomach it as I rested against the headboard. That was when I realized I wasn’t in my room... this one was sparse, with log walls... and basically nothing else.
I was in Wolfe’s cabin, most likely in his bed, and my stomach did a flip.
Nevan strode forward. “Your color is already returning. I gave you a tincture while you slept. It’s a mixture of a few magical items, but I won’t bore you with the details. It’s meant to hydrate you and give your body the nutrition it needs to feel all better after that intense training session.”
My cheeks burned at the reminder.
He smiled. “Bed rest for the day, and then you can resume all normal activities.”
“Wolfe called you?” I asked, my voice raspy.
Nevan nodded. “Sent a bird to the castle, and I could tell by his scribbled handwriting that he was in a panic.”
That surprised me. I figured he’d be annoyed, not worried. “Could you let Morton and Cillian know where I am? I don’t want either of them to think the castle swallowed me or something.”
“Sure,” Nevan said. “And if you’re not feeling well, let Wolfe know so he can send another bird, but I think you’ll be in good hands.”
I shot straight up. “I’m staying here? In Wolfe’s bed?”
Nevan frowned. “Well, you’re too weak to walk all the way back tothe castle and your tower. I could try and call for a cart and horse to carry you, and then we could help you to your room. Maybe Wolfe could carry you?—”
“No!” I burst out, thinking about how much I’d liked the feel of his hard chest under my palms earlier, how good it had felt as his huge hands gripped my hips. “That’s not necessary. It’s fine. I’m fine. Here. In Wolfe’s bed.”
