I draw in a careful, deep breath. The pain is still there, sharp and stubborn beneath my ribs, but the magic has dulled the worst of it. “Yes.”
“I still do not think you should ride today.” Meryl studies me. “You really should take time to rest and recover.”
I already knew she would say that. “I’ll be fine.”
She arches a brow. “The king said you were stubborn.”
I almost smile at that, but then sadness tightens my chest again as I think of Auren.
Meryl glances toward the tent entrance where he stands just beyond the canvas speaking with one of his soldiers. Even from here I can see how often his gaze drifts back toward me, as though some part of him refuses to let me out of his sight.
“I will tell the king we must delay,” she says. “You need to—”
“No,” I say quickly. “We need to get everyone to the mountain, where it’s safe.”
“You don’t have to prove anything, my queen,” she says in a voice so low, I’m sure no one else can hear. “You’ve already earned the respect of our people with your bravery. They will understand that you need another day to heal.”
“It’s alright,” I insist. Gritting my teeth, I push myself up to sitting. “I’ll manage just fine.”
“Alright.” Meryl’s expression softens as she pats my hand. “But if the pain worsens, you must let me know.”
“I will,” I promise.
When she leaves the tent I sit there for a moment longer, staring at the folds of the bedroll beneath my hands while the weight of the past few days settles heavily in my chest.
Auren’s been so attentive it’s almost unbearable. Last night, every small sound I made woke him. He held me like I was something precious, easing my pain with his magic, and I hate how much warmth that memory stirs in me even now.
Pushing my thoughts aside, I somehow manage to get to my feet. Lyrea and Ailyn come and keep me company, while everyone finishes packing up our camp, until Dain comes to get them.
When I step out of the tent, Auren immediately heads toward me. His gaze travels over my form, concern shadowing his eyes. “Are you sure you’re up for this? We can stay behind with a few of the guards.”
“I’m fine,” I insist.
Over his shoulder, I see Meryl frown at my statement, and I narrow my eyes at my husband. “You told the healer I was stubborn.”
He blinks. “Well… you are, Vivienne.”
“Well, that doesn’t mean you have to tell everyone,” I huff. “If you spread rumors like that, people will think I’m difficult.”
A smirk twists his mouth. “Perhaps ‘resolute’ might be a better word then?” He rubs his chin thoughtfully. “How about… tenacious?”
I scoff. “That’s just another word for stubborn.”
He leans in, dropping his voice to a low whisper as he arches a teasing brow. “Are you saying you’re not?”
I cross my arms over my chest. “I am simply determined.”
“Verydetermined,” he replies with a grin. “Which I normally adore about you,” he adds. “But not today, my dear wife.” His expression sobers. “Not when you’ve been injured and could do with some rest.”
“I said I’m fine and I meant it.” Huffing out a frustrated sigh, I stop short of rolling my eyes. “Besides, I’ll have plenty of time to rest while we’re riding.”
As if in agreement, Vaelen moves to my side and nuzzles my arm. It takes me a moment before I realize he’s trying to get me to lie down.
“I’m alright, Vaelen,” I reassure him, stroking the fur. “Truly.”
His golden eyes flick to mine a moment, and his brows rise ever so slightly as if questioning this before he looks back at Auren and chuffs.
“See,” Auren says. “He agrees with me. Don’t you, Vaelen?”
