"That is because I was," I say, trying to sound cheerful, the tone causes a tickle in my throat, and I cough again.
"So then obviously you are not okay," Sam growls.
"You should see the other guy," I quip. Now that I am away from the whole situation, I cannot help but be proud of how I performed.Yes, it got a little touch and go at the end there… and really if Sorin was not there I am not sure how much longer I could have held the man off, but I did hold him off. A couple of weeks ago I would not have been able to, and I cannot help but smile at the accomplishment.
"Oh, I would like to," Sorin and Sam say simultaneously, their bodies full of tension.
"Well, hopefully we will not have to," I say. The adrenaline high is quickly turning into exhaustion. I blink sleepily at the two men, rubbing my eyes.
"Did he get away?" Sam asks, not noticing my shift in mood.
I nod. A couple seconds later, I hear a door slam.
There is a pause, and then I look up to notice that now only Sorin and Baldar remain. I sigh.
"Alaceandra is exhausted,"Baldar states."I assume she had to use her powers while she was defending herself against the enemy. As your connection is not fully complete this likely has drained her. She will need to rest."
"It has still not been completed?" Sorin asks, pursing his lips.
"No, it cannot be until the solstice but fear not it is quite strong. A short nap should fix her right up."
"You guys can hear each other?" I ask.
Sorin smiles. "Yes, a relatively new discovery," he supplies. "Come let's get you to bed."
A shiver runs through me. "I do not know if I should."I definitely do not want to run into whoever is haunting my dreams right now.
"Do not be afraid, Alaceandra. I will not leave your side. You will rest easy this morning."
"Okay," I say hesitantly. Sorin starts to pick me up, but I stop him. "I will walk."
He puts his hands up. "If you insist. Let's sleep in my quarters. I want to keep watch over you."
I smile at him. "Sounds good."
Chapter fifty-five
Revelations
Sorin
Ialmost fucking lost her. Again.I stare down at the beautiful, sleeping woman in my arms. I try to memorize every peaceful curve and dip of her still form.I am just glad that I was able to get to her in time. Seeing her like that…I kiss the top of her head.It was torture. It is torture.I knew from the moment we laid eyes on that rock with her prophecy etched in it that her fate was sealed, but it had to be done. I know that this will only bethe beginning of the trials that her life is going to put her through before she chooses, but I cannot help but wish I could steal her away from it all. That I could hold her here, in my arms, and protect her forever. That I could warn her.But I can't. I fucking can't.No matter how many spells I cast. No matter how many potions I concoct, this stupid spell leaves me utterly powerless to do the one thing that I need to do. That I vowed to do, and I need to come to terms with that.
I am in love with this woman.I am in love with Alaceandra, and I can't fucking protect her.A tear trails down my cheek, and I let it fall.I hope one day she can learn to protect herself.
Alaceandra
After a peaceful nap, Sorin walks me back over to my quarters.
"I think you should take the rest of the day easy. We can continue your lessons tomorrow. I need to go collect some wood for Sylvie for dinner tonight. Please stay in your room."
"I will." I hug Sorin. I am feeling a lot better after my nap. I have not been able to sleep with him since our adventures in the woods together. Although the prince has become quite a nice sleeping partner, I really needed the familiarity of Sorin's arms today.
"Good. If you are feeling up to it, feel free to join me and Sam for dinner. It would be good if we are able to go over all that has happened today."
"I think that would be wise,"Baldar adds.
"Okay. I will plan on it. Thank you for caring for me Sorin." I place a gentle kiss on his chest.
