The talk continued as I blinked a bit, relaxing in the warmth. Others had been involved in the fight, names that I didn't know. But it was wonderful to be surrounded by my friends, warm and fed, with Keir by my side. I smiled, content, until I realized that Marcus had asked me a question. I blinked at him in confusion. He gave me a wry smile. "Enough. Herself is exhausted, and we wear her out with this chatter." Keir looked into my face, concerned. "Lara?"
Marcus stood. "Out, all of you. I've a Warprize and a Warlord to put to bed." Keir scowled and opened his mouth to protest, but Marcus snorted. "A Warlord who has not slept these last few days. Or eaten, for that matter."
Simus stood and stretched. "I'll sleep out here, in front of the entrance. Are you others able to take the night?"
"There's not that much left." Rafe stood as well. "Another mug of kavage and we'll do until dawn." Prest nodded his agreement.
"Then we'll sleep and relieve you." Ander and Yveni rose and left.
"It seems we have no say," I chuckled, looking into Keir's face. His eyes flickered, and there was no amusement in those eyes. I stood, and stretched, reaching for Keir to steady myself. He reached for me as well.
"Some warm water, Warprize?" Marcus asked.
"That would be good." I nodded. "And another bowl of stew, Marcus." I tightened my grip on Keir's hand and took a step toward the sleeping area.
Keir swept me up in his arms and carried me over to the bed.
"Keir, it's just a few steps!"
He stopped and looked over his shoulder. Marcus took the hint, and closed off our portion of the tent. We were finally alone. Out from under the prying eyes of both friend and foe. Keir eased me down to my feet. I placed my hands on his chest and looked up into his weary tired eyes, and smiled. "Keir . . ."
He took me in his arms, and claimed my mouth with his.
Chapter 18
In the past day, I'd passed through curiosity, terror, fear, and despair, only to find myself in Keir's arms. I sighed, and melted against him. I was tired and dirty, but far more important, I was home. I leaned in, letting him take control of the kiss, answering his passion with my own. His arms crushed me to his chest. But the rings of his mail pressed into my palms, and I broke the kiss, hissing at the pain. Keir took my hands in his and gently started to work the bandages loose. He cursed when he saw the abused flesh underneath.
"It's not that bad," I whispered. "They're better than they were." Apparently, that didn't impress him. "Marcus!" Keir called out, not bothering to lift his eyes from my hands.
"Warlord?" Marcus answered from the main area.
"Fetch Lara's satchel." Keir brushed his fingers over my hands. I shivered at that slight touch. They did look better to my eyes, the swelling was down and the redness greatly eased. But Keir remained unimpressed. He eased me over to sit on the edge of the bed. Marcus coughed and entered with my satchel. He raised an eyebrow at the sight. "Next time, wear gloves."
I smiled, but Keir didn't see the humor. "As if she had a choice," he barked. I jerked my head back in surprise at the tone in his voice. Keir still wasn't looking at me as he continued.
"I throw her on a horse, no saddle, no reins, and expect—"
"And I'm taken to safety," I pointed out gently. "As you planned."
"Planned!" Keir grabbed my satchel and tore it open violently. His voice was filled with disgust. "I'd thought you safe and—"
"Find the green jar." I kept my voice mild, but I feared for my satchel and its contents, the way Keir was rooting around. If he broke the jar with the ehat musk in it, we'd all regret it. "Marcus, I could use more kavage. And more stew, if there is any left." Marcus gave me a nod and turned to go. "Oh, and gurt, if you've any."
Marcus turned, and raised his eyebrow.
I shrugged. "I'm hungry."
"At least you eat," he grumbled, with a sharp look at Keir. "I'll bring what I can." With that he vanished beyond the flap.
Keir had the jar now, the contents of my satchel strewn about the bed. He reached for my hands, but I pulled them away. "They'll bring water for washing, Keir. Once they're clean, we'll put on the salve." I gave him a smile as I toed off my shoes. "Why not take off your armor?"
"No. Better to be prepared in case of attack."
I raised an eyebrow. "You're not sleeping next to me in that. My hair will get caught, and then where will we be?"
His laugh burst out, catching him by surprise, and I knew that he'd remembered exactly when my hair had gotten caught in his mail. But he shook his head just the same.
My stubborn Warlord. I leaned in close. "Keir, I want you in my bed this night, and all the nights of our lives. Skin to skin, beloved."
