He was gone for longer than I expected, and Kaia was right—I was wrecked.
I slowly drew myself up and began my laborious journey back to my chambers. People who normally acknowledged me, even if it was just with a quick bow, walked straight past me. It was as if they didn’t recognize this version of their princess—the one who had used so much power she was dripping sweat onto the floor.
It wasn’t long before an irritated voice called out behind me. “Why can you never just stay put?”
“Who, me?” I scoffed and crossed my arms, instantly regretting it as it threw off my center of balance that was already shaky. Iattempted to recover and told myself I’d only stumbled slightly. Maybe he hadn’t noticed it.
His gaze roved over me. “You look like you’re going to fall over.”
Who was I kidding? Of course he had noticed. He noticed everything. “Gee, thanks. Just what a girl likes to hear.”
Giving up, I leaned against the wall. The coolness of the stone sank through my leathers. Leaning was good. Better than standing upright.
“What did Kaia have you doing?” There was concern in his voice, and he took a step forward as if he was prepared to catch me should I start to fall.
I shrugged, tipping my head against the cool stone. “What doesn’t she have me do? Today it was blocking her sword of air with one of fire.”
An eyebrow shot up. “You’re wielding channelblades already?” The concern turned to astonishment. Had I actually managed to impress him?
“I suppose so.” I slumped a bit more against the wall. At this rate, I was going to inch myself down the wall until I landed in a sweaty heap.
He scrubbed a hand through his hair. “Damn, Princess. I’m impressed. Normally students have to wait several years before working with that level of power.”
“I’m guessing she doesn’t think I have years,” I said weakly.
He gave me a sharp look but changed the subject. “I need to head out.”
He’d actually told me.
Something must have shown on my face because his eyes darkened. He took a step closer, his hand coming to rest on the wall near my head. “I promised, Princess. I’ll never break a promise to you,” he said solemnly.
My heart soared with his words. And then it fell just as quickly. “But you only just got back.”
“I know.” I couldn’t place the emotion in his voice. Sadness, perhaps?
“Take me with you,” I blurted out.
“Absolutely not.” He crossed his arms, a picture of immovable strength.
“Why not? I can use my channels. I can handle channelblades?—”
“In a controlled environment. This is different.”
“I need to see what we’re really facing. What mypeopleare really facing.” I shoved off the wall to stand in front of him, but misjudged my balance. His hands shot out to steady me, gripping my waist. The momentum carried me forward until I was resting against his chest. I tilted my head back to look at him, prepared to continue my argument.
“Please, Griff.”
For a moment, something flickered behind his mask. Was he tempted? But it was quickly replaced by that stone resolve. “Not this time, Princess.” His hands flexed at my waist. “When you’re stronger. And not about to collapse in my arms from exhaustion.”
“I’m fine?—”
“You were leaning against that wall, and now me, because you can barely stand upright. Continue training, Princess. Continue getting stronger. Then I’ll take you.”
I saw the promise written in his face. “I’m going to hold you to that, Griffin Narvene.”
“I’d expect nothing less. Come on.” He released me slowly, then held out his arm. “Let’s get you back to your room before you fall on your face.”
I took his arm, feeling the accompanying jolt, and let some of my weight rest against him. A feeling of rightness settled in me, so strong I was surprised it wasn’t flowing out of me, as if this, right here, was exactly where I was supposed to be.
