“That’s…you…” Varic rakes both hands through his hair, now that he’s straightened. His gaze roves my face as everything in my body screams for him to say what he’s thinking.
“Fuck!” He looks up at the sky before enveloping my frigid fingers within the warmth of his own. We turn and look at Malin, who nods to confirm we are still safe to talk.
“First, you blocked Cirrin’s healing in your sleep, and now you’ve learned you can block an Elder Dragon’s telepathy without even trying?” He searches my expression before adding, “We can’t let anyone know you have ever been capable of warding, especially not with the strength of your power.”
Tears spring to my eyes as he circles the center of my palm with the pad of his thumb. “We already knew you’d been using force magic, but this proves that your ability surpasses any documented.”
“They’re coming,” Malin reports.
My heart lodges in my throat when Varic leans in to whisper, “Blocking telepathy is not something we are trained to do, because no sorcerer has ever been powerful enough to achieve this type of warding. It has only ever been something theorized as a possibility. That, perhaps with advancements in training, we might one day achieve.” He leans back and pins me with a meaningful look. “I am believed to be the strongest force sorcerer in the Empire, and yet I cannot imagine the skill required to block something as strong as a Dragon’s telepathy.”
His explanation evokes the kind of emotions I would need to expel by screaming as my stomach churns. So overcome with this nauseating sensation, I may lose the lunch I made myself eat.
“I don’t understand. I don’t know how to use this. I’ve never even tried.” Of course, you have, the Imperial Grand Witch imparts from the recesses of my mind. How else do you think we’ve survived?
Varic’s expression grows worried the longer I stare off in the distance, unable to hide the desperation growing within as he pulls me to his chest, wrapping his arms around me for one quick squeeze as he siphons the bulk of my distress. My heart drops when he relinquishes his hold, though his eyes remain on me as he steps away.
A tingling sensation remains everywhere his body was connected with my own, until the pulsing warmth of his magic takes his place, embracing me with the shimmering amber shield. Protecting me and offering a modicum of comfort now that the Emperor and his Guards are approaching.
Chapter Fifty-One
River
Pink clouds climb with the sunrise in ribbons of citrine and rose peeking over the canopy as we step out of the carriage.
“Proceed to your transportation where you will remain until it is time for us to dine," Lorn directs those who have just returned from attending to their own hygiene. “Imperial Guards are the only exception.”
Our traveling party moves toward their respective carriages as my Guards surround me.
“This way,” Drusilla says, carrying a basket full of my hygiene supplies while Lars and Malin carry my trunk and Fray and Cirrin bring the Guards’.
She guides us down a thin path barely clear of swaying branches, which gives way to a broad river winding past boulders over a pebbled shore.
“Careful,” Varic warns, as he throws his arm out before my chest.
I pause and look down, then step around the errant tree root, which would have surely tripped me had he not intervened. “Thank you.”
Drusilla glances back, dropping her gaze to where Varic’s arm still braces against my middle.
We straighten and continue on toward the river while I focus on avoiding obstacles without needing him to warn me.
Drusilla instructs Lars and Malin on where to set my trunk, then proceeds to pull out the necessary items, which she folds on top once it’s closed. She holds a black towel out to Varic, which he takes with raised brows.
I follow behind her as she grabs another small black cloth and a bottle of soap from the basket.
While the air is balmy, the water will most likely carry a chill, and I despise the fact that I am going to shiver naked in this river while my Guards stand fully clothed on the shore.
“Strip,” Drusilla says, and I stare back in confusion, since I cannot possibly unfasten the buttons running down my back. “What? Do you need assistance?”
I blink at her, unsure what sort of game she is playing.
“Here.” Varic passes the towel back to Drusilla before stalking toward me.
His breath displaces the hairs around the nape of my neck as he huffs, undoing each button quickly, proving once again that he can move faster than the first time he attempted this in my bedchamber.
“Varic,” I whisper, trying to keep my lips from moving.
“What?” he responds at full volume. “You obviously cannot undress yourself, and if she is going to refuse, then I will do it for you.”
