He lifted the crystal pitcher sitting on a small table beside the bed and poured water into a goblet. She propped the pillow against the headboard to sit up straight before swallowing half of the fresh liquid in one gulp.
“Thank you. I needed this.”
She didn’t have the strength to ask about Cameron’s funeral for now but she’d do it later, once the pain in her chest ceased hurting so much. The loss of her love. Then she’d also sit by his grave, and cry.
“So, I’m in Palance. Where exactly?”
“In a guest chamber of the royal castle.”
“You don’t say.”
She opened big eyes at her shaman. Her astonishment seemed to amuse him because a grin lightened his gaunt features.
“I can even tell you that the king and the queen came to visit you once. They were very curious about you.”
“I can’t believe they offered me sanctuary.”
“Believe it, dear girl, for it is true. I must say you’ve become quite the legend around here since your arrival.”
“Me? A legend?”
He nodded, his smile beaming with pride. She tensed with uneasy expectation when he took hold of her hand again.
“I’ve known from the start that you were a special girl, Ariana. I sensed you’d accomplish great deeds, even before I realised you possessed magic, which is one of the reasons I chose to train you as a healer. Despite your abilities, I never imagined you’d save the world some day.”
Warmth crept up her cheeks as she heard admiration in his voice, yet the sensation of her hot flesh reminded her of Cameron’s constant teasing. His harsh tone if anger gripped him, his powerful hands gentle on her skin, his aching expression when he made love to her. Unable to voice a single comment, she swallowed the lump blocking her throat and kept silent to listen to her mentor.
“Dear child, I’d be delighted to acquaint you with everything that has been going on around Palance this past moon, but first I want to know what happened to you. So if you feel strong enough, please tell me.”
The thought of recounting the whole story wrenched her heart. Would she be able to relive the journey, to picture the Lord of the Clans’ hard face and the gut-tearing intensity of his brilliant silver gaze? To speak the name that hadn’t passed her lips since she woke up from the horror she endured?
She hesitated until her shaman’s expectant features prompted her to make her mind up. Sooner or later, she’d have to narrate the tale anyway, and she’d rather start with the man who had looked after her since she was born.
“Well, we travelled north after leaving Frahern. But you won’t understand it all if I don’t tell you first that we found magical keys in different shrines along the way. A disc, a square, and a triangle.”
“Yes, I know about the keys. Could you skip to the part where you used them to destroy the enemy?”
His impatience might have made her smile if not for the sudden wrongness that seized her mind and hastened the steady beat of her pulse. Her gaze fixed on him, she furrowed her brow.
“How do you know? I never said a word to you about the keys when we stayed in Frahern. Who told you?”
His surprised look sent shivers throughout her body. Mouth suddenly parched, heart expanding in her ribcage, she froze as her shaman frowned and tilted his head in a puzzled gesture.
“Our Lord. Who else?”
Chapter Forty-Four
She felt entirely drained of blood. Her suddenly lifeless limbs slackened against the mattress while her face ached from cold. Hands and feet feeling like dead weights, she stared at the gaunt man.
“What lord are you talking about?”
She didn’t recognize her own, bland voice. His frown returned, along with an expression of deep concern she wasn’t used to seeing on him.
“Are you feeling well, child?”
“What lord are you talking about?”
She almost shouted, the itch in her throat completely forgotten. Taken aback by her outburst, the crease in his brow deepened, and he flinched as the words tumbled out of his mouth.
“Ours, of course. The Lord of the Clans. But you look like you’ve seen a mountain lion. Please, tell me what’s wrong?”
Blood flowed back in her veins while she wheezed air out of her lungs like a dying woman. Her heart thumped so hard that she had to press her hand against her chest to keep it from bursting out. Heat rushed back to her body with the force of a carriage at full speed, and her limbs came alive again.
A torrent of pure joy rocked her as she maintained the pressure on her chest. She felt like choking, or fainting, or breathing, perhaps, but she wasn’t able to tell anymore. Could it be possible?
“You spoke to Cameron?”
“Yes.”
“When?”
“Half a moon ago, when he brought you here. As I understand it, he found you unconscious in some kind of fortress and used a cart to transport you to Palance. What is it, Ariana? You’re scaring me.”
He was alive. His strong heart still pulsed and she’d hear his voice again, see the cherished face, run her finger along the scar slashing his cheek. Her tears began to flow freely this time, and she breathed happiness.
“By the Mighty Gods, you’re crying now.”
“No, don’t worry about it, I’m fine. A little emotional maybe, given what I’ve been through, but I’ve never felt better. Shaman, why didn’t you tell me Cameron was here as soon as I woke up?”
“You were together up north, so I assumed you knew he had rescued you. Who else would have brought you back?”
Who else indeed? Yet her mind wasn’t playing tricks on her, and she had really seen him succumb to his injuries. She loosened the pressure on her chest to grip her mentor’s fingers.
“Cameron died on that accursed mountain. I’m not delusional. I saw it happen with my own eyes.”
She had actually witnessed his death through the Lord of the Clans’ eyes, but she wasn’t about to launch into the matter of the body swap now. Clearly perceiving her distress, the gaunt man squeezed her hand.
“Tell me exactly what you saw.”
“The Darkening struck him right in the chest with black magic. I’m positive his wound was lethal because I wouldn’t have made such an error in judgement. He lay in my arms and you wouldn’t believe how much blood he lost. Then he just stopped breathing and there was nothing I could do.”
Her shaman pursed his lips with an air of deep contemplation before rubbing his knuckles against his chin.
“How many times did I ask you to pay more attention to my teachings? If you had followed my advice, you wouldn’t be so upset today.”
“What do you mean?”
“As you said, his wound must have been lethal, but he didn’t die from it. I’m fairly certain he fell into the state called Khoma. Haven’t I instructed you into the workings of this profound slumber that looks like death?”
Yes, he had. Dear Creators, he had, but the recollections only came now. As a trained healer, she should have thought of the Khoma while she compressed her lord's injury to stop the bleeding? Well, it didn’t matter anymore, but she still wondered how he came out of it to save her.
“What did Cameron say when you asked him?”
“Apart from the fact that you destroyed the evil, he said nothing. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but that man isn’t very talkative. He dodged all my questions and ordered me to take care of you.”
The wide grin that stretched her lips from one ear to the other seemed to please her shaman as he released her hand.
“I’m glad to see you find his callous behaviour amusing, but I guess you’ve gotten used to his ways by now.”
“That I have.”
She wiped drying tears off her cheeks and drank some fresh water, but couldn’t cease beaming like an overjoyed child as wild excitement tingled her every nerve. Now she really had to get out of this bed. She needed to dash outside, find him, and throw herself into his powerful arms. Unable to restrain
the ecstatic sensation clutching her whole body, she pushed the linen down.
“Where are my clothes?”
“That wouldn’t be reasonable, Ariana. You’ve just regained your senses. It’s better if you rest for a while.”
“I don’t want to rest. Now, give me my pants.”
He got to his feet with a long sigh before walking to the massive wardrobe. Although he retrieved her garments and handed them over, he didn’t look happy with her decision. She offered him her most reassuring smile as he paced to the window and stared outside. She discarded the short gown to get dressed.
“So, how is Cameron?”
“He’s been beside himself with worry since you two turned up in Palance. I’ve assured him that you’d be fine when you woke up, yet he has refused to leave your side. Did you know he’s stubborn as a bear?”
Her significant silence obviously prompted him to continue.
“Anyhow, let me tell you I had a very trying time to get him to eat, or catch some sleep. Maids were dispatched to freshen you up, but he commanded them to get out. He insisted on taking care of you himself. At some point, I even feared I might have to physically remove him from this bedchamber.”
No man removed the Lord of the Clans from anyplace if he didn’t feel so inclined, but she didn’t have the heart to ruin her mentor’s good intentions and fatherly attitude.
“Cameron can be obstinate when he puts his mind to it but, please, shaman, don’t take it personally.”
“I didn’t. Not after his quarrel with the queen anyway.”
“No, no, no. What did he do?”
“I haven’t been informed of the nature of the argument. It isn't my place anyhow. All I know is that our Lord requested something the queen wouldn’t give him. Considering that they’re both determined and hot-tempered people, words were exchanged. And not very nice words, mind you.”
Why would he alienate such an important woman? Although the tribes didn’t belong to Palance or any other territory, he must be aware that defying royalty wasn’t a judicious path to tread. Did something happen to him at the Black Fortress that might have prompted him to act in such a selfish manner?
On the other hand, why would the queen refuse to grant his wish when he’d just saved the Four Kingdoms? The fresh smell of lavender seeping from her shirt and pants, she finished dressing before sitting on the edge of the large bed to put her shoes on.
“It sounds like a bad argument. When did it occur?”
“Days ago.”
“Dear Creators, I can’t believe this. Tell me this ends well.”
“I wouldn’t wager on it. Apparently, the prince of Palance wanted to intercede for him, but our lord forbade it.”
He had certainly been busy while she lay unconscious on this cosy bed. This unreasonable display of authority sounded out of character, even if Cameron appreciated being alive and back in his own body. Yet for the life of her, she had no idea what to make of his headstrong attitude.
“He did?”
“Yes. That’s when the matter took a turn for the worst because our lord told the queen he’d do as he wished, whether she liked it or not.”
“Oh, by the Mighty Gods, what was he thinking?”
“Not a clue. I don’t understand that man. Here, child, come take a look at the royal city of Palance.”
Still facing the window, he beckoned to her. She walked to him and laid eyes on the royal grounds for the first time.
From where she stood, she caught sight of one part of the castle where guards kept the perimeter under surveillance. Many houses were built below, forming a circle around the palace. Up ahead, an imposing drawbridge protected the city from intruders and led to a vast plain bordered on one side by a dense forest.
“Impressive. Listen, shaman, I’d love to admire the view with you, but I want to see Cameron now. Where is he?”
“The prince of Palance requested his presence a while ago, though I’m sure he’ll be back as soon as he can dispense with the prince.”
He was in the castle. If she didn’t go to him, he’d come to her, and a rush of exhilaration knotted her stomach. Then she heard the metallic sound of a lock. She whirled round, her gaze flying to the door, her chest palpitating with the urgency of need.
Mouth dry, she ached from the furious pounding of her heart as the Lord of the Clans barged into the room.
Chapter Forty-Five
She ran to him.
He crushed her against his chest, engulfing her in his vigorous arms. In fact, he squashed her so hard she was barely able to breathe, but she couldn’t have cared less. Lacing her arms behind his neck, she pressed herself against him, and clung to him as if she’d fall off a cliff.
Nerve-wracking shivers possessed her entire body when he lifted her off the floor to bury his face in the crook of her neck. Weightless in his grip, she felt cherished and worshipped. She had never understood why people sometimes talked of dying of happiness, but she did now. He held her as though she might slip from his grasp, and her heart banged from too much felicity.
The rapid palpitations made her squeeze her eyes shut while he strengthened his hold on her and moaned against her ear.
“How I have missed you, flower.”
The unbridled passion in his voice heated her blood. Pulse going into frenzied flutters, limbs shaking with ardour, she dug her fingers into his fair hair as her vision blurred with blissful tears.
“I love you so much, Cameron. Don’t ever leave me, and don’t you ever die on me again. I mean it.”
He chuckled as he loosened his iron grip and gently put her down on the floor. The gray gaze hit her with the force of a battering ram when he levelled his face to look into her eyes. As she lost herself in the silver brilliance, she understood he was her lifeline. She loved the Lord of the Clans, and she wanted to spend the rest of her days with him.
Shuddering with emotion, she released the nape of his neck. She kept one hand around his broad shoulder and lowered the other to slowly trace his scar with a tender finger. He smiled, but he didn’t let go of her before leaning over and whispering against her cheek.
“I would tear off your clothes this instant to show you the power of my affection, but it seems we have company.”
“As long as you promise to do it later.”
The sight of his clenched jaw moved her. She knew how to arouse him with a few words, and didn’t feel ashamed to use this new power. The pleasure she derived from it made her want to topple her giant of a man onto the bed, and straddle him like she had done under the tent. Though not with her shaman in the same room, watching them with curiosity and interest.
“My lord, I’m happy to report Ariana is fine. I believe she may only need some nourishment.”
“Would you deal with it?”
“Certainly, my lord. I’ll give instructions to the maids.”
“Thank you.”
Her mentor hurried past them, but left the door open as he walked out of the bedchamber to find servants. Despite his obvious need to please his liege, she knew him too well to be fooled by his submissive behaviour.
“He’ll be back as quickly as he can.”
“I know. It still might give me enough time to do this.”
Her pussy throbbed as he cupped her face in his hands. A cramp of lust seized her belly when she saw his full mouth descend on hers. He kissed her, and the firm touch of his lips melted her.
Memories flashed in her mind. The strapping muscles of his chest, the flatness of his hard belly, the length and thickness of his cock challenging her. Assailed by the vivid recollections, she moaned as he parted her lips with his tongue. She opened her mouth to let him penetrate and stroke her.
The mighty Lord of the Clans kissed her as though his life depended on it. She sensed his uncontrollable relief in the way he pressed her against him and caressed her lips. He’d almost died before finding her unconscious, before fearing she might never come back to him.
But she had, and his deep
, impetuous kiss awakened powerful sensations. Her nipples hardened under her shirt as warmth tingled the inside of her thighs. She clutched his head while he ravaged her mouth with his tongue. Her body glued to his, she felt his hard-on pushing her navel. Soon it would be too late to back down, and they’d be swept away by their violent excitement.
Although the door was still wide open, he didn’t seem to care anymore. He slid his hands behind her head, and she used his movement to plunge into him even deeper. Their tongues united in a passionate dance, she trembled in his arms, as much aroused by the intense desire coursing through her body as by the sucking sounds sealing their kiss.
A discreet cough wrecked the magical instant, and they broke off to glance toward the source of the disrupting noise.
“I’m truly sorry to interrupt, but we need to talk. I must report to the king’s wizard, and some crucial matters cannot be delayed.”
Her shaman stood at the door, fingers around the handle, a light grin on his face belying his apologetic tone. She covered her hot cheeks with her hands while Cameron winced. He sharply turned away to stride toward the window. His back to them, he spoke in a cold voice.
“You choose your moment, shaman.”
“I apologise, my lord. I assure you my presence at this time is necessary, else I’d never have intruded on you.”
“All right. Ask.”
“The king’s wizard and myself must know where the keys are.”
So many frightening events had gone on in a short time that the disc, the square, and the triangle completely slipped her mind.
The last thing she recalled was that their magic had been spent to destroy the shield, and Cameron still held them as he died. She looked at him. He squared his shoulders but kept staring outside.
“The trinkets from the temples?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“They’re gone.”
“That is most unfortunate, but probably beyond our purview. May I enquire as to how the incident happened?”