novelraw Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Four
Back at the Emerald Mermaid, after a long soak in the tub, Nadia sat close to the hearth in an attempt to dispel the cold that went soul deep. She’d scrubbed until her skin was chafed bright pink, but could still feel Roland’s hands on her, in her, each time she closed her eyes. She shuddered. When she’d arrived home, Gregor had personally carried her into her chamber and laid her on the bed. He’d reluctantly left her in Arriana’s care.
She winced as Arriana pulled the comb through her damp hair, jolting her back to the present. Roland, the son of a Gazon Goat, had ripped some of her hair out at the roots, leaving her scalp bruised.
“He blames himself. As if he wasn’t fighting for his own life only hours before.” She glanced over her shoulder at her sister. “It makes no sense.”
Arri parted Nadia’s hair and began to braid. “He cares for you. And he’s a man. I believe the combination creates an irrational need to protect.”
She flinched when Arri reached over her shoulder, brushing her bruised jaw. She’d let Arri heal her enough that her clothes no longer irritated open cuts, but had made her leave the bruises. The dark circles under her sister’s eyes told the story of what it had taken to save Gregor’s life the day before.
“I ought to flay Pell alive for allowing Roland to make off with you,” Arriana repeated for the fifth time.
Nadia shrugged. “And get himself killed in the process? Come now, Arri.”
“It seems awfully convenient that you both were thrown from that wagon, yet only you were taken.”
“Bah, you’re ridiculous. He’s a loyal friend, and I couldn’t have done this without him.” She met her sister’s disgruntled gaze. “He followed me into exile. He’s looked as hard for our nephew as I have.” Her sister opened her mouth, and Nadia shook her head. “No, he’s as much a victim as I.”
A knock sounded and Nadia sighed. “Come.”
Gregor opened the door to the bed chamber she kept at the Mermaid, a prettily wrapped package in his hand. His eyes noted each bruise visible on her face and neck, before sliding over the short silk robe she wore.
“I can come back when you’re dressed,” he said, devouring her with his gaze.
Arriana set the comb aside and walked to the door. “They’re just legs and arms. She’s not flashing her breasts and other lady parts.” With a roll of her eyes, Arriana left the room, pulling the door closed firmly behind her.
Gregor smiled and shook his head. “Doesn’t have much patience for our stuffy views, does she?”
Nadia pulled her hair over her shoulder and finished plaiting it into a loose braid. “In Diomere, women would parish from the heat if we were to stay wrapped in so much fabric from chin to ankle and wrist.” When Gregor didn’t reply, she glanced up to see him watching her, an odd look on his face. “What?”
“Do you realize how beautiful you are?”
“Once, perhaps, but those days are long past.” She lifted a hand to the scar bisecting the right side of her face.
Gregor crossed to stand in front of her and pulled her hand away from her face. “It adds an edge of danger. I find it irresistible.”
Nadia met his gaze, could see he meant it, and felt her heart soften. The fire flared, cracking one of the logs as her a’mi reacted to her emotions. Grabbing the poker, Gregor bent to rearrange the logs. Nadia focused inward to see the symbol for flame glowing brightly in her mind’s eye. She cut the flow of a’mi, shutting down the link to her emotions as she’d learned when her abilities first developed. The flames died back down.
Gregor handed her the package and sat on the chaise beside her. “For you.”
She pulled apart the paper, revealing the worn cover of a book. “The Battle at Lycia?” Warmth filled her stomach. “How did—?” She cut herself off before she mentioned the dreams.
“Your sister was grumbling about the piles of books stacking every surface in your chambers,” he said, glancing toward a teetering stack near her elbow. “A love of literature is something we share.” His gaze clouded in confusion. “My gut told me you’d enjoy this one.”
She smoothed her fingers over the worn cover. And just like that, he unknowingly took possession of her heart. Fear held her frozen, the longing to grab hold of him and never let go an overwhelming yearning. Gods, if Lareina hadn’t seen the need and sent Arri—.
“I thought I was going to lose you,” she whispered.
He trailed a finger over the fresh cut marring the scar, making her skin tingle. She closed her eyes as his finger moved from the scar to her lips, and over her chin.
“Arri told me you were worried for me,” Gregor murmured. His soft lips touched the top of her scar and followed the same path as his fingers. “It’ll take much more than a little poison to take me from you before I get to convince you that we belong together.”
Though she knew she shouldn’t, she longed to reach up, run her hands over his shirt. He was meant to be her heartbonded. Even now her a’mi urged her to complete the bonding. She resisted. He deserved to know all her secrets, for her to be open and honest with him before she asked him to accept a bond which could only end with death. What if her Mer form disgusted him? You know better than that.
His lips slid over hers, hot and firm. He kept the kiss shallow, tugging at her lower lip, easing the sting with his tongue, then sucking on her top lip. A low, soft moan filled the room, a sensually female sound only he could pull from her. Gregor broke the kiss and pulled her against his chest, resting his chin on her head. She listened to his heart pound in his chest, loving that he was as affected as her.
“Do you really think you’ll ever find your nephew?”
“I’ll never stop until I return him to Diomere and those responsible are made to pay.”
“You believe he’s alive. With someone here in Thuno,” he said knowingly.
Nadia glanced up at him, then away. “I’m the closest I’ve ever been.”
Gregor leaned back and studied her face, then picked up her hands. “Let me help you. All of Prince Stefan’s resources will be at your disposal.”
Nadia’s pulse pounded a rapid staccato. She met his gaze, read the sincerity there. Had she ever met a man so unselfish? Her heart urged her to simply let go of the past and embrace the future. However, the voice of reason in her mind knew that she couldn’t reward his heartfelt gesture with one of selfishness. And that’s what it would be. Selfish.
Nadia squeezed Gregor’s fingers. “I appreciate the offer more than you know, but this is my responsibility.”
Disappointment flashed in his amber eyes. “So independent. I should count myself lucky that you aren’t jumping to use my connection to Prince Stefan, too, but somehow I don’t. I need you to want my help.”
Nadia’s heart wept at the hurt in his voice, but she shook her head. “I have to do this myself.”