Page 63 of Onyx Cage: Volume II
“Breathe, Lemmikki,” I told her in an undertone.
She nodded, inhaling just as the needle pierced her skin. A small whimper escaped her, and I squeezed her hand again, prompting another breath. Several shaky exhales and an eternity later, Gallagher tied off her neat sutures, his face markedly paler than it had been when he began.
“All right, Cousin. We need to get you home to rest.”
I wondered if whatever he did took energy from him, if he had continued healing her wound as he sewed it up. A thousand other questions danced through my mind, but nonethat mattered as much as the small bit of color returning to my lemmikki’s cheeks.
“Thank you,” she rasped out as he wrapped a bandage around her.
I removed my hand from her shoulder, scooping her up and getting to my feet in one fluid movement, before they had a chance to do something that would make me feel murderous again, like suggest that Korhonan help get her home.
Like hell was I entrusting her tohissafety.
Avani narrowed her eyes, ripping the picnic blanket to cover Rowan’s exposed skin.
“It would appear you have trouble obeying orders, Lord Stenvall,” she observed, having fully composed herself now that her sister was stable.
I didn’t bother telling her that my entire life had been following orders to the letter, an aspect of Socairan society that everyone here seemed to struggle with. Instead, I shrugged lightly, careful not to jostle Rowan where she pressed herself into my chest like she felt the same visceral need for closeness that I did.
Perhaps I wasn’t the only one unwilling to entrust her safety to anyone else right now.
“I didn’t draw my weapon, nor did I spill anyone’s blood,” I told the heir.
“Indeed.” Avani said drily. “I suppose we should be grateful, in any event.”
That was athank youworthy of any Socairan. I might have smiled under different circumstances. She took a breath that dripped with resignation, glancing at Rowan’s hand clutching my shirt with more strength than any recently stabbed person should possess.
I let my indifferent mask drop, allowing Avani to see the extent of my refusal to part with my lemmikki just now. Thecrown princess nodded, raising her chin the same way Rowan did just before she told a lie.
“If I can impose upon you further, perhaps you wouldn't mind taking Rowan on your horse, so she doesn’t reopen that wound.” Unlike her sister, Avani’s voice betrayed nothing of the false request.
“Of course.” I nodded graciously, like I was doing her the favor, playing to the show she must have put on for Korhonan’s sake.
A ghost of a smirk crossed her lips, contrasting with the tear tracks staining her lightly freckled cheeks.
“Perfect.” She gave another dip of her chin. “Gallagher, you and I will go with them so we can explain to my parents what happened. Theo will come with us. Gwyn and Davin can alert the local magistrate.”
Her nose wrinkled on the last word.
“Don’t worry, Cousin,” Davin responded, packing the last of the wine in the saddlebag. “MacFaddish might be an arseworm, but I recently happened upon the knowledge that he enjoys the company of the local Madame when his wife is off tending to her ailing mother, so I’m sure he’ll be more than accommodating.”
“And Auntie Jocelyn thinks your brothel visits are just for fun,” Avani said, shaking her head.
Korhonan appeared with his horse and mine, and I forced myself to give him a nod. He looked like he was debating offering to help me with Rowan, and a muscle clenched in my jaw.
Davin appeared at my side, nonchalantly holding his arms out while he talked to Avani. “Honestly, she doesn’t appreciate the sacrifices I make for our noble family.”
Korhonan mounted his horse without another word, and I reluctantly handed off Rowan to Davin long enough to climb onto my own horse, ignoring the small sound of protest she made.
Avani eyed the exchange but responded to Davin in the same casual tone.
“Indeed. Well, don’t make threats unless you need to.”
“I never do.” Davin gave her a smirk that didn’t reach his eyes.
It was clear from this interaction that the two knew how to play the political games, and play them well.
He turned his attention to Rowan. She was still too pale, her breathing still harsh and ragged.