“Yes.”
I picked up a glass and filled it to the brim, noticing that my hands were shaking.
“May, could you tell Sage that Lord Darragh is awake?” I asked, watching Tynan’s eyes taking in the new surroundings.
Then she was gone. For a moment, I listened to the sounds of footsteps and voices coming from the lower levels. Then I locked the door behind her and returned to the bed.
“Come here,” Tynan’s voice broke the silence.
“I didn't know you were awake.” I climbed into bed and carefully lied beside him.
Only now, I could finally relax. I did not have to pretend that I was strong. He was back. And the softest, deepest feeling of peace coated my body, and soothed my anxiety.
He watched me with his half closed eyes.
“How do you feel?” I asked.
“Fine.”
“There’s no more temple water. I’m afraid we have to use human medicine.”
Tynan moved his arm and his mouth pressed into a thin line.
“Does it hurt?” I asked.
“It’s not bad.”
“You have to rest. Every time I have an injury, sleep helps a lot,” I said, placing my head on the pillow.
“I’m not used to spending so much time in bed.” Tynan closed his eyes.
I turned to the side table and picked up a pitcher with a willow bark tincture and poured it into a cup.
“Here. Take this. I swear it’s not poisoned,” I added in a lighter tone.
His lips twitched, but he could barely sit up, so I placed the cup to his lips.
As he swallowed the medicine, I thought about touching his hair, and pressing my lips against his skin. But, I remained where I was, not wanting to hurt him.
“Alina, the next couple of days may get difficult,” he finally said.
“What do you mean?”
“Power has changed hands. Things are not settled, and I’m too injured to take control. I need at least another two days to heal enough.”
“What are you saying?”
“Don’t try to take any sides. Protect yourself.” He paused.
His dark umber eyes met mine and I saw a multitude of emotions. Worry, stubbornness, and somewhere deep down, traces of deep underlined fear.
“I need to know that you’re safe, no matter what’s to come,” he finally said.
“Don’t worry about me. Concentrate on getting better,” I said.
Now that he was awake, everything I had done seemed rushed, and not very well thought out. Did I just force him into marriage without knowing if he would even agree to it? My courage left me. I could not tell him what had happened while he was unconscious.
“What’s wrong?” Tynan asked.
