I was startled. The man staring at me was one I had not seen before, his eyes cold, his face hard. I looked down, horrified to see bruises on my upper arm. Clearly, the fingerprints of a large hand, probably the woman warrior who had grabbed me.
“I will kill the one who has hurt you.” Keir jumped from the bed and strode to the tent entrance. “
Marcus.” His voice whipped out. He started pacing in the space available.
“I—” I sat up and struggled to cover myself with the shirt. “It’s nothing…”
Keir turned, his eyes like blue ice, and I froze. Dearest Goddess, he was serious. His eyes were filled with rage.
Marcus ran in, looking as if he had been roused from sleep. He took one look at Keir and was on his knee, head down. I struggled to cover myself, fumbling with the shirt.
Keir barely gave Marcus a glance. “Someone has injured the warprize.” He stomped over and towered over me. His hands gently turned me so that the bruises were visible. “Look.”
Marcus looked up. His eye widened at the sight. He dropped his eye again almost immediately. Keir pulled the shirt back up to cover my breast and shoulder. “Who did this?” he said, in a very calm, very deadly voice.
I took the example Marcus had set, sank down on one knee, and bent my head as well to let my hair conceal my face.
Keir resumed his pacing, moving like a caged animal. “I am waiting for an answer.”
I swallowed. “Warlord, it was an accident. I was at the tents of healing, tending to those in need.” My mouth was so dry I could barely get the words out.
“You’ve been hurt. No one touches what is mine.” Keir was almost roaring, his anger white hot. I trembled at the force of his voice, but did not move or look up.
“Warlord, I was treating a wound.” I swallowed hard, trying to get some moisture in my mouth. “The warrior was startled. The fault was mine.”
“Are you trying to get yourself killed? Destroy the peace?” There was an odd note of anguish in his voice.
“No! I wouldn’t betray—”
“You will tell me who it was. He will answer to me.”
“No.” I closed my eyes and held my breath.
Keir came to stand next to me. I could feel his hot glare, hear his heavy breathing.
Yet, somehow I knew that he would not hurt me. Slowly, I raised my head and looked up. His anger had not abated, it was merely held in check. Carefully, I reached out and placed my hand on his arm. The muscles underneath quivered with tension. “Warlord, I am unhurt. The bruises will fade.”
He was unappeased. “You’re under my protection. Whoever did this will pay for his actions.”
“When the action was unintended?” I rose up slowly and moved my hand to his shoulder. I moved carefully, staying as close as I dared. I could just make out Marcus, still kneeling by the entrance. “A warrior taken unaware?”
“As Simus was in the garden?”
I nodded.
He seemed to understand, but had a grim expression on his face. “You are defying me.” His voice rumbled, but it was softer then before.
“Only in defense of one who does not deserve your wrath.” I looked up into angry blue eyes. “Don’t you take the occasional bruise when you practice with your weapons?”
“No.” He snorted, but I could feel some tension leave his arm. “I am better than that.”
“Well, I’m not.” I shivered. “Forgive me.”
“Marcus. Leave us.” Marcus was out of the tent as fast as he had entered.
In no time, I was covered in the furs, warming up nicely. Keir lay beside me, on his side, head propped up with his hand. I yawned, trying to fight sleep, unsure of his expectations.
“You have no skill with weapons.” It was more statement then a question.
