“Good.” His voice was low, but his fingers moved against my skin in a soothing, circular fashion. “I don’t know what I would’ve done had I truly lost you.” Noc wrapped me tight against him and nuzzled the top of my head.
“But you didn’t, so there’s no need to think of that.”
“Yeah.” He didn’t seem entirely convinced. And if needed, I was willing to spend all day in bed convincing him otherwise. But my stomach growled, and the thought of food had me pulling the covers back. Noc laughed, slipping out of bed to dress. “C’mon. Let’s eat.”
I grinned. “Sounds good to me.”
* * *
Located on the ground floor of the castle, the dining hall was large enough to house all of the Council and attendants who worked in the keep. Wooden plank tables with heavy pedestal benches were centered beneath dangling chandeliers. Polished rafters held up a gabled roof, and large marble archways made it easy for Charmers to spill out onto the surrounding lawns. A table weighted with food stretched along the back wall, and we stopped there first to fill our plates.
Hushed whispers and heavy glances followed us through the line. Noc inched closer to me and rested a protective hand on my waist.
“They’re just frightened.” I gave his hand a squeeze and turned to the hall. Heads immediately dropped down, and they returned to their own private conversations. My gaze found a table at the back with a familiar group of people I was eager to see. “Over here.”
Gaige had an array of books spread out before him, as well as loose scraps of parchment with ancient script etched in ink that resembled blood. Kost sat across from him with a book of his own and a steaming cup of coffee. Beside him, Oz and Calem were in a heated debate about pancakes versus waffles, and Calem was waving a fork around with a flaky, syrup-drenched square for effect.
Setting my plate next to Gaige, I eased onto the bench. “Hey, guys.”
“How are you feeling?” Ozias asked.
Calem spoke over him through a mouthful of food. “Should you be moving yet?”
“Easy.” Noc silenced them with a look as he sidled in beside me. “She’ll never be able to answer you all at once.”
“It’s all right. I’m fine, guys. I promise.”
Calem studied me with remorseful eyes. “Are you sure?”
“Calem, you stop right there.” I picked up my fork and wielded it his direction. “Don’t you dare do what I did. Don’t blame yourself for this.” How long had it taken me to forgive myself for ordering Onyx to attack? For taking his life? I couldn’t let himself carry that same guilt when he’d been the one who’d worked tirelessly to save me.
He grimaced, but didn’t back down. “I hurt you.”
“And Onyx killed you,” I exclaimed, exasperated. “We’ve got a funny way of showing how much we care for each other, don’t we?” Oz pressed his lips into a thin line to bite back a smile, and even Kost snorted into his coffee.
Noc only sighed. “You won’t win this one, Calem. I didn’t, and we all know I did far worse than you.”
“Hey, we’ve been over this.” I rounded on him, and he held up his hands in defeat before placing one on my thigh and giving me a tender squeeze.
“Fine.” Calem relaxed a fraction, not totally convinced. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
“Me too.” I forked a massive amount of eggs into my mouth. And moaned. Partially because it was that damn good, and partially because I knew it would get a rise out of Calem. I was right.
He raised a careful brow. “You need to eat more often. I only sound like that after…you know. Noc, are you sure you’re doing your job right?”
I choked on my food and Noc rolled his eyes. Handing me a glass of water, he stroked a loving hand down my back. “Positive.”
“I’ll second that.” I set the glass down and went back to my food, stealing a bite of buttered sourdough toast.
Calem laughed, drawing a few eyes from eavesdropping Charmers throughout the dining hall. Oz shook his head and went back to his pancakes, but his grin was light. Easy. Even Kost seemed relieved, and he offered me a timid smile. Just the faintest acknowledgments.
It warmed my heart entirely.
Gaige set his book down and turned toward me. “Not to bombard you with information so quickly…” His voice trailed off when his gaze darted over my head. Turning, I spied Noc’s frigid stare. I batted him in the chest.
“Don’t scowl. Let him tell me.”
His gaze flickered down and back up again. “Fine.”
