Along the main street, there’s a festival-like atmosphere that reminds me of Kitore. The tavern is open and many are at the tables outside. Others are milling around, hugging each other, and making merry. I hear Tavish giving orders regarding tents for the newcomers in the warded area that Dane has created around the newly finished cottages as we pass the Trading Post.
My fingers curl into Locke’s tunic collar as I pull myself as close to him as I can. If the Dark Realmers from Fiana’s court can stay, does that mean I can? Or will we be travelling back to Kitore for Vie to send us to a place where we won’t be followed?
I’ll be happy so long as I’m there with all three of my males, but if I could choose, I think I’d like to stay here. I understand that it isn’t a utopia, but neither is it a horrible place. I like many of the people here, and I enjoy spending time in our cottage, at the baths. I’d like to go to Gwen’s to call upon her when I want, perhaps become friends with her in time.
When the villagers notice us, they thump Locke, Jak, and even Morgan on their backs. They enquire after me, lookingweak in Locke’s arms, as if they truly care what happens to me. It’s very different from how they were when I first arrived a few weeks ago.
Yes, I’d be sad to leave Halsford.
We make our way as quickly as we can to the healer’s rooms, dodging well-wishers and children who keep trying to hug Morgan’s legs instead of throwing stones at him.
When we’re finally inside, I’m placed on my feet and, though I’m a bit dizzy, I don’t feel too bad, all things considered.
Lia is placed gently on the cot in the corner by Dane, who kisses her lips and murmurs something that makes her smile, albeit wanly.
Jak immediately administers another potion, this one from a tiny, locked cupboard built into the wall.
I sit down heavily in a chair close by.
‘What’s that for?’ I ask.
‘It’s especially for pregnant females. Rare. Hard to make. It creates a sort of bubble, I suppose, around the babe to protect it while Lia heals.’
‘Where did you get that from?’ Morgan asks.
Jak looks over his shoulder and frowns when he sees that so many people are still in the room.
‘Bryn can stay, but the rest of you, out.’
Dane immediately shakes his head. ‘No, I’m not going anywhere, Jak.’
‘Dane,’ Lia murmurs. ‘Please. Jak has already said I’m healing well, and the babe will be all right. Don’t loom. Go and help Kal and Grey, make sure no one else is hurt. I’ll be here when you return.’
Dane’s expression is closed as he unblinkingly regards her, but he finally nods. ‘All right, just for an hour or so. Then I’ll be back, and I expect you to explain to me, as well as Kal and Grey, why you kept your condition secret from us.’
Lia wrinkles her nose. ‘That sounds very taxing. I don’t think it’s good for me to betaxedwith the babe. You know now. Can’t that be the end of it?’
Dane’s sigh is long-suffering. ‘You will be the death of us, woman.’
She gives him a wink.
‘But what a death it would be,’ she murmurs, and Dane’s lip twitches.
He leans over and gives her a sound kiss before he turns and beckons Locke. ‘I’d speak with you before I go, and, Morgan, I need the tether to get back to the court.’
Morgan nods. ‘I’ll come with you. You’ll be all right here, Bryn?’
‘I’m feeling much better,’ I say and he leans down to hug me.
‘Get some rest,’ he murmurs, and I nod as he leaves the room.
Locke caresses my face and kisses my lips, putting his head against mine for a moment. ‘I thought we’d lost you,’ he breathes, and then he straightens and gives Jak a nod.
The look Jak gives him in return is one of deep respect and caring, something I haven’t seen him share with Locke before.
As Jak examines Lia, feeling her stomach and making sure the wounds are healing properly, I put together a tea for her using various herbs on the table beside me.
I test my leg and stand, finding that I feel almost normal now but for a small headache. I seem to have almost fully recovered from Fiana’s conjure. My father told me mage’s conjures couldn’t kill me, but it certainly felt like that’s what it was doing at the time. It was lucky that Locke and Dane were there. I smile faintly.
