Page 92 of The Infirmary for Dragon Burns and Midair Mishaps

“Gunther, no,” I pleaded, lip wobbling.

He smiled despite everything. “I’m an old man, Eden. What can they really demand of me?”

Prison! They could come down harshly. Throw him in a dark, dank cell for the rest of his days. No more infirmary. No more healing.

“My time would have always come to an end. But you have your whole life ahead of you,” Gunther whispered. He pressed his forehead to mine. “And a town that needs you.”

“Old man, step forward!” the captain barked.

He hugged me tight once more. “People here need you. Take care of everyone.”

“I will,” I croaked, nodding through the tears as Gunther released me and pressed forward, quickly taken into custody by a pair of the soldiers. My heart lobbed against my ribs, and the resounding ache felt hollow… my chest empty. Here Gunther was once again coming to my rescue, leaving me with a community—with a family—that cared for me.

How was it possible to feel equal parts grateful and devastated all at once?

Vaela darted to my side, pulling me into her arms. “We’ll figure it out,” she promised. “There has to be something we can⁠—”

A shadow eclipsed us, and I turned to see Trystan. He hovered close, voice low. “I don’t have much time,” he whispered. “We’re marching out today on the captain’s order. But don’t fret for your healer. I’ll look out for him.”

I shook my head. I didn’t know how that would help. Gunther was an old man. He wouldn’t fare well in prison.

A small smile tugged at his lips. “Maybe I’ll lose sight of him right around Coalchester,” Trystan whispered. “I’ve heard it’s a nice place to retire.”

Something between a laugh and a sob bubbled up my throat. He would do that? He would risk insubordination to help us?

“Thank you,” Vaela said, squeezing her brother’s shoulder. “You don’t know how much that means to us.”

Trystan looked at her, marveling a little. “You deserve a king’s honor for what you did for this town. You and Min both.” He pulled her in tight. “I believe she’ll pull through. She’s tough.” He released her. “Just like you. Father would be proud of all you’ve accomplished.”

Vaela’s eyes glazed, and she darted forward for another hug. “Your pride in me is enough,” she told him. “It always has been.”

Trystan nodded, touching her cheek gently. “Be safe. Both of you. Take care of each other.”

Vaela took my hand. “We will,” she said, and together we watched Trystan take up his place with the kingsguard. When he was gone, Vaela turned to me. “It’ll be okay. Town. Gunther. Us.”

“Did you really mean what you said before—about retiring?”

She nodded. “I’m putting down my wrangling gloves for good.”

I snorted. “You never wore your gloves anyway.”

She bussed me on the cheek. “It’s the quiet life for me and Min now.” Her voice dropped. “Besides, there’s this girl I know who might need some help troubleshooting her new armor.” I opened my mouth to protest, but Vaela plowed on. “There’s no way we can keep this kind of development to ourselves. Dragon riders deserve protection, Eden. You can give them that.”

“Well,” I said, feeling far too emotional for my own good. “This girl you speak of sounds pretty amazing.”

“She’s wonderful,” Vaela agreed, taking my face between her hands. “And beautiful and wise and she’s chosen me. Even though I can be a bit stubborn.”

“Maybe more than a bit,” I said, holding my fingers apart a measure.

“Very stubborn,” she corrected. “And it just so happens that I like her. A lot, a lot, a lot.”

“You can just say it,” I whispered against her lips. I’d finally accepted my fate. Accepted that my lot in life was to want this woman. To love and cherish her for as long as the stars allowed. “I’m not afraid of the word. Not anymore.”

Vaela stroked her thumb along my cheek. “I love you, Eden.”

“Good,” I said, pressing my lips to hers in a featherlight kiss. “But I love you more.”

“Not possible,” Vaela said. “I love you more and the most.”