Page 66 of Destiny of a King

“Forgive me, my king,” a Hunter said, stopping in front of him. “I called out but she paid my shouts no mind.”

Dravic scowled. “Adira cannot hear nor speak.”

The Hunter cast a quick glance at her. “I did not know. Our concern was for our king, duty-bound to protect. But we also bring important news.”

That got Dravic’s attention but so did the way Adira shivered beside him and how cold her hand felt in his.

“I will hear it,” Dravic said, “but first—” He summoned Ernach, standing nearby with the snap of his hand. “Take Adira to your cottage where she can get warm.”

“Aye, my king,” Ernach said. “A cottage is being made ready for you since I am sure there is more you wish to discuss with me, and this snow may prevent travel.”

Dravic was surprised to see it snowing. He had not even noticed it.

“See Adira settled in the cottage once it is made ready and see she has food and drink as well.”

If the two men were surprised at his command, neither showed it and Dravic cared not if they did. Adira would stay with him, and he would have no one question it.

Dravic released Adira’s hand as he turned to her. He tapped her shoulder, pointed to Ernach, then his cottage.

“You go with Ernach,” he said.

Adira shook her head and stepped closer to him. She did not dare take hold of his hand though she wanted to. She would not leave his side. She was safe with him. She could trust him. He had proven it time and again.

Dravic saw in her eyes her fear of being separated from him. He disliked sending her away as much as she disliked leaving him. But she needed to get warm and his guards knew they were to keep watch on her. She would be safe and he would not be away from her for long. However, he could not allow her to refuse to obey the king in front of others.

Dravic lifted his chin and with a deep scowl, pointed to Ernach’s cottage.

Realizing her mistake, Adira bobbed her head and turned to Ernach.

The old man smiled and slipped his arm around hers as they headed to his cottage.

Ernach slowed as they approached Vachel’s cottage. Villagers had gathered outside, speaking in hushed voices or standing in silent prayer.

“A moment,” he said, stopping. “Vachel and his family need all the comfort they can get.”

Ernach knew she could not hear, but he had come to believe in the short time since meeting her that she understood far more than anyone realized.

Ernach headed to the door and Adira followed him inside.

The warmth of the hearth did little to chase away the sorrow that clung to the small space. A woman knelt beside the bed, her tear-streaked face buried against the small hand she held so carefully. A man stood behind her, one hand resting on her shoulder though his own grief bowed his head. Neighbors filled the room, some whispering prayers, others simply standing near, offering the only comfort they could.

Adira stepped to the side and remained in the shadows near the wall.

Ernach went directly to Vachel and his wife, resting a gentle hand on the father’s shoulder. He spoke softly to them, then guided them a few steps away from the bedside. Neighbors immediately gathered around the grieving couple, offering quiet words of comfort and prayer.

Living with Feena, a healer, Adira was no stranger to seeing sickness and pain. But she had never seen hope slipping away quite like this.

The young lass lay still beneath a patchwork quilt. A bandage wrapped around her head, blood staining the linen. Her breathing came slow and shallow, each breath seeming to ask more of her than the one before.

No one needed to tell Adira the child would not survive the night, the grief already settling over the room told her.

Her gaze lingered on the little lass.

Help.

Adira’s eyes widened, the whisper faint though she was sure she heard it.

Help.