Page 78 of A Wayward Movement

“I don’t know. I think the attackers hit him with some kind of magic. Does it hurt, Xavier?”

He shook his head, his hand still warm against hers.

“We need to get off the street,” the other guard barked out. “Back to the inn.”

“Yes,” Alina agreed. She pulled her hand free, her eyes apologetic. “Unfortunately I…I don’t think I can walk.”

Alarm crossed Xavier’s silent features.

“My aunt’s house is close,” Alina offered.

“We need to return to the rest of the group,” the guard said, his voice almost a growl. “The attackers got away, and we can’t hunt for them and protect you with only two of us, Your Highness.”

Xavier ignored him, propping himself up on one knee then scooping Alina into his arms so abruptly she let out a little squeak. He stood, cradling her against his chest, and started striding purposefully back the way she’d come.

The jar of spices lay abandoned on the road, not destined to reach the tavern.

Alina felt she should protest Xavier carrying her when he’d been attacked as well, but she was completely spent. Not to mention that the sensation was just about the most blissful thing she’d ever experienced. Giving up any idea of fighting it, she leaned her head against his shoulder, even daring to let one hand come to rest on the firm muscles of his chest. His heart pounded underneath her touch, swift and uneven.

“Thank you,” she whispered, not even sure if he could hear with the way she was nestled in. “You saved my life. I almost went over the edge, Xavier. I almost ran myself dry.”

His arms tightened around her, and she looked up to find his eyes on her face, their expression raw and afraid.

She closed her own eyes, focusing on slowing her breathing, willing her body to settle so energy could return. She’d scared herself as well. She could never let herself get that close again. It was the most terrifying feeling she’d ever experienced. If only she could use Dust from the movement around her to fill herself with energy, but magic didn’t work that way. You could only use it as energy to fuel the active use of that same magic. That’s why you were always supposed to shave off half. She should have followed her own advice.

They were at the house in a couple of minutes, the front door flying open at their approach.

“Alina!” Her aunt raced toward them, Pippa hovering wide-eyed in the doorway. “What happened?”

“I got attacked,” Alina said thickly. “I think it was the kidnappers. Xavier came to my rescue, but they hit him with something.”

Her aunt’s face was etched with worry, her eyes flying between Alina and the prince.

“Come inside,” she said quickly. “Out of the way, Pippa!”

Xavier strode into the house, his movements strong as he laid Alina down on the settee indicated by her aunt. The guards followed, staying close by his side.

“He can’t speak.”

Alina tried to struggle up into a sitting position, but Xavier’s hand pressed her gently back down. She sighed, accepting defeat.

“The victim we spoke to this morning said that the kidnappers hit him with an enchantment that silenced him and stopped him from being able to harness magic.”

“Is that even possible?” Pippa asked, stunned.

“The magic restriction wouldn’t affect Xavier much,” Alina pushed on. “Because he’s not practiced in the craft. But he’s been silenced. Normally I would try to feel if the enchantment was lingering on him and could maybe be broken off using Dust, but I don’t dare to even reach for my magical sense. I’m too depleted.”

Xavier’s hand closed around her arm, his fingers strong and his grip warm. He didn’t need words to communicate the warning.

“I won’t,” she assured him. “I know my limit, and I’ve reached it.”

“Pippa, get Robbie,” Aunt Diana said.

Pippa ran from the room, returning a minute later with her younger brother. He had the greatest aptitude for magic out of their family, and Alina did her best to explain to him what she thought he should do.

“Oh yeah, I can feel it on him,” Robbie said, bouncing a little in his excitement at being called out of bed to help the prince. “It’s just sort of sitting around him. I don’t think it’s gone in deep.”

“Whatever that means.” Pippa rolled her eyes.