Page 79 of Blood Curse

“Can you unwrap it?”

“I’m not trying.”

“Good.”

We passed the two court members. They stared at the wrapped weapon in my hand.

Lenora pointed towards the stairs. “Go downstairs. Both of you.”

They obeyed her because she sounded as if the alternative would hurt.

I reached the bedroom door.

“Wait,” Lenora said.

My hand opened it.

“I can’t.”

Bryony hadn’t moved. The fire had burned lower, and early light pressed against the curtains. She looked exhausted rather than dangerous.

The sight changed nothing.

I crossed to the bed.

“Bryony, wake up.”

My voice worked this time. The command had nearly reached its end.

She didn’t stir.

I knelt beside her. My hand lifted the wrapped dagger over the blanket.

“Bryony.”

Her fingers lay open near her face.

I could put the bundle beside her. The command refused. Bring me meant giving it to her.

I pushed the cloth down until the hilt showed, keeping every inch of broken blade covered. Then I placed the hilt across her palm.

Her fingers closed.

The command released my arm.

I tried to pull away. Bryony’s sleeping grip tightened, and the bundle tipped towards me. The wrapped point came to rest over my heart.

“Bryony.”

Her eyes opened.

She saw my face, followed my gaze and looked at the dagger in her hand.

Her fingers opened.

Fuck. The bundle dropped onto the blanket.

She scrambled backwards. “What the hell?”