AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I blinked, not sure why I was being thanked. Because I’d let him swear his life to my child? Because I’d actually talked to him and acknowledged him? It was a mystery to me. But I nodded anyway.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
When he turned away, a thought struck. “Wait!” I cried. “Did you say you were training today? In the field?”
He turned back, nodding humbly. “Yes, my lady. Your king has let me organize, train, and lead Donnelly’s army.”
“He did?” I blinked, tipping my head to the side because this was news to me. “Was this before or after he let my husband beat you?”
Urban opened his mouth but didn’t have a ready reply. He glanced toward his sister before returning his attention to me. “They happened pretty much simultaneously, I’d say.”
“Hmm.” A frown knit my brow. “Someday, I’d like to learn exactly what happened that night.”
“Oh, I’d be more than happy to tell you,” Allera said, her eyebrows arching and lips pinching thin with instant anger.
Her brother shot her a warning glance, but I lifted my hand. “But right now I’m more concerned about the fact that you’re being far too active for having a back wound.” Both High Cliff siblings shot me an incredulous glance, until I argued my logic. “It’s only been two weeks. Have you had enough time to heal?”
I could tell Urban had no idea how to answer me, but a moment later, he murmured, “I’m fine.”
With a nod, I asked, “So…the kiss helped heal you as fast as it healed me, then?”
Again, the man seemed to be at a loss for words. But when his sister snorted out a laugh, I glanced between them, feeling ignorant. “Was that a stupid question?”
“No.” Urban immediately shook his head. “Not at all. I just wasn’t expecting you to mention the, uh…the…”
“The kiss?” I asked, glancing between him and a still-tittering Allera. “I don’t see how it’s so scandalous. I remember nothing of it. It feels more like a mythical legend to me, quite unlike the dream about—”
I broke off abruptly, horrified I’d almost mentioned my naughty dream.
Unfortunately, I’m sure he knew exactly what I meant. His grin turned downright lecherous.
As my face heated unnaturally, the irritatingly amused prince actually chuckled. I was so sure he was going to tease me, but all he said was, “No. True love’s kiss wouldn’t have affected the flogging marks. They’re healing on their own. The situation would have to be quite extreme—as in life saving—for one of those kisses to take effect. But if you’d wish to try kissing me better, anyway—”
“No!” I cut him off with a hard glance. “That’s not necessary. I was just… I can express concern for a fellow human being who’s been hurt, can I not?” Starting to feel defensive, I scowled at him.
He merely bowed. “Of course, my lady. But as I told you, I’m fine.”
I turned to Allera. “Fine doesn’t really mean fine, does it?”
Snickering in amusement, she glanced toward her brother. “Usually not. He’s always pushed the limits of his own safety, but he seems to have a knack for coming out okay in the end.”
“See.” Urban motioned her way even as he continued to smile at me. “You heard it straight from the mouth of the person who knows me better than anyone. I’ll be fine.”
“Just don’t overdo it,” I warned, shaking my head. “As the man who just swore fealty to my only daughter, I expect you to remain in the height of health in order to fulfill your duties.”
Everyone kne
w that wasn’t at all why I wanted him healed. I hated the idea that he’d been hurt because of me in the first place, but mostly, I didn’t like seeing anyone in pain.
Okay, fine, I didn’t like seeing him specifically in pain. But I couldn’t admit that aloud.
Urban bowed again. “As you wish,” he murmured, before turning away and strolling from the room.
I watched him go, overwhelmed by the fact that this man belonged to me. He’d basically confessed that I could wield him and use him any way I liked. Maybe that should’ve made me feel powerful and strong, but in truth, it intimidated me.
I didn’t want to use him. I just wanted to learn more about him. He was such an intriguing man. I wanted to know everything there was to know.
And I most certainly wanted to spend more time in his company.
