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It suddenly occurs to me that maybe not only fists were used on her.Mother above, was she raped?
Her teeth start chattering and her skin is cold and clammy under my palms. I cover her back with a fur, and slowly, her small body starts to relax against mine.
But while she calms, all I can do is imagine meting out justice in its most primitive form.Who would have the nerve to do this under my very nose?As soon as the question enters my head though, I know the answer. What a fucking idiot. That I’ve known him all my life doesn’t stop every ounce of my fury from funnelling down into that cold, dark place inside my soul that my father fostered so effectively.
When Rina fidgets in my arms, trying to find a more comfortable spot against my chest, I take the opportunity to sit her up. I’m satisfied to see there’s some life back in her gaze . . . until she shies away from me and the damnable mewling starts up again.
“Stop that,” I grouse. “I told you I’m not going to hurt you and I meant it.”
“Please let go of my arm,” she whispers, and I realize my grip is hurting her. I loosen my hold and she slumps forward, her forehead landing on my shoulder. She’s clearly not ready to talk yet so I let her rest against me again for long minutes.
“Are you okay?” I finally ask even though I know she’s not. “Did he rape you?”
She hauls in a shaky breath, then shakes her head with tiny jerks. “He tried,” she rasps.
I can barely think around the relief.Relief that she’s only been beaten?Fuck. I want to kill him. Attacking a woman is bad enough, but attacking a woman who is quite literally my property has earned him a world of pain.
“Did you send him?”
“What?” I’m still imagining all the damage I’m going to do.
“He said you sent him to do this to me.”
Her words finally pierce my violent thoughts, and I almost shake her again. Keeping my tone as level as possible, I say, “Look at me.”
A soft noise of fear fills my ears.
“Gather your courage and look at me, Rina.”
It doesn’t take as long as I expect. She sits up, and when her lashes lift to show me the golden amber of her eyes, something shifts and settles inside of me. It feels possessive and tender all at once. I’ve failed to protect her and whatever I need to do to make this right will be done. I vow it to myself.
“I didn’t send him, little raven.”
Her chin starts to dip, but I carefully place my index finger under her injured jaw to stop her.
“First, I have never, in my life, hurt a woman.” I ignore her blatant skepticism. “And second, I would never send another man to do my work.” That she seems more willing to believe.
“Do you swear it?” she whispers.
“Yes. I swear it.” Once I’m satisfied that she believes me, I pull her back against my chest and I hold her for a little longer. I like how her small frame feels in my arms, but soon the smell of her gets to be too much.
“Rina,” I say softly, encouraging her to sit up. My hands go around her waist and I hoist her to her feet. She squeaks with surprise, but steadies herself as I follow her up and head for the door. “Come. We have business to attend to.”
“What?”
I turn and hold out my hand to her. “Come. You’ll want to see this.”
Her wariness doesn’t deter me and I make an impatient come here motion, which she responds to by hobbling forward. She looks like she’s been through the fiercest of battles and I can’t help but feel a surge of pride. She’s so small, yet she’s survived an attempt on her life by one of my warriors by cunning alone.
But that doesn’t stop my impatience with her turtle’s pace. She shrinks away from my advance. “Do not fear me,” I order as I scoop her up in my arms and head out into the hall.
“That is easier said than done,” she murmurs, never without a comeback to anything I say. Pride once again flares in my chest. Her mettle is so very pleasing to me.
The recruit on guard duty steps back in shock at the sight of her in my arms. “Find the healer,” I bark. “And get that door repaired.” He jumps to obey, rushing down the stairs ahead of us.
She lays her head on my shoulder. “You can be quite frightening.”
I snort. “Apparently, noteveryonetakes me seriously.” Even though I already know, I decide to ask. “Do you know who did this? Was it Cay–”
