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“All right,” I agree. “If you trust him, so do I.”
Aurdyn’s expression softens, and his tail curls loosely around my ankle.
“You mentioned the Wraith.” Brovyn leans in. “We’ve received report of a Wraith attack on the Dwarf city of Erabron, but were unsure of its veracity.”
“We heard of this attack from one of the Dwarves that was there,” I reply. “They said a large number of Wraith attacked, but King Davin managed to push them back. He is fortifying their defenses at Erabron and Arganth, fearing another attack soon.”
“How did that many Wraith manage to cross the Great Wall in the North undetected?” he asks. “The Wall is heavily guarded, and the Order of Mages uses their dark powers to enforce the barrier.”
“It does not make sense.” Aurdyn frowns. “Someone had to have helped them.”
“But why would anyone do this?” Brovyn asks incredulously. “Everyone knows how dangerous they are. It is the one thing the seven High Realms can all agree upon, despite our differences with each other.”
“That, I do not know,” Aurdyn says grimly. “But until we have more answers, I want to double the number of patrols along our borders.”
“I believe that is wise.” Brovyn dips his chin. “I’ll relay your order to our warriors.”
“And send scouts to Ruhaen.” Aurdyn darts a glance at me before turning his attention back to Brovyn. “The Order of Mages has put a price on our heads. Ruhaen shares a border with us, and their king—Freyja’s uncle—is under the influence of their dark powers. I want to know what they are doing there. If they are planning an attack on our home, we must be prepared.”
Brovyn nods. “Agreed.”
Aurdyn’s cousin continues to fill him in on various things that happened while he was gone, while we eat.
None of the foods are unfamiliar to me, but the spices used to flavor the meat are something I’ve never tasted before. The sweet and savory spice is absolutely delicious. It’s been so long since we’ve had a decent meal, I close my eyes and a low hum of appreciation escapes me as I take another bite.
The wine is exceptional, so I decide to have two glasses. I’ve never been one to partake too much. Not after I’ve seen what excess alcohol can do to a person, but it’s so delicious I cannot resist. After the first two sips, warmth spreads across my entire body, seeming to seep into my very bones. I relax back against the chair and allow my worries to fade away as I take another drink.
After we’re finished eating, I stand from the table and the world tilts and spins all around me. Unable to keep my balance, I stumble back, but Aurdyn’s strong hands catch my waist and he hoists me into his arms as if I weigh nothing, cradling me to his chest.
“Are you all right?” he asks, concern lacing his voice. “What is wrong?”
“I feel warm.” When I lift my head to his, everything spins again, and I groan, dropping my forehead to his chest. “And a bit dizzy.”
“Fetch the healer,” Aurdyn’s voice rumbles above me. “Now. Have her meet us in our chambers.”
“I don’t need a healer. I’m fine.” I swallow against a wave of nausea that threatens to overwhelm me. “I think it’s the wine.”
“We’ll have the healer check you, just to be sure,” he says, trying to not jostle me too much as he carries me back to our rooms. “I will not take a chance with your health.”
I feel too bad to argue, so instead I simply nod against his chest.
Carefully, he lays me down in the bed, beneath the thick comforter and furs. A Dragon with golden scales leans over me. Her violet eyes study me intently as her hands hover above my head and then move down my body as she performs her assessment. “Interesting,” she hums.
“What is it?” Aurdyn demands. “What have you found?”
“Nothing. I was merely musing on how similar human anatomy is to our people. She is fine, my King.” A faint smile quirks her lips. “I am Healer Tala. Our wine, it seems, is a bit too strong for you, but nothing a cup of tea cannot remedy.”
She disappears for a moment, only to return shortly with a cup on a small saucer.
“Leave us,” Aurdyn’s voice rumbles overhead.
“Of course, my King.”
The bed dips beside me, and his strong arms gently pull me up in the bed to sitting. The room spins a moment before settling. “Here,” he murmurs softly, pressing the rim of the cup to my lips. “Drink some of this.”
I take a careful sip of the warm liquid. The delicious flavor of berries and spice rolls across my tongue. “This is delicious.” I drink the rest in three gulps, surprised by how much better I already feel. “What is it?”
“A unique blend of tea from the kingdom of Ithylian. It is infused with a bit of healing magic. It works quickly, but it will make you sleep as well.”
