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“You kept your end of the bargain. I will personally see to it you and your woman have passage to Hemlig to live with your son, his wife, and your grandchildren until you greet the Otherworld. No shame, holy man. Tell folk all you want that you love the woman. Claim your family.”
His eyes welled with unshed emotion as he clasped my forearm before he disappeared out of the broken courtyard.
Malin stood across the yard with Bard and Hob. There was nothing but death and destruction around us, but it would be weeks before we unraveled it all. All I wanted to do in this moment was fall asleep beside my wife.
Preferably without clothing.
“We have a great deal of prisoners.” Ari stepped in front of me, destroying all my plans.
I frowned. “Expected after a bleeding battle.”
“Yes, but we have dangerous prisoners. Queen Astrid,” he counted off on his fingers. “Niall Grym being some of the more imposing ones.”
I followed his gaze to the place where Stieg helped other warriors, and of course, Ash, Hanna, and Ellis had corralled the prisoners. Among the dozens of skydguard and fae warriors, Niall slumped against a fence post. As did the woman Ari had battled. Her wrists were bound behind her back, and a despondent curve set her mouth in tension.
I clapped Ari on the shoulder. “Why don’t you find places for them all? Bracken will need to be part of the sentencing, and we need rest before we do anything logical.”
“Agreed. I’ve not used fury for so long before, then fought in a damn war straightaway. I knew I was impressive, but this goes beyond even my imaginings.”
I shoved him again until we both laughed.
Ari’s smile faded. He clasped my forearm. “I’m glad you’re alive, Kase. Truly.”
“Me too.”
Prisoners were led to the dungeons under the Black Palace. Hodag had returned to fill in her burrows in case anyone grew clever and tried to escape.
Bracken’s two guards, the one with the wings and another green-haired fae, were among those who would stand watch the first night. Eryka told us they were Bo and Rune, two forest fae with unique glamour.
Bo was a tracker. He could find anything, through storm or sun, he would not lose a scent. Rune was unique. Not only for the wings he could reveal or hide, but when his eyes turned white, anyone meeting his stare turned to stone.To stone.
I could not fathom it, but it was enough to keep most prisoners quiet and docile.
We overtook the palace, finding sleeping rooms, raiding the kitchens, befriending serfs and servants who’d taken cover when battle raged.
I skipped a boisterous gathering in the massive dining hall with the Kryv, Prince Bracken, and his warriors. All I wanted was Malin. Niall’s chambers were locked, and more than one groan came from behind the door.
Slowly, I removed my hand and backed away.
“Wise choice.” Sol Ferus clapped a hand on my shoulder as he strode past to another chamber down the hall. He had a few cuts and bruises but wasn’t half asleep on his feet like most of us. “Malin insisted Elise have the finest room. Valen went inside not long ago.”
I promptly turned away from the door after Sol disappeared into his room.
Luca and Dagny had claimed Luca’s old chamber.
I would not sleep where Britta or Ivar slept. It left the skydguard tower as the place she might be. Malin had a soft spot for the room I’d used when my mind was taken from her. One glance at the wall near the window and the memory of her soft gasps, the heat of her center clenching around my hand, and I agreed wholeheartedly this was the best room.
From the doorway I smiled, my heart racing at the sight of her damp, washed hair splayed out over a pillow like rays of sunlight.
I stripped my top and my boots, and slid beneath the furs, draping an arm around her waist. Malin jolted awake.
She blinked into focus and traced my jawline. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”
“You need sleep.” I kissed her forehead and tugged her closer.
“I need you.”
“You have me, Mallie. Always.” I tucked her head under my chin. “Sleep. We have every tomorrow from now on.”
