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Sahlyn and I had made it to Cashore with great pace and without incident.
“There is no need.” I didn’t know how much of my tale I wanted to tell. “I am so happy to see you well, Ativan.”
His face fell as he searched mine. “There is something you are not telling me.”
“It’s a long story.”
“We have a long journey home."
“True.”
“Did you receive a guide to Demora?”
I could tell he was too curious just to let it be. He wanted some tidbit of information before we departed.
“A huntsman accompanied me. I’ll explain on our voyage.” Unfortunately, my words came out more tired than I wanted them to.
He arched his brow and took me in for a long moment. His eyes caught on every inch of me, contemplating everything. He missed very little. “Where is this huntsman? I'd like to have a word with him.”
“Ativan, he has already left. Everything was fine. I delivered the weapons to the North, and the royals were pleased with the quality. The rest will patiently await our courier. All is well.”
“I’ll send somebody to catch up with that huntsman. I'd like to have a word.”
It was as if the man didn’t even hear me. “Ativan,” I warned. He was an overprotective, old—
“You may have any word you desire of me, sir.”
My head whipped around to see Sahlyn standing at the door with a flustered healer behind him. It was comical how she was struck by his size and handsome appearance and torn between being disturbed and intrigued by his presence in her quarters.
“Huntsman.” His deep voice resonated with strength. Ativan assessed and evaluated Sahlyn. “Leave us, ladies.”
My eyes returned to Ativan, whom I respected as much as my father. As I hugged him again, I knew my eyes were shining because I loved him so much.
He smiled gently at me, ran an affectionate hand down my braid to the ribbon at the end, and gave me a curious nod.
“Ativan—“ I began, but he cut me off.
“I owe this to your father and myself to speak with the man who accompanied you.” That authoritative edge in his voice left no room for argument. “Out with you, little lady,” he said as his hand reached my cheek. “I am well enough to handle a huntsman.”
“Oh, I know it.” I grinned as I stood.
My eyes met Sahlyn’s and remained on his as I went to the door. His body and essence dominated the doorframe. He barely moved out of the way for me to get past him without my body brushing against his. I felt the warmth from him and sucked in a deep breath.
This would be fun.
The healer and I exchanged glances, and she fluttered around me, securing things for our journey. I thanked her repeatedly and asked if Ativan was truly fit to travel. It had only been a few days, not the two weeks she had expected. She gave me a wistful smile. I hated to admit I understood that smile. Leisa was smitten with my friend.
“Yes. He’s restless but has healed well. He will have to remain bound tightly around his torso for another week, but to keep him tied to this room is just slowing his healing. And his worry over you is aging him.”
I laughed, unsurprised by that statement. “Thank you for taking such good care of him.”
Leisa grinned and waved her hand. “I’ve dealt with far worse before.”
“I imagine that is true. Having a handsome man in your care isn't so much hardship.”
Her eyes snapped to me, and her smile was tentative.
I grinned hugely and looked around. “You know, we could use a healer like you in Geva.”
