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“I enjoy carrying you,” Jaus said.
“Your arms must be tired.”
“Youmust be tired.”
“From what I just learned; I’ve slept for three days. You’d think I’d be perky by now.” Instead, I felt worn out. Heartsick if I chose to name it, and not for myself. “When my leg’s all better, I want to go back to the palace and kick the king.”
Jaus’s low chuckle tickled across my bones, and I was relieved to feel his shoulders loosen beneath my palms. “He wouldn’t take that kindly.”
“He deserves it and much more. I’d be tempted to smack him as well.”
“If it helps, I’ve kicked him myself a few times, though not for many years.”
“I hope you kicked him hard.”
His smile shone down on me, so sweet and gentle that it made my heart hurt. “I’ve been a tough thing from the time I was small.”
He would have to be with such a horrible father.
“We won’t see him again,” Jaus said.
“We don’t need to.”
“He’s always aware of what I do, and I never know why.”
“It’s hard to understand family, isn’t it?”
“He’s never given me any reason to believe he cares if I live or die.”
His soft words just about killed me. I leaned my head against him, tightening my arms around his neck. How could I show him how wonderful he was?
“The king came to my room,” I said. “He met me.”
“That was his curiosity getting the better of him.”
“Maybe.” And there could be a place inside his heart where he cared for his son. Assuming he had a heart. I wouldn’t name this, however, because it might give Jaus false hope.
“No need to bring me back for formal introductions,” I said.
“For that, I’m grateful.” Jaus turned onto the road leading toward his home, and the salty-briny smell of the sea swirled around us. Some might find it refreshing, but it only made me think of dresalods. I worried that after one of the upcoming attacks, Jaus wouldn’t return home to me.
Jaus’s footsteps slowed. “I was frightened for you, tiny mate.”
“I remember you bathed me. Soothed me. And you held me.”
He came to a stop, staring down at me with his jaws grinding together. “I want to hold you forever, Rhoslyn. I fought death to keep you by my side.”
I didn’t think the ache in my heart could deepen, but it did.
“Was I that sick?” I croaked, overcome with heady emotion. He cared for me. Could caring deepen to love?
“The healers said you might not make it. You had a head injury, and the infection . . .” He growled. “I beat that back as well.” His gaze met mine. “Know that I will fight anything to keep you by my side.”
It hurt to breathe. I tried to swallow but it wouldn’t go down.
“Jaus,” I gulped out.
“Don’t speak. You need to rest.” He continued to his home and nodded to the guards, who watched until we were inside, pulling the door closed behind us.
