Page 96 of Kingdom of Chains

Ryder.

If three days had passed, he would be back in Chadora by now.

‘He’s been waiting for you to wake,’ Ita said, reading her mind—and panicked expression. ‘But he can’t stay. If they don’t return soon, everyone back home will presume they’re dead.’

She needed to go find him. ‘Can you help me up?’

‘Up? No way. You’re supposed to remain in bed.’

Isabel gave her best pleading expression. ‘Please? He is the reason I am alive.’

‘Actually, he’s the reason you got shot.’

The sound of footsteps approaching had Isabel looking to the door. Blackmane appeared a moment later, heavy boots stopping in the doorway as he took in the scene before him. The disapproving scowl was instant.

‘You’re not trying to get up, are you?’ He stepped inside, looking accusingly at Ita.

Ita raised her hands. ‘I told her no.’ She looked back at Isabel. ‘I’ll go let Genevieve know you’re awake. I’m sure she’ll want to check in on you.’ She moved past Blackmane and exited the room.

The defender waited until they were alone before speaking again. Isabel noticed he remained close to the door.

‘How are you feeling?’ he asked.

‘Thirsty.’

He walked over to the table, filled her cup, and handed it to her. ‘You really should be lying down.’

‘I am all right sitting up.’

He retreated to the wall and leaned against it, watching her with a serious expression. ‘You really shouldn’t have done that.’

It took her a moment to realise what he was referring to. ‘Stop the arrow?’

He nodded.

‘I told you I would.’

He held her gaze for a long time before finally looking away. A long silence followed. When her cup was empty once again, he stepped up to take it from her.

‘I have to return to Chadora,’ he said.

‘I know.’ She kept her eyes on Margery. ‘Will you be coming back?’

‘That depends on—’

‘Your orders,’ she finished. Her chest hurt, but she did not know if it was from the injury or the fact that he was leaving. ‘When?’

‘The horses are saddled. I wanted to make sure you were all right before we left.’

The pain in her chest worsened. ‘What if I go downhill again or the wound becomes infected or something?’ She was well aware of how ridiculous she sounded.

He cleared his throat. ‘The arrow missed all of your vital organs, and you’re in safe hands.’

Her eyes began to sting.

‘I don’t want this to be awkward,’ he said.

She finally looked up at him. ‘This is not awkward. This is heartbreaking.’