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Gaina considered the question, shifting her jaw side to side like she was gnawing on each word. “The boy has a brilliant heart beneath all the gruff and sharp edges. I will treasure it until it finds its rightful owner.”

Gaina spoke strangely, almost distant, whenever she opened her mouth. Still, I rather liked the woman who spoke to mushrooms.

“He does have a good heart,” I said, voice soft.

“You know,” Gaina said, taking hold of my hand. “If ever you find yourself without hope, I trust you’ll seek me out.”

“Why is that?”

The woman popped one shoulder in a shrug. “Can’t say, Sweet Iron. Must be the flowers speaking nonsense again.”

I laughed and Gaina winked before insisting she needed to counsel with the king and queen again.

In the morning, the others planned to barter with a nearby farmer—a man Asger insisted was pricklier than a shrub of briars—for a few of his horses, then they would follow after me and Kage if he was truly well enough to ride.

Soon, Cy was snoring on a sprawled fur beneath the table, Gwyn was curled beside Asger near the flame, and somewhere during the burly redhead’s sleep, he’d slung an arm around her waist. I looked forward to spying the pink of embarrassment in his cheeks come morning.

Beside the sofa where Kage slept, I billowed out a soft quilt with padded squares that felt like a foam mattress. The flame from the inglenook heated the room enough I didn’t need another cover, and when I rolled onto my shoulder to sleep facing the sofa, I was met with the burn of dark eyes.

“Wildling,” Kage whispered with more strength than before.

“Thief.” I lifted onto one elbow and dabbed my palm over his brow. “Your fever broke.”

Before I could pull my hand away, Kage reached up and gripped my wrist. His gaze never left mine while he drew my fingertips to his lips, pressing a kiss to each one.

I was captivated, stolen away in the moment, that I didn’t realize he stopped.

An invisible string tugged at the side of his mouth. “There’s the fire in those eyes.”

A flame sparked by you.I swallowed, and threaded our tattooed fingers together. “You need to rest. Cy insists if you’re not able to ride by the morning, then you are a weak Soturi. His words, not mine.”

Kage scoffed and held our clasped fingers against his heart. “I’m a selfish bastard.”

“Not that I disagree, but why?”

“I want to take my time to the Well. The sooner your magic returns, the sooner you will be needed by my brother. I cannot help but want you to myself.”

Beneath his bravado was a hint of insecurity. No doubt, Kage was unsettled by the notion that there might be some connection to Destin and me. Foreign and wonderful all at once, to have someone covet time with me.

I added my own kiss to his knuckles, then settled on my mat, keeping our hands clasped until we both drifted off, our fingers slowly easing apart.

CHAPTER 28

Kage

“I’ve never seenyou so alight, Brother.” My sister glanced at me over her shoulder. “Tell me what it is you’ve done that brings such a mischievous grin to your face.”

I kicked my feet out in front of me, slouching in the chair, undignified. “Can’t I be glad it is a new day, Beth?”

Her brow arched. “This is not a glad to be living grin. You may have outgrown me, but I have every right to force you to give up your thoughts. I know all the ways.”

“You’re terrifying sometimes.”

“Thank you.” Arabeth tossed one of her long, golden braids over her shoulder and winked.

I paused, simply to watch her bluster a bit longer, then, “I’ve given my heart away.” I rubbed a hand over my chest, as if it might slow the rapid beat. “I do not know when it took hold of me so fiercely, when it all changed.”

My sister tilted her head. “Oh, Kage. It was always there. You were the only ones who did not see it.” Her demeanor shifted, a bit of the light faded in her eyes. “Remember, Kage, the sort of devotion you feel can make us do despicable things.”