Page 74 of Into Orbit

I woke to a dullthump.

‘For fuck’s sake, becareful,’ Maeve hissed. ‘You’re not carrying in the shopping. He almostdied. If you hit his head, Adair, I will hityours.’

‘He’s fine, Maeve,’ Willow said soothingly. ‘It was the hover mechanism of the bed. His head is fine.’

Maeve muttered something under her breath.

‘The next part will be the hardest,’ Willow went on. ‘We’re going to get him from the sick bed to the real bed. We’re going to –’

‘I can do t’m’sel,’ I slurred, annoyed.

‘Oh, yes?’ Willow said politely. ‘Because I had to dose you with painkillers after what you pulled last night, you were moaning so loud in your sleep. Can you open your eyes, Ashton?’

I tried to open them.

‘Mmm. That’s what I thought. Now be a good patient and let us get you comfortable.’

My head spun as they lifted me. I was shifted and lowered gently back down; someone grunted at my weight. The bed beneath me wasn’t the sick bed; instead of compounded moss, I was lying on sheets and a soft mattress.

‘Fucking hell, Ash. I thought this bed was huge, but you take up three quarters of it.’ Maeve’s voice was amused.

‘I did warn you,’ Willow muttered. ‘I can sleep in my room, if –’

‘Absolutely fucking not,’ Maeve said sharply. ‘You’re mine. You’re not going anywhere.’

I groaned. ‘Pu’ me ba’ in the sickrum.’

‘Shh,’ Willow said.

‘I don’t mind snuggling.’ A softer voice came from my side; I turned to it like a flower towards the sun. A finger touched my cheek.

‘Lady,’ I croaked, and tried to reach for her.

‘Shh,’ Elswyth chided, taking my hand. ‘Be calm, Ashton. We’ve moved you to the family room for the rest of your recovery, but if you push yourself too hard, we’ll need to move you back. You don’t want that, do you?’

‘M’not a saplin’,’ I slurred crossly.

‘No, you’re not. But you’re on enough painkillers to fell an oliphant, and your body is still healing. So be a sensible male and go to sleep.’ She caressed my fingers. Sleep.’

I did.

‘I can get up.’

Maeve crossed her arms. ‘You’re not getting up.’

‘I want to get out of this bed, Maeve.’

‘Well, you can’t, elf-boy,’ she snapped. ‘Deal with it.’

‘How aboutsittingup?’ Elswyth coaxed, trying to keep the peace.

Maeve considered it. ‘Fine. He can sit up.’

Elswyth moved to help me; I stopped her with a look, struggling to get myself upright. It took a few moments, but I managed it, slumping back against some pillows, panting.

‘There we go,’ Maeve crooned. ‘Now we can snuggle.’

I stared at her. ‘Snuggle?’