Page 117 of The Freedom You Seek

Dion got up as well. “They’ve already moved on to the next village. Ireas needs to refill his kit. Carthain and Fig have to rest in a proper bed, and Antas accompanies them. We’ll follow as soon as we’re done here.”

“Carthain?”

“Never heard of nicknames?”

“Is Dion one too?”

Dion just shrugged.

“Ah, I get it. The answer is yes, but if I ask you about your name, you’ll just answer with your favorite word in the world and growl at me.”

This time, the infuriating bastard simply scoffed.

“Well, let’s go then.”

“We’re not done.”

“I think we are.”

“First, I want you to swear to me that you’ll never do anything as stupid asthatagain.” Dion balled his fists as he glared at me.

My eyes narrowed at him. If he thought I’d accept him trying to bully me into making promises I had no intention of keeping, he was wrong. “I won’t. I refuse to stand on the sidelines like a damsel in distress.”

“Getting involved got you hurt.Again!” Dion snarled, his teeth bared. My temper flared, and the only fact preventing me from exploding was reminding myself that, as the Field Marshal, Dion couldn’t be used to insubordination. Honestly, his rank explained so much when it came to his behavior. I bet he only went into a career like the one he had because of his constant need for control.

“I survived.”

“This time! What if it doesn’t end so well the next time you decide to indulge in stupidity? You could die!”

“So could you. Or anyone else. I’m not the only mortal here. I worry just as much as you do. You’re not indestructible yourself.”

“I never said I was. But I have experience and training, as well as offensive talents. Sorry to say, dearest, but you have none of that. What you did was brave, and it says alot about your big, soft heart, but I don’t want to see you hurt, for the sake of the gods.”

My sigh mirrored his. “I won’t promise to stay away like an obedient puppy. I swear, though, that I’ll take a lot more care the next time I’ll engage.”

Dion’s jaw worked as if suppressing the urge to shake me put a total strain on him, and he was about to object when I cut him off.

“That’s the only concession you’ll get from me, so you’d better take it. Friends and comrades protecteach other.”

“Sometimes, I just want to take you to a faraway place and lock you in a tower, then throw away the godsdamned key.” Grumbling, Dion glared at me.

I glowered back at him. “Don’t you even dare to try, or we’ll find out which of the ten ways to castrate a man Rewi told me about will be the one that dismembers you.”

I expected another angry remark or barked comment, but Dion’s face smoothed, and moments later, he laughed heartily. My lips curled into a grin as well.

“Ten ways, huh?”

“And five more that should work most of the time.”

“Don’t tell her, but your friend can be scary.”

“Oh, believe me, I know. Shall we ride?” I asked when Dion’s laughter turned into a broad grin, highlighting his dimples once again. Gods, these should be forbidden.

Dion nodded, and together we approached our black horse. As usual, he helped me into the saddle before joining me on the back of the giant animal. I had to stifle a hiss as a fresh wave of pain shook my battered spine. Each step our mount took was a sharp sting, but I didn’t allow it toshow. The last thing I wanted was another lecture from the overprotective man seated behind me.

“By the way, Nayana,” Dion purred, and something in his voice rang a warning bell in my head. “Why do you reek of Ireas?”

A confused sound escaped me before I remembered the little heart-to-heart with the young man before the monster had appeared. How was Dion able tosmellthat?