Page 61 of The Keeper of the Kingdoms

I closed my eyes. Goddess, no.

“I’m sorry.”

I opened my eyes again at the defeat in his voice. “It’s not your fault.”

I wished I could blame him but it was no one’s fault, other than the fae who brought Dragon’s Bane into the festival.

“We are looking into it,” Jaxus informed me, letting me know I was still allowing my thoughts to escape my head to his.

This was a nightmare. I knew how long a severe poisoning was going to set me back. I’d never catch up on my work. I had to get up.

“I’m going to tell you right now that you are not leaving this bed. You are not in any state to heal others while you need healing yourself. Do you want to make this worse and be here longer?”

I sighed. “No.” I felt like a youngling being scolded at school.

“So you’ll agree to be a good patient and do as the healers say?”

I rolled my eyes. “I guess.”

“Good,” he sighed with a measure of relief and gave me a squeeze.

“There’s something else I don’t understand.” I side-eyed him.

“What is it?”

“Why are you in bed with me?”

Jaxus huffed out a laugh and peeled his arms off, stretching out. I regretted the loss of his warmth instantly.

“I sat in that chair for hours holding your hand because your father said that being in contact with your flyer would help you heal faster. Then, I got tired and decided that full-body contact would be even better.”

My eyes went wide and I tried to glance under the covers. Jaxus put his hand on them, keeping them down. “Don’t worry. We are both clothed.”

Thank the Goddess for that! I’d hate to be sleeping and miss a night skin-to-skin with that hard, beautiful body.

“Thoughts are still coming in loud and clear. Just thought you should know.” He winced, then smirked, adding, “And thank you for that.”

I pulled the covers over my face and groaned. It was a huge effort. My whole body was weak and ached down to the roots of my hair. Jaxus peeled them back and placed a kiss on my forehead, then rose from the bed and tucked me back into the cocoon of covers to keep in his warmth.

“I’m going to let your father know you’re awake.”

I nodded and closed my eyes. It was still so warm and cozy, but I preferred it when my bed hugged me.

TWENTY-SIX

JAXUS

Kiera shifted slightly beside me, and I lifted my head to study her. Her eyes fluttered open.

“You’re back.” I smiled.

“Where did I go?” she asked, still confused from being unconscious for so long.

“I went to get your dad, and you were asleep when we returned. He says everything looks good and sleep is what you need.”

She turned her head and squinted.

“You’re in my bed again.”