Page 62 of The Keeper of the Kingdoms

“I’m just doing my part to get you well quickly. You can thank me later.”

“How long have I been sleeping?” she yawned and stretched, her arm coming out of the covers and extending aboveher head. It was a good sign. Hours ago, when she first woke, she could barely raise her head off the pillow.

“I brought you in about this time yesterday. You woke early this morning for a few minutes, but you’ve been sleeping since.”

I could see her mind turning over the events, but unlike this morning, I wasn’t receiving her thoughts. Also a good sign, although, I couldn’t lie, I was enjoying hearing some of them. A little too much, honestly. It was all I could do to keep her from feeling how much before I got out of bed.

I couldn’t think about how she felt in my arms all night, or I would be back in the same predicament.

“Would you like some water?” I offered to distract myself.

She nodded. “Please.”

I reached over to get the glass on the table and helped her take a few sips.

“Thank you.” She dabbed her lips.

“How are you feeling?”

“Exhausted. Weak. Sore.” She sighed in defeat.

“I’m so sorry I let this happen to you,” I admitted.

She frowned. “How did you let it happen?”

“I was so caught up with Nyx, I was too far away to scent the danger. I should have been with you, and this wouldn’t have happened.”

She considered my words. “Or you could have been beside me and we both could have been poisoned.” Her eyes flashed with horror, “Were you exposed?”

I shook my head. “No, I heard the cries of alarm and as soon as I smelled it, I shifted and carried you out as quickly as I could. We can withstand a brief exposure in dragon form. I’m fine.”

“And Nyx and Zaria?”

“Both fine. I’m just so sorry this happened to you. Nyx and I both are. We are determined to find out who was responsible and what their intent was. Nyx is getting the investigation under way, I’m not leaving you.”

“You don’t have to hold a vigil. I’m awake now. You can go do what you need to do.”

I fixed her with a serious stare. “What I need to do is be here with you. There is nothing else that comes before ensuring you are okay and getting you back on your feet. Get used to it because I’m not arguing. It’s a hard fact.”

She swallowed, holding my determined gaze for a moment before looking away. “Well then, I’m sorry you have to put other things aside. I’m sure you’d rather be flying or something.”

“I should have been more clear. There is nothing else I want to do more than be here with you. Understand?”

She nodded.

“I want you to know that I’m sorry for what happened yesterday. Not just that you got hurt, but before that. I wasn’t myself, and I lost my temper.”

Her face showed a flicker of what looked like regret.

“I never let anger get the better of me like that, and I regret that you saw it. But those flyers will be dealt with. You have my word.”

“Oh,” she said. “I thought—” She paused, clamping her lips shut.

“You thought what?”

“I thought you were sorry for kissing me.”

“Should I be?”