“Of course. But before I start at the beginning, I would like to heal your injuries. I know you’re still in pain. I’ve witnessed you wince a few times since we entered this tent.”
A wary look fills her eyes, but she eventually capitulates with a brief nod. “Very well. It’s my arms. I believe I might have some thorns embedded in my flesh.”
I peer at her button-down shirt. A man’s shirt. “Are you wearing anything beneath this?” I give a gentle tug on the fabric.
“Yes, but only a chemise.” A pretty flush envelops her face. “Surely it wouldn’t be proper for you to see me like that.”
“We must remove the shirt if I’m to heal you, Amelia.” I infuse my voice with warmth. “Please. I promise I won’t turn into a ravenous, rutting beast when I glimpse you in a chemise. Besides, you can keep your pants on.”
She studies me for a moment, and I can see her mind working as she tries to assess my true intentions. I’m relievedwhen she finally relents and starts to work the buttons of her shirt open.
Just before she reaches the last button, she pauses and gives me a shrewd look. “You promise you’ll tell meeverythingthat happened in the Sorsston castle? You’ll give me all my memories back?”
“I promise.”
“Very well.” She makes quick work of the final button and opens her shirt, revealing the tight, low-cut chemise she’s wearing beneath.
Gods, she’s beautiful. My cock stirs in my pants, but I quickly avert my eyes, determined not to openly gawk at her ample bosom. I don’t want to do anything to shatter the trust we’ve started to build. It’s difficult to keep my eyes averted, however, because the dark outlines of her nipples are visible through the snug, sheer fabric of the undergarment.
She slips her arms out of the shirt and sets it aside, and I immediately take notice of the fading bruises covering both arms, as well as the thorns that are stuck in her flesh. No wonder I didn’t detect any obvious signs of injury. The thorns are large and embedded very deep, likely stopping the flow of blood.
The numerous bruises are concerning, and I can’t help but wonder where she’d gotten so many of them. Did she take a tumble a few days ago?
Knowing how fragile humans are, I imagine she’s in a great deal of pain, and I waste no time in gathering golden, healing light in my palms. I hover my hands just above her arms, gliding up and down until the very last thorn ejects from her flesh and the wounds seal shut, and the final bruise fades.
“That’s…incredible.”
I won’t lie. The awe in her voice pleases me, and I find myself considering what other feats I might perform just to impress her.But the most important thing for now is that she’s finally healed and she’s no longer in pain.
I run my gaze over each of her arms again to be certain I didn’t miss a spot, and I’m gratified when I find her skin untarnished.
“Does that feel better, Amelia?”
She nods. “Yes, thank you.” She moves her hands over her arms as she inspects my handiwork. “Do all fae have healing powers?”
“Most highborn fae do, though we have designated healers who excel at mending the most grievous of injuries, such as dismemberment. But I’m perfectly capable of healing the type of injuries you had. I’m sorry you got hurt in the forest. I take it you were running from the hurllan that bit you?” I don’t mention the old bruises, not yet, though I plan to ask her about them later.
“Um, I got some of the injuries while running from that furry little beast, but the thorns got me when I was running from you. Right after you spotted me in Glenville.”
Guilt strikes me, and I wish I could go back in time and prevent her from getting hurt. “I’m sorry if I scared you in Glenville. I was so pleasantly surprised to see you that I fear I lost my senses. I believe I might’ve growled at you.”
“Oh, you definitely growled at me,” she says as she quickly puts her shirt back on, and I’m delighted when the hint of a smile tugs at her lips. But her expression soon grows serious as she finishes doing up the buttons. “I believe you owe me a story. You promised to reveal what happened in Sorsston with the bloodthirsty crowd and Prince Lucas and…you. All the details. Please.”
“All the details.” I rise to my feet. “Are you hungry? Thirsty? I’ll get us some refreshments and then I’ll tell you everything.”
CHAPTER 7
AMELIA
I listen raptlyas General Dalgaard reveals what happened in Sorsston. I’m shocked to learn about the depths of Prince Lucas’s kindness, and I wish I could recall his face. I’m also a bit embarrassed by how hysterical I’d become in the banquet hall. But in my defense, I was on edge after recently witnessing a fae soldier rip the arms off a male servant who’d dropped a tray of food.
Though I’m not happy General Dalgaard is holding me captive, I can’t help but feel touched when I learn about how he stayed in Prince Lucas’s quarters just to keep me safe. He’d also sent me waves of summer warmth when he noticed I was cold.
How incredible that I spent several hours in Prince Lucas’s quarters and not only emerged untouched, but I spent those hours drinking with him and offering advice about how he might get a human woman named Yvette to fall in love with him.
“Wait!” I set my glass of water aside and turn to face the general fully. He’s seated on the sofa next to me, but there’s afair amount of space between us. “Did Prince Lucas succeed in getting Yvette to fall in love with him?”
The general nods. “I believe so. Only a few weeks ago, I attended their wedding, and they looked very much in love.” A strange, distant look enters his eyes, but he blinks and it disappears.
