Amazonia

by Croft, Sky

  Kale draped a blanket over Blake, and chose to ignore the grin on Amber’s face. She followed Amber to the remaining bed. “Will you...”

  “I’ll let you know when she’s awake,” Appollonia said.

  Kale nodded, and she settled down beside Amber.

  “YOU SURE ARE keeping me busy, Shale,” Appollonia teased, as she scattered some herbs over the numerous cuts on Shale’s back. Appollonia knew that this was painful for Shale—since she had to lie on her front for her back to be treated, and she didn’t yet have the strength to keep her weight off her broken ribs—so Appollonia intentionally distracted Shale with her banter, and tried to keep the mood light. “How many visits is this since you’ve arrived?”

  “Lost count,” Shale said good-naturedly, though her body was tense. “I don’t want you to get bored.”

  Appollonia laughed. “You’ll soon complain when I run out of remedies.”

  Shale’s response was instantaneous. “Not if it’s that drink.”

  Blake chuckled, handing Appollonia a fresh bandage.

  “There must be a way to make it taste better?” Shale said. “Can’t you mix it with something?”

  “I’ve thought of that, but nothing I’ve tried is strong enough to mask the flavor.” She paused briefly. “Actually, that’s not true. It did work once, but people complained it was worse.”

  “Worse?” Shale asked incredulously. “Is that even possible?”

  “Apparently so,” Appollonia said. “You’re healing nicely, Shale.”

  “I’ve got a good healer.”

  A pleased smile appeared at the compliment. “I’m still going to charge you the next time you get injured.”

  Shale grinned, then sniggered. “How much?”

  “Depends on the injury,” Appollonia replied easily. “A wolfskin for a broken bone, a deerskin for gashes or scrapes.” She shrugged. “It depends what I need at the time. Blake’s been showing me the bracelet you made her. Maybe I’ll ask for some jewellery.”

  “She has, huh?” Shale gave Blake a delighted look. “What if I’ve got a mixture of injuries?”

  “Then I’ll treat what you can pay for,” Appollonia said, straight-faced, causing Blake to burst into laughter.

  Shale raised an eyebrow. “I’d best stock up.”

  “Going off your previous visits, that’s probably a good idea,” Appollonia said.

  KALE OPENED HER cabin door, and gestured for Amber to precede her. She closed it behind herself, and hovered there for a moment. This was the first time she and Amber had been alone together since they got back to the village, and Kale was somewhat unsure as to what was expected. It had been a long time since she’d been involved with anyone.

  They had chosen Kale’s cabin because it was closer to Appollonia’s lodge, and Kale wanted to be nearby in case Shale needed her for anything. Amber didn’t mind, she seemed pleased by Kale’s thoughtfulness.

  “I’m grateful you stayed with me the last couple of days, Amber. I know it was tough.”

  “No problem. I’m just glad Shale’s going to be all right.”

  Kale sat next to her on the bed. “She’s strong,” she said, with more than a hint of pride in her voice.

  “She certainly is.”

  “I don’t know what I’d have done if...” Kale shook her head, unable to finish.

  “She’s fine,” Amber reassured gently, winding an arm around Kale’s back and gripping her shoulder. “Don’t think like that, Kale, you’ll just upset yourself.”

  “You’re right.” She took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. “Are you hungry? I could rustle us up some food.”

  “I’m too tired to eat,” Amber said with a smile. “And I promised Appollonia you’d get some rest. I always keep my promises.”

  “Well I’m hardly in a condition to resist, so please, take me to bed.” Kale held out her hand.

  Amber pulled Kale to her feet, and they came chest to chest with each other. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Kale chuckled. She let go of Amber’s hand, and wrapped her arms around the slim waist. She was mindful of her wrist, but she managed. The splint Appollonia had fitted was a lot less cumbersome, and didn’t restrict her too much.

  “You do realise that the first time we met, you beat me up,” Amber teased, returning Kale’s embrace. “Who knew it would turn out like this?”

  Kale laughed loudly. “I am sorry about that.” She grinned impishly. “But you should have ducked.”

  Amber scowled playfully. “I’ll remember that for next time.”

  “You do that,” Kale said. She placed her hand on Amber’s cheek, suddenly growing serious. She opened her mouth to speak, then shut it again.

  “What?” Amber waited for several moments. Seeing Kale’s hesitation, she added, “You can tell me, Kale. Anything.”

  That encouragement was all Kale needed, and she nodded. “You do know that I love you?”

  Amber smiled warmly. “And I love you.”

  Kale’s eyes sparkled with joy at her words.

  “What brought that on?”

  “Shale told me a while ago that I’m too hard.” Her fingers covered Amber’s mouth to forestall the protest. “She was right. I need to let people in. I want you to be the first, Amber.”

  “I’d be honored, Kale.”

  Kale grinned. “So, about that kiss?”

  “DO YOU KNOW how embarrassing this is?” Shale grumbled, as she was carried across the village on a pallet, Aris at one end, Amber the other. She was now well enough to leave the healer’s lodge, and wanted to return to the comfort of her own home. Appollonia said she would call in on them to give Shale her treatment, so she wouldn’t have to be constantly moved. It was a good thing too, because Shale had no intention of repeating this humiliating process. “I don’t know why you wouldn’t just let me walk.”

  “Hush.” Blake wore an amused look on her face.

  “You would have collapsed as soon as you got out the door,” Kale said.

  Shale frowned, and crossed her arms over her chest. She didn’t dispute it though. She was still weak, her body taking longer than she would have liked to recover.

  Blake grinned down at her, and Shale felt a smile of her own forming. She couldn’t stay annoyed for long when Blake was around.

  Shale was soon settled in her own bed, and despite her complaints, she thanked them profusely for their help.

  “You’re welcome,” Aris said. She looked to each of the twins. “Hurry up and get well, the training ground is too quiet without you.”

  They smiled at her. “Will do,” they replied together.

  Aris chuckled, hefted the pallet, and turned to Amber. “Shall we?”

  Amber nodded, gave Kale a quick kiss, then followed Aris out of the cabin. “Some of us have to train. We can’t all be lazy,” Amber called teasingly over her shoulder.

  Kale snorted and shook her head. “Some of us have to train more than others.”

  Even from her position on the bed, Shale heard Amber’s indignant cry of protest, and she chuckled. Shale slowly sat up with Blake’s help, and was propped upright.

  Blake pushed dark hair back, off Shale’s face. “All right?”

  Shale took a moment to gather herself, her ribs were extremely tender. Then she tipped her head to Blake, giving her a reassuring smile. “It’s good to be home.”

  Blake kissed her lovingly. “It is, isn’t it?”

  Shale sighed happily, and glanced around their cabin. “So, did you enjoy the walk?” At their blank stares, she added, “To the waterfall?”

  “In all the chaos, I’d forgotten all about it,” Kale said. “Yes. It’s lovely up there.”

  Blake nodded her agreement. “We’ll take you when you’re better.”

  Shale’s smile widened. “I’d like that.”

  “Oh, I meant to tell you, Blake’s been causing trouble,” Kale said teasingly.

  “Me? What did I do?”

  “You showed all
the warriors up,” Kale said with a grin. She glanced to Shale. “When we were searching for you, Blake kept ahead of most of the warriors. She put them all to shame.”

  Shale raised an eyebrow to Blake, impressed. “That doesn’t surprise me, I already know she’s got great stamina.” She winked at Blake.

  Kale laughed, and Blake blushed, burying her face in Shale’s shoulder.

  “I’m still amazed you managed to stay on the horse,” Shale said.

  “I had a great teacher,” Blake said. She lowered her voice so only Shale could hear. “Though I prefer riding you.” She giggled as Shale flushed hotly, and Blake pressed her lips to her neck.

  Shale saw that Kale was about to ask why she was bright red, and quickly thought of something to divert her attention. “You do realise I win on battle wounds now, too?”

  Kale frowned in mock annoyance. “I know. Are you going to leave anything for me?”

  “No,” Shale said, grinning.

  “I can’t possibly beat that either, I’d have to be dead,” Kale said.

  Blake chuckled. “You compete over the strangest things.”

  SHALE WAS DOZING lightly in Blake’s arms, curled against her side. Her head rested on Blake’s chest, and she looked up as she felt Blake’s breathing hitch underneath her. She was alarmed to find Blake crying softly, and Shale reached up and cupped her face. “Blake, sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

  “I was so s...scared, Shale,” Blake said. “Of losing you.”

  “You’ll never lose me,” Shale promised. “I’m fine. Thanks to you. Thank you for rescuing me.”

  The corner of Blake’s mouth curled up. “Kale and the warriors did most of it.”

  “The fighting maybe, but you had the hardest job.”

  Blake raised a questioning brow. “I did?”

  “You had to keep Kale in line,” Shale said, only half joking. It had the desired effect, and Blake chuckled. “I know what she’s like. I’m guessing it was you and Amber who kept her in line?” She didn’t wait for an answer, and kissed Blake’s tears away. “So thank you.”

  Blake produced a tremulous smile.

  “I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for you, Blake.” Shale gave her a sympathetic look. “I know if it had been you who had been taken...” She shook her head sadly, not even able to finish the sentence. “I’m sorry you had to go through that.” Shale nuzzled into her, hugging Blake close, giving her as much comfort as she could. “I’m here, Blake. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Blake’s arms tightened around Shale, and when she spoke, her voice was exceptionally gentle. “Shale?” She waited until Shale looked up, as if wanting the eye contact. “They didn’t hurt you in any other way, did they?”

  Shale knew what Blake was asking. “No. The man with the pail...Theodysius,” Her nose scrunched up. “He was going to, but you took care of him.”

  Blake released a heavy sigh of relief.

  Shale smiled at her. “My hero.”

  A shy grin appeared on Blake’s face. “A princess and a hero? Careful, I’ll get a big head.”

  “Not with Kale around you won’t,” Shale said dryly. “She’ll soon put you in your place.”

  Blake giggled. “I don’t doubt it. That reminds me, I asked Kale if she felt any different now that Theron’s gone. She said she didn’t, but I wanted to check with you since I know you’re more sensitive than she is.”

  “I don’t feel any different either,” Shale replied. She shook her head. “It doesn’t make any sense, Kale and I were clearly linked to him. The mystic was right about that.”

  “I’m just glad she was wrong about you dying if they did.”

  Shale’s eyes widened in sudden understanding. “She wasn’t wrong. We were!” She sat up excitedly, clutching at her ribs as they protested painfully.

  “Hey. Easy,” Blake said. She sat up, too, placing herself in front of Shale. “What do you mean?”

  “Where one will be, the other will follow. When one is seriously hurt, the other will pay the price,” Shale said, quoting the mystic’s saying.

  Blake gave her a blank look.

  “When one is seriously hurt.” Shale pointed to herself. “The other will pay the price—that’s Theron. She was telling us what would happen. We just misinterpreted it.”

  “I can see what you mean, Shale, but surely if the mystic knew that, she wouldn’t have stopped your tribe from killing him.”

  Shale frowned. “Mm. Good point.” She shrugged. “Maybe she didn’t know which of us it was, you know how vague their visions can be. Or maybe it was meant to happen, although I can’t see why. The only good thing to come of it was that Kale finally got together with Amber.” Shale raised a speculative brow to Blake.

  “Maybe they were destined to be together?”

  Shale took hold of Blake’s hand. “Like us.”

  Blake smiled and nodded. “It’s a nice way to think of it.”

  Their lips met halfway, and they melded together. As one.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Six Months Later

  “IT CAN’T GO there.”

  “Why not?” Amber said. “I think it looks nice there.”

  “Because I’ll trip over it every time I get out of bed,” Kale said. “Are you trying to kill me?”

  Amber paused, as if seriously considering it. “That’s where yours is.”

  “There’s enough room for mine.”

  Amber lifted the chest that was filled with her clothes, and turned to Kale expectantly. “Fine. Where do you want it to go?”

  Kale shrugged. “Wherever you want.”

  “You’ve said that three times now,” Amber said. She put the chest down at the end of the bed.

  “Not there.”

  Amber exhaled loudly. “Kale, I swear...” She stopped as Kale erupted into laughter. Amber scowled, realising she was being teased. “Why you...” She threw herself at Kale, and they fell onto the bed. “Four times I moved that chest, Kale. Four times!”

  Kale looked unrepentant. “I would have made it five if I hadn’t laughed.”

  Amber chuckled and slapped her shoulder playfully. “Seriously, where do you want it to go?”

  “Amber, from now on this is your cabin, too.” Kale wrapped her arms around her. “Change or move anything you want.”

  Her smile became mischievous. “Anything?”

  “Anything.”

  “All right. Move onto the center of the bed.”

  Kale smirked, and with Amber still on top of her, she moved them both. “How’s this?”

  Amber grinned. “Much better.”

  “You do realise you can’t finish unpacking from here?”

  Amber left a trail of kisses down Kale’s neck. “You’re right, I’d best get on with it.” She went to roll off Kale, but found herself held firmly in position. Amber raised her eyebrows questioningly.

  “I changed my mind,” Kale said. “The unpacking can wait.”

  “Oh, I don’t know,” Amber said, lightly drawing circles on Kale’s bare skin. “My clothes might get creased.”

  Kale swallowed hard when Amber’s hand worked its way beneath her top. “They’re in the chest...” She inhaled sharply as Amber found a very sensitive spot. “They’ll...be fine there.”

  Amber didn’t relent. “If you’re sure?”

  “I’m sure,” Kale said. At Amber’s giggle, she narrowed her eyes. “You’re such a tease.” Kale smacked her behind.

  “Yow!” Amber squealed. “You started it.”

  “Yes, and I should have known better. You always win.”

  Amber looked smug. “And don’t you forget it.”

  Kale flipped Amber onto her back, and they grinned at each other before their mouths joined.

  The kiss was filled with a mixture of passion and tenderness, but most of all it was filled with love.

  “I SEE YOU’VE been busy.”

  Shale glanced over her shoulder, then hammered the last nail into the wood. �
��Perfect timing, Blake. I’ve just finished.” She put down her tools and stepped back to examine her handiwork. “What do you think?”

  “It looks nice.” Blake admired the newly completed shelves. “You’ve done a good job.”

  Shale grinned at her. “Only the best for my queen.”

  Blake gave her a droll look. “The coronation ceremony isn’t for a week yet, Shale.”

  Shale’s arms encircled her waist. “I’m just getting you used to it.”

  Blake linked her hands behind Shale’s neck. “Do you think it will change much? When my mother passes her throne onto me?”

  “You’re already our queen, Blake, Zayla told me as much. Many already look to you as our leader, and they have for quite some time now. This coronation ceremony is just that—ceremony.”

  Blake raised her eyebrows in surprise. “And when did you and my mother have this little chat?”

  “Today, actually.”

  “Today?” Blake frowned. “This morning, Mother told me she had something of the utmost importance to attend to, but she wouldn’t tell me what it was. It’s not like her to keep things from me. I’ve been worried about it all day.”

  Shale looked uncomfortable. “It’s nothing to worry about, Blake.”

  Blake’s eyes widened. “Do you know what it is?” When Shale didn’t deny it, Blake added, “What was so important? It’s not her health, is it?”

  Shale shook her head. “No, it’s nothing like that.” She moved her hands onto Blake’s shoulders, squeezing reassuringly. “Don’t worry yourself.”

  “How can I not?” Blake said. “It has to be something for you both to keep it from me.”

  “It’s nothing bad, sweetheart. I promise you that.” Shale moved away from Blake and sat on the bed. “I asked Zayla to come here. I needed to discuss something with her, and that’s what was so important. Please don’t ask me what...”

  “What was it?”

  “...it was,” Shale finished. She sighed. “I didn’t want to do it like this.”