by A J Manney
Valen looked down at her and his eyes softened slightly. “How are you feeling?”
“I feel absolutely no pain. It’s incredible,” Zalia said breathlessly. “I can walk now,” she said to Valen.
“I know,” Valen simply replied.
“Aren’t you going to put me down?” she asked. He shook his head. “Why?”
Valen looked down at her. “Zalia, be patient with me. Just a few minutes ago, I thought I was going to lose you. Give me a few minutes to come back from that.”
Zalia shifted herself so she could wrap her arms around his neck. She felt his strong arms tighten around her in response. She didn’t say anything more as he walked them to their room, and he didn’t either.
When they got to their room, Valen walked in and carefully set her down on his bed. Zalia stood up. “I want to get this dress off and look at the wound.” He nodded and stepped out of her way.
“Need help?” he asked her as she walked towards her room.
Zalia shook her head no and closed her bedroom door behind her. Once inside the privacy of her room, she reached around behind her to start unhooking her dress. After five minutes of frustration, Zalia realized it was no use. She couldn’t maneuver all the tiny clasps behind her. She walked over and opened the door. “Valen?” she called out quietly.
He walked towards her. “I can’t get the dress undone. Will you help me, please?” she asked without looking at him. She knew her cheeks were red again. Valen slipped quietly behind her and began undoing her dress. He moved quickly and methodically. When he was done, she didn’t look at him. She just slipped quickly into her room. She stepped out of the ruined dress and into her bathroom and looked down at her side. She stared in wonder at the area where she had been hit. If not for the dried blood, you would never have known she had taken a hit. The area was completely smooth. There wasn’t even a scar. Zalia stood staring at it a few more minutes before climbing into the bath and cleaning up quickly. She knew Valen was waiting for her. Once she was washed up, she changed into something more comfortable and walked back out into the sitting area.
Valen stood leaning against the wall. He looked tense and upset. When she walked out, he turned to look at her but didn’t say anything.
Zalia walked over to a chair and sat down and curled her legs up next to her. He didn’t join her. “So,” Zalia began quietly. “I guess my healing powers passed to you during our bonding.”
He turned his head towards her. “They did, but it only works on you.”
“What?” Zalia asked in confusion.
“I tried healing some of the other wounded men out there, but nothing happened. I guess it only works on you. I don’t really know. Maybe my power isn’t as strong as yours.” He shrugged.
Zalia stood quickly. “The other soldiers. I totally forgot about them! I need to heal them,” she began.
Valen cut her off. “Henrietta is seeing to them. There are no life-threatening injuries. Everything will heal with the brewer’s tea,” he said.
Zalia nodded. Then she thought about what he said. "Maybe it’s another aspect of the bond. You’re able to heal me, so I can then heal others,” she said.
“I leave tomorrow morning,” he said abruptly.
“Okay,” Zalia said simply.
“No, it’s not okay,” he said angrily. Zalia could see he was really worked up. His eyes were flashing, and he didn’t look very in control of his temper. She needed to tread lightly. She opened her mouth to say something, but he cut her off.
“How am I supposed to leave knowing you could get hurt here? Tonight should have never happened. What is the point of castle guards when they can’t even do their jobs? I don’t trust anybody to protect you but me, and I'm not going to be here.” He moved away from the wall and glared down at her.
Zalia knew he was mad, but she also knew this might be her chance to get him to agree to take her with him. She stood up. “Then let me come with you,” she said boldly.
He took a step towards her. “No,” he said angrily.
“Valen, you just said you don’t want me to stay here without you. So, take me with you. Let me return with you to my kingdom and my people. I can be a help to you. I have my healing magic, and I...”
Valen stepped close to her. “I said no,” he said.
“But Valen, I can help. I...”
She broke off abruptly as he grabbed her and pressed his mouth down on hers. The kiss was aggressive. He pulled her tight against his body. She returned his kiss with heat of her own. Slowly, he relaxed and toned it back. He pulled away slightly and pressed his forehead to hers. Zalia was glad he was holding her up, or her knees would have given out.
“I can’t lose you,” he said quietly. “You don’t understand my father. He is evil. If he were to get his hands on you...” he shuddered. “He can’t ever know you exist, not only because of your healing powers but because of what you mean to me. He would use you to get me to do whatever he wants, and I would. Zalia, I would do horrible things if it meant keeping you safe. He can’t ever have that bargaining chip. Promise me, Zalia.”
Zalia looked at him in confusion. He continued, “Promise me you will stay here when I leave. I have to know you are here, safe and protected.”
Zalia stared up at him for a moment, then said quietly, “I promise.” She didn’t want to stay, but she understood what he was saying. They couldn’t take the chance of his father finding out about their relationship.
Valen released his breath. “I will double up your security. I will talk with Beckam tonight and make sure things are as secure as possible. You will have guards on you all the time, even at night.” He looked angry again. “Let them stay in the hall, though. Nobody comes in your room, especially Edgar,” he spit out.
Zalia bit back a grin. “Okay,” she managed straight-faced.
“We will be able to stay in constant contact through our bond. You can reach out to me anytime. If I don’t respond, it’s probably because I am fighting. I will always respond as soon as I can. Also, you can feel strong emotion through the bond. I won’t shut the bond down in case you need me; but if you feel intense anger, know it’s not directed at you,” Valen said.
“What do you mean shut the bond down? Can you do that?” Zalia asked.
Valen nodded. “If you imagine a wall in your mind, I won’t be able to feel your emotions. I may do that at times when I am fighting, but I won’t close it off all the way.”
Zalia asked, “Can I try it?” He nodded. “Just imagine putting up a wall to keep people out of your thoughts.” Zalia did as he said. He frowned at her.
“Yes, that’s it; but don’t do that. You have no need to hide anything from me,” he said.
Zalia held the wall, practicing. “Stop,” he practically growled at her. “I don’t like not being able to feel you,” he said angrily.
Zalia just laughed and dropped the wall. How’s this? she asked him.
Much better, he said. Though it was still more of a growl. Zalia opened her mind more and let her thoughts of care for him flow towards him. He closed his eyes. When he opened them, he was staring at her with a ferocious intensity. He pulled her into his arms and just held her. Zalia sighed.
I’ve decided there’s no better place in the world than right here in your arms, she said through their bond. He pulled her closer and kissed the top of her forehead. He met her eyes and then pulled her up to meet him in a searing kiss. When neither of them could catch their breath, he slowly released her. His eyes bore into hers.
“As soon as this is over, we’re getting married,” he said in a husky voice.
Zalia just nodded, too overcome with emotion to speak. “You’d better get some sleep,” he said reluctantly. “I have to check on a few details for tomorrow. I’ll be back soon. A guard will be posted outside our door. If you need me, just call out to me through the bond. I leave early in the morning, but I’ll wake you before I leave.”
“Okay,” Zalia said. Then she step
ped up on tiptoe and kissed him lightly on the cheek. “I’ll see you in the morning.” Then she walked away quickly to her room, so she wouldn’t hold him up anymore. What she really wanted to do was stay in his arms all night where it was safe and not have to ever be separated from him. She was scared for him and what lay ahead. She worried about him getting hurt or something happening to him.
I will be fine, my love, his low soothing voice rolled over her in her mind. Just try to get some sleep.
Zalia felt calmer than she had a moment before. She had forgotten he could feel her emotions. She would have to keep her thoughts and emotions in check in the days to come. She quickly got ready for bed, and soon she was staring at the ceiling. Before she could talk herself out of it, she sent to him, I wish you could just hold me. She waited a moment and didn’t hear anything from him. After several minutes, she figured he was probably planning out tomorrow’s details and couldn’t talk. She started getting sleepy and started to doze off.
Sometime later, strong arms cradled her to a masculine chest. “Valen?” she asked sleepily.
She felt a light kiss on her forehead. “Go back to sleep, love. I’ve got you,” she heard his low voice say. Zalia instantly relaxed into him and fell right to sleep.
Zalia woke the next morning to Valen shaking her slightly. “Zalia,” he called quietly. Zalia opened her eyes and looked sleepily up at him. He sat on the edge of her bed, fully dressed and in battle mode. He had his sword strapped to his back, another sword at his waist. She knew from experience he had several knives and daggers on him. Gone was the gentle, loving Valen. In his place was the Warrior Prince.
Zalia sat up. She didn’t know what to say. She had dreaded this day but knew she needed to be strong. He didn’t need a weak female crying over him before he left for battle. “Be safe,” she said simply.
He nodded. He leaned forward and kissed her on the mouth. “You too,” he said. Then he stood up. “I will keep in touch through our bond.” Zalia nodded. And then he was gone.
Zalia sat in her bed quietly for a moment, then got up to start getting ready for the day. She needed a distraction. She decided to find her grandfather and ask what guard he would recommend to train with her. That spurred her on. She was glad to have purpose. Just a few minutes later, she was dressed in training clothes and headed to her grandfather’s quarters.
The guard standing outside his room let her in. Her grandfather was standing over a map when she walked in. He looked up and smiled at her. “Zalia, my dear. How are you feeling today?”
“Perfect,” she replied. “I can’t believe Valen was able to heal me,” she said.
Her grandfather nodded. “It’s pretty extraordinary,” he said. Then he scowled. “Of course, he wouldn’t have needed to if we hadn’t been attacked.”
“Did you find out who they were and who sent them?” she asked.
Her grandfather frowned. “No, and that is your fault.”
“My fault?” Zalia questioned, not understanding.
“Once your Prince realized you were hurt, he single-handedly destroyed the remaining attackers,” he said ruefully.
Zalia grimaced. “Sorry. He tends to be a little protective of me,” she said. That’s my Valen, she thought with a smile.
Her grandfather smiled at her. “Well, I’m glad he is. He will make a wonderful husband for you. Circling back to the attackers, our best guess is that they were from King Mylan’s kingdom. Valen didn’t recognize any of them, but that doesn’t really mean anything. His father is smart. He wouldn’t have sent warriors that Valen recognized. I have commanded for extra security measures. We will keep you protected, Zalia,” he said earnestly.
“I know,” she said with a smile. “You need to be protected, too,” she said.
“I am,” he said.
“Grandfather, do you have any warriors that you could recommend to continue with my training?” Zalia asked him.
Her grandfather nodded. “Kell would be perfect to continue training you.”
Zalia looked at him in surprise. “I had assumed he went with Valen and Beckam.”
“No, he stayed here to lead the guards here at the castle,” he told her.
“Do you think he would mind training me?” Zalia asked.
“I know he won’t, but you can ask him,” he said. “I’ll call him.” He walked towards the door and opened it. He talked to the guard there a few minutes and then came back. “Kell will be here momentarily. While we’re waiting, do you want breakfast?”
“Sure,” Zalia said. She didn’t feel hungry, but she knew she would need food for fuel to workout. “I’m going to go ask Raven if she wants to join us, if that’s okay,” Zalia told her grandfather.
He waved her on. “Of course. Kell should be here by the time you return.”
Zalia headed to Raven’s room. When she knocked on the door, Raven answered immediately. She was dressed and ready for the day. She reached out and gave Zalia a hug. “How are you today?” she asked with concern.
“I feel great,” Zalia said. “I guess I shared my healing power with Valen when we bonded.”
Raven nodded. “I saw when he healed you,” she said.
Zalia looked at her. “Thank you for saving me last night,” she said quietly.
Raven smiled at her. “Of course! What are friends for?” Then she shuddered. “You should have seen Valen after he realized you were hurt. That man is scary!”
Zalia grimaced. “I heard.”
Raven smiled. “He really loves you,” she said.
Zalia smiled and didn’t argue with her.
“So, what are we doing today?” Raven asked.
“We’re training with Kell. I need something to take my mind off Valen and what’s coming,” she said. Zalia worried about the standoff between Valen and his dad.
“I totally understand. Come on,” she said linking her arm through Zalia’s. “Let’s go eat breakfast and then destroy Kell.”
“Uh, Raven, you do realize he is the captain of the King’s Guard, right?” Zalia asked.
Raven nodded. “Yep, and he’s not going to know what hit him when we get done with him,” she said. Zalia laughed.
They walked arm-in-arm to her grandfather’s quarters. Once they got there, a guard opened the door and let them inside. When they came inside, Zalia was surprised to see someone else standing there.
“Ladies,” her grandfather called out to them. “Come this way. I have somebody I want to introduce you to.”
Zalia and Raven walked over to her grandfather and the newcomer. The newcomer turned around and Zalia caught her breath. He was tall with dark bronzed skin. His head was shaved. He looked like one scary guy. When he turned all the way to look at them, Zalia saw marks covering his entire arm. He must be one of the royal first-born princes, she thought to herself.
“Zalia and Raven, meet Prince Adaire of Sol, Kingdom of the Rising Sun,” her grandfather said by way of introduction. “Prince Adaire, this is my granddaughter, Princess Zalia of Arrosa, Kingdom of the Red Rose; and this is her friend, Raven.”
Raven and Zalia both bowed to him. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness,” Zalia said graciously. Zalia peeked at Raven out of the corner of her eye. She seemed mesmerized.
Prince Adaire stepped forward. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Princess, and you too, Raven.” He kissed the back of each of their hands. He spoke with just a slight lingering accent. Zalia watched as he seemed to stare at Raven for a moment longer than necessary. Then he turned back to her grandfather.
Her grandfather looked at Zalia and Raven. “Go ahead and eat breakfast. Prince Adaire and I have much to discuss.” Kell came walking in just then. “Ah good, you’re here,” her grandfather said to Kell. He looked at Zalia. “I’m sorry. I need to speak with Kell for a time. Then he can be free to help you,” he said apologetically.
“No problem,” Zalia said. She watched as her grandfather led Kell and Prince Adaire from the room.
Once they
were gone, Zalia whirled around to look at Raven. “What was that all about?” she asked with a smile.
Raven was still staring at the door where the men had left. Zalia waved in front of her face. “Hello?”
Raven jumped. “Oh, sorry.”
Zalia grinned at her. “Are we a little smitten with the Prince from Sol?” she asked teasingly.
Raven just grinned and looked at Zalia. “Can I just say, ‘Wow’?” Zalia cracked up.
Zalia looked at her. “I think he thought the same thing about you too,” she said.
Raven laughed. “I don’t think so, but a girl can dream right?”
Zalia didn’t say anything, but she knew she was right. The scary prince had definitely noticed Raven. Zalia and Raven ate their breakfast and talked through a plan for the day. After some time passed, the three men came back out to where the girls were sitting. Zalia noticed Raven immediately straightened in her chair, and Zalia bit back a smile.
“Zalia and Raven,” Zalia’s grandfather began, “Prince Adaire has agreed to stay here for a few days to discuss kingdom matters. In the meantime, he has agreed to help with your training. There is none better than Prince Adaire with a bow and arrow. Have either of you trained with a bow?”
Raven shook her head no, while Zalia shook her head yes. Her grandfather smiled and said, “Kell and Prince Adaire, you will begin training with these two ladies today.”
Zalia and Raven looked at each other in surprise. Things just got more interesting around here, Zalia thought with a smile.
Chapter 24
Zalia and Raven went back to their rooms to get changed to train with Kell and Prince Adaire. While Zalia waited for them, she spent her time wondering how Valen was doing.
Valen? she reached out to him tentatively. She only waited a moment.
Yes love, he responded.
Zalia smiled. I'm sorry to bother you. I just wanted to check with you and see how you are doing.
You’re never a bother, he responded. Everything is good on this front. We’re traveling quickly and haven’t seen any sign of any other soldiers. That’s a good thing. What are you up to?