Page 61 of Ahelno
“Probably,” she said, with a small smile. “Come on, let me get a drink of water and then take me back, please.”
“Your wish is my command, Princess,” I said.
Andie
Flying was incredible. Ten out of ten, would definitely recommend. I had been hesitant when Dakleth suggested it, but my vehicle wouldn’t fit all of us, so someone was flying back regardless. And Andokar looked like he’d rather eat worms than touch me, so Dakleth it was. To be honest, I was still a little pissed at Andokar for the way he treated me and Leo weeks ago. Master grudgeholder, that was me. I refrained from sticking my tongue out at him. He had come along for the rescue, so he got a pass.
Dakleth lifted me like I weighed nothing, although to him, that was probably true. He was massive, and when I had a flashback to our first encounter, I stiffened.
“Are you alright?” he asked. “Do I need to adjust my hold?”
I tried to relax. I thought back to my conversation with Leo. “You’ve said several times that you’ve forgiven him. If you really have, then it shouldn’t be holding you back.” Ugh, he was right.
Dakleth really was thoughtful, I could admit that. And he’d rescued me from a really bad situation. There was no way I could have gotten off that cliff face by myself. Every day, he proved that he was a helpful, trustworthy person. And I knew the “incident” wasn’t entirely his fault. The way he sank to his knees the day he saw me again - I knew he regretted it as much as I did.
I knew this. I knew it in my bones, but sometimes my subconscious took a minute to catch up. I hated that my body froze around him involuntarily. It made me feel like I was a victim. I refused to be a victim anymore.
“No, it’s fine,” I said, forcing myself to relax in his arms. “I’ve just never flown before. I’m a bit nervous.”
He looked at me steadily. “I will not drop you, my mate,” he said. “You are the most precious thing in this world to me.You are always safe with me.”
“Don’t call me that,” I said for the umpteenth time. “Just get me safely back to the palace.”
“Of course,” he said, wings beating gently as he flew steadily, following M’Pak.
He adjusted me in his arms so that my head fell against his broad chest. His broad, muscly chest. The swaying motion from the beat of his wings lulled me into a more relaxed state, and I closed my eyes while the wind blew a steady stream across my face. “This is nice,” I said.
“Yes, it is,” he rumbled. I opened my eyes and peered up at him.
“Thank you,” I said. “For rescuing me. I forgot to say thank you. I’m really grateful to you and Andokar for coming.”
“Your Granthor was rather insistent,” he said, sounding amused.
“I’m sure he was,” I replied. “I like flying, must be nice having wings,” I mused.
“My wings are yours to use whenever you wish,” he said.
“Um, thanks,” I said, not sure how to respond to that.
In short order, we landed in the palace courtyard. I made a move to get down, and he tightened his hold. “Stay,” he said firmly.
He was such a contradiction. At times, willing to do anything I asked, and at others so bossy. “Fine,” I huffed, because I didn’t want to make a scene in front of the guards. They were already staring.
He carried me through the doors of the palace like a bride. I knew he didn’t know of the human tradition of carrying a bride across the threshold, but I blushed nonetheless. We made our way to the medical wing, where he finally laid meon a table.
“Well, well, here is my favorite human!” Lanicar said cheerily as he entered the room.
“I’m the only human you know,” I responded, chuckling.
“Not so, I have met the other human male, Leo. He has very good medical training for animals, you know,” he said. “He seems nice enough, but you are still my favorite.” He smiled at me. I smiled back, loving the way his eyes crinkled. I hadn’t seen Lanicar much in my year on Ptekennan, but he had been compassionate to me from the very beginning. He saw me at my lowest, and did what he could to protect me. I don’t think I could ever repay that. My eyes started to well up. If he would have allowed it, I would have hugged him, but I knew the Ptexari generally avoided touch. Dakleth seemed to be an exception to that rule - with me, anyway.
Dakleth started to growl at Lanicar and stepped in front of me.
“None of that, Your Highness,” Lanicar scolded him. “I am happily mated as you know. I have no designs on your human.” Dakleth swallowed his growl and looked a bit sheepish.
“My apologies,” he said, gruffly.
“Accepted, now move out of the way so I can examine my patient,” Lanicar said matter-of-factly and then peered at me. “What have you been doing, Andie? You have lacerations on your face and hands.”
