Page 126 of War Queen
“Promise me!” he demanded.
Another tear escaped down her cheek. She shook her head.
“Norah,” he said softly. It broke her. “Promise me,” he said again.
She let out a trembling breath through her tears. “I promise.”
He gave a sad smile as he brushed her face with his fingertips. Then he pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. She breathed him in—his scent, his nearness, his being. No, she told herself. If he thought he was just going to traipse off to war and kill himself, he was wrong. They’d find a way to get through this, and they’d go back to Kharav together.
She couldn’t lose him. She wouldn’t.
He nuzzled the top of her head. “Can I make love to you, wife?” he whispered.
She looked up at him and ran her hand around the back of his neck and pulled him down to kiss her. Then he picked her up and carried her to the bed.
Two days passed, but tears threatened every time she thought about the conversation between her and Mikael, every time she thought about his fate and about the possibility of never returning to Kharav again.
Then she resolved herself. She’d find a way to stop it. How, she didn’t know. All she knew is that she’d keep Mikael. Or join him in death in the pursuit of trying. Either way, Mercia would need someone, and it gave her the strength to talk about the regency.
Norah knocked on Catherine’s door. She’d take her grandmother for a walk outside for some fresh air, then talk about options. She was sure Catherine had already put together some recommendations.
“Come back later,” came Catherine’s voice.
Norah almost smiled and opened the door.
“Oh, it’s you,” her grandmother said as she stepped inside.
“You sound disappointed.”
“No, no. You can get my robe.”
This time Norah did smile. “Glad I can be of help.”
“Well, I sent the maid away because I actually wanted to rest awhile longer, but then I couldn’t.”
“That explains why you’re not dressed yet.” Catherine was always put together, no matter the circumstance. It probably bothered her that she wasn’t right now.
Norah walked into the side chamber and pulled out a dress. “Here, I’ll help you.”
“I don’t like that one,” her grandmother said as Norah stepped back to the bed and held it up.
Norah pushed a breath between her lips and pulled another. As she stepped back to the bed, Catherine moved to rise, then lost her balance.
“Grandmother!” Norah dropped the dress and caught her in her fall. They landed awkwardly but were otherwise fine.
Catherine gripped her arm tightly, then resigned to sit. She waved her back. “I don’t think I’m going to go.”
“It’s all right. It was just a misstep. Here, let’s get you dressed.”
“I said no.”
Norah stopped. She sighed and moved to pick up the dropped dress from the floor. “All right. We can go later.”
“No, Norah. I don’t think I’m going out again.”
Wait…again? “Why not again?”
“I just don’t have the energy anymore.”
