Graely stopped, turning to face him, his eyes wide and bright. Gripping Charles’ arms, he spoke with a trembling voice. “No Charles, it’s never too soon to give people hope.”
*****
A rhythmic beeping invaded Alora’s peaceful sleep. She tried to ignore it, but the strident sound was persistent. Blinking against the bright light, she fought to open her lids wide enough to see.
“You’re awake.” Kaevin’s deep green eyes were inches away. “I feared you would sleep the day away.”
“What—where are we? What happened?”
“We’re in the healing house. You have a cut on your neck. Fortunately for us, it wasn’t too deep. But you lost a large amount of blood, and you’ve been unconscious all night.
Her hand rose and her fingertips explored the bandage on her tender neck.
“How did I get a cut on my neck?”
“The fault is mine. I should have protected you from him. I promise to be more attentive in the future.”
“Him? Are you talking about Vindrake? My father cut my throat?” She tried to take a breath, but something tightened around her chest. No air could enter her lungs.
“Alora? Are you in pain?”
“I don’t believe you. He wouldn’t do that.” She spoke in a strangled voice, fighting back tears.
“Of course he would. We warned you. You know he’s evil. You saw it for yourself.”
“But I’m his daughter. He wouldn’t kill his own daughter. No one would do that.” She climbed from the bed, startled by the icy floor on her bare feet.
“No normal man would kill his own daughter, but Vindrake would.” Kaevin caught her, encircling her in his arms, but she pushed against his chest.
“No. Let me go. I don’t believe you.”
“He’s evil Alora … I’m sorry. I know you don’t want to believe it, but it’s true. You saw him break my fingers.”
“Oh my God! It’s because I tried to kill him. I sent him to his death when he was trying to kill Nordamen. That’s why he tried to kill me.” She wriggled in Kaevin’s unrelenting grasp.
“That makes no sense. You were only defending Nordamen. You did nothing wrong. Your father is simply an evil man.”
“Maybe I can change him.” Even as she spoke the words, she knew it was hopeless. What kind of man tries to kill his own daughter?
“Alora, I’m so sorry he did this to you. I’m sorry he hurt you. He doesn’t deserve to be your father.”
She sagged in his arms, as he rubbed her back with awkward strokes of his splinted hands. Nestling her head on his chest, she felt him press a kiss against her hair. He tightened the protective circle of his arms. She wanted to feel sorry for herself, but she couldn’t justify it. “He isn’t my father… not really. Uncle Charles is my real father.”
“Yes. And Charles loves you very much.”
“Uncle Charles!” she gasped, suddenly realizing she hadn’t heard what had happened in Laegenshire after the attack. “Is he okay? What about the fire? What about your father? Did anybody—”
“Wait! There’s no need to panic. There were some injuries, but we didn’t lose any lives in the fire. Vindrake only attacked you and Bozeman.
“Bozeman? Bozeman got hurt?”
“Yes, evidently Bozeman saved your life when he bit Vindrake. He had a knife wound to his side, but Laethan reports he will live.”
“Now I really hate Vindrake.”
“Ha! You don’t hate him for breaking my fingers or cutting your throat. But since he injured Bozeman, he deserves your abhorrence?” Kaevin’s mouth pulled back in a wide grin, displaying his cute dimples. “Now I see where your affections truly lie. You like Bozeman more than me.”
“It’s true.” Alora giggled. “I’m sorry you had to find out this way, but Bozeman has had my love for quite some time. He’s extremely loyal. When I had the flu last year, he stayed by my bedside for a whole week.”