Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 105132 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 350(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105132 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 350(@300wpm)
Adira heard nothing. She simply kept on walking.
The lead Hunter spotted her and shouted, “MOVE!”
Adira kept her brisk pace.
Dravic turned at the shout and his heart lurched then slammed against his chest.
Adira stood directly in the path of the Hunters.
Chapter Sixteen
An Unexpected Arrival
A Gathering Storm
The lead Hunter pulled back on the reins. The stallion fought the command, its front legs lifting as it skidded through the snow.
A gust of cold wind had Adira turning. Her eyes went wide with fright seeing the horse ready to trample her, and she froze.
Dravic threw himself at her, his arms locking around her, yanking her hard against his solid chest. The force of his body ripped her off her feet, and he twisted to take the brunt of the fall as they went flying into a towering snowdrift.
The thunder of pounding hooves roared past so close that it sent more snow exploding over them.
For one terrifying heartbeat, neither of them moved.
Dravic remained as he was, his arms locked around her, feeling her body tremble against him, and her face buried in his shoulder. He thought he felt her heart pounding against his… though perhaps it was only his own. He had never known such fear. Not true. He had felt such fear when she had been abducted. When he thought he might lose her.
Adira lifted her head slowly to look at him. It was her fault. She had left his side without permission. She had not paid heed to her surroundings.
Fear rippled through her as her eyes finally met his. Relief and anger sparked in them and the only thing she could think to do, the only way to take responsibility for her actions, to let him know she was sorry, was to lower her head.
She never got the chance.
His hand gripped the back of her head, holding it firm as his lips landed on hers. His kiss was fierce, leaving her breathless… and wanting nothing more than to remain in his arms. And she returned it with a strength of her own.
“MY KING!”
The shout tore their lips apart. If it had not been for the snow covering them everyone would have been witness to their kiss.
Dravic had them on their feet before the Hunters and his guard reached them. The kiss lingered on his lips. He had not known what possessed him to kiss her. Maybe it was that he needed to taste her, prove he had not lost her, that she was very much alive. Whatever it was, he was unable to resist it.
And that was a problem.
Adira avoided his eyes, not sure what to make of the unexpected kiss, especially the strength of it. It was as if he could not resist. He had to kiss her, wanted to, and nothing would stop him. A change in the air had her looking up to see a Hunter running toward them. It had taken time, but Feena had finally taught her who the Hunters were… and that it was wise to keep her distance from them.
“Forgive me, my king,” a Hunter said, stopping in front of him. “I called out but she paid my shouts no mind.”
Dravic scowled. “Adira cannot hear nor speak.”
The Hunter cast a quick glance at her. “I did not know. Our concern was for our king, duty-bound to protect. But we also bring important news.”
That got Dravic’s attention but so did the way Adira shivered beside him and how cold her hand felt in his.
“I will hear it,” Dravic said, “but first—” He summoned Ernach, standing nearby with the snap of his hand. “Take Adira to your cottage where she can get warm.”
“Aye, my king,” Ernach said. “A cottage is being made ready for you since I am sure there is more you wish to discuss with me, and this snow may prevent travel.”
Dravic was surprised to see it snowing. He had not even noticed it.
“See Adira settled in the cottage once it is made ready and see she has food and drink as well.”
If the two men were surprised at his command, neither showed it and Dravic cared not if they did. Adira would stay with him, and he would have no one question it.
Dravic released Adira’s hand as he turned to her. He tapped her shoulder, pointed to Ernach, then his cottage.
“You go with Ernach,” he said.
Adira shook her head and stepped closer to him. She did not dare take hold of his hand though she wanted to. She would not leave his side. She was safe with him. She could trust him. He had proven it time and again.
Dravic saw in her eyes her fear of being separated from him. He disliked sending her away as much as she disliked leaving him. But she needed to get warm and his guards knew they were to keep watch on her. She would be safe and he would not be away from her for long. However, he could not allow her to refuse to obey the king in front of others.