Celeste
My mouth parted before my brain caught up. My breath hitched.
Darien would not be my king unless I married him.
I stepped away. Too fast. The first stride sent pain lancing through my side so sharp that for a heartbeat my vision flashed white.
"What's wrong?"
"Shh." I glanced toward Alec's retreating back. He was out of sight. I relaxed. Not much. Some. I forced a smile. "Nothing. I need a bath. Long day."
"Wren. Is it the river?"
"She has cuts she did not want Alec knowing about." Leo, appearing at my elbow like he had materialized out of mist.
"Leo."
Leo gave me a mild look that said he needs to know.
Darien's face changed. "Let me get a physician—"
"I don't need a physician. I need a bath."
I walked. Every step was a wince. My back was burning where the river had sco
