Knightqueen (Oronis Knights #3)

On the other side of the canyon, a round mine entrance was etched into the cliff face. It was closed off with a metal door. As she scanned down the valley, she saw other mine entrances dotted on the mountainside.

Sympathy washed through her. Clearly whatever these people had mined, the Gek’Dragar had wanted it.

As they moved down into the valley, the sun slowly rose overhead. Carys spotted some agile, long-limbed animals climbing the cliffs above with ease. They had sturdy hooves and shaggy fur on their bodies. She blew out a breath. She wished climbing was as easy for her. Her thigh muscles were already burning and her feet were throbbing.

She trained daily at home on Oron, but most of her days were filled with meetings with dignitaries or visits in the city. Strenuous hiking in dangerous terrain wasn’t something she did often.

It didn’t appear to bother Sten. As he moved ahead of her, never once slowing down or showing any strain, she pulled a face at his back. Sten hiked like he could do it for days on end.

Soon, the morning chill was gone, and she was warm, sweat running down her spine.

She tested her implants, but her connection to her oralite still wasn’t fully functional. Without the extra boost it gave her, she had to admit she was reaching the end of her limits.

Sure enough, a moment later, she stumbled. Sten whipped around fast and caught her.

“Careful.”

“Sorry.”

He frowned at her. “You’re tired.”

She let out a short laugh. “Can you blame me?”

“No. Sit.” He helped her over to a rock.

She dropped down heavily, and Sten crouched beside her. He handed her a piece of fruit.

Her back was sore, her legs were sore, her feet were sore. Everything was sore. Dully, she bit into the fruit.

“You’re in pain,” he said.

“I’m just stiff.”

She saw something in his gaze, then he moved behind her. His big hands clamped on her shoulders, and he started to knead her muscles.

“Oh.” Pleasure shimmered through her. Not only at the massage, but also because Sten was touching her. She moaned.

His hands stilled.

“Don’t stop,” she said.

He resumed massaging her sore muscles. “Once we have full access to our oralite, it’ll heal you.”

She made a humming sound. His strong fingers hit a tender spot. “Oh, Sten. That feels so good.”

He snatched his hands back and turned away. “That should help.”

Carys felt like he’d hit her. Stars, did he hate touching her that much? A ball of pain grew in her gut.

“We should keep moving,” he said gruffly.

With a sigh, she heaved herself up. “Onward.”

They trekked on in silence.

Sten stopped, studying the old bridge across the canyon.

It was narrow and old, and frayed in places. It looked like it had been abandoned for a long time.