Knightqueen (Oronis Knights #3)

Carys narrowed her gaze. “Sten? I know you too well. What aren’t you telling me?”

He was silent for a moment. “I’m bleeding internally.”

Panic lodged in her throat. “No.”

“Carys—”

“No.” She pressed her hands to his chest. She liked touching his bare skin, loved that he was so warm. Alive. “I can’t lose you. I won’t lose you. That’s an order.” Her voice trembled.

He gave her a faint smile. “I always follow orders.”

She moved her hands down to the bandage. She’d never used her energy to heal. Knighthealers were the ones whose energy was more attuned to healing. She licked her lips. Her mother had been a knighthealer.

There were rumors that the royal blood could access incredible power, but she’d never seen that happen. She was sure it was just a myth.

“Let me see.” She pressed a hand over his wound, and the other on one of his thighs for balance.

He stiffened.

“Am I hurting you?”

“No.”

Did he really hate her touching him that much? He’d been aroused when he’d touched her in that pool, but her experience was limited, so she had no idea.

Focus, Carys.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Seeing if I can heal you.” She closed her eyes.

“I’ve never seen you heal before.”

“I’ve never tried.” She focused on Sten’s warmth. On her feelings. She couldn’t lose him.

She loved how protective he was. How he could be so dogged about her protection, even a little grumpy. He was loyal and true.

She dug deeper and felt something flare inside her. There was a tiny flicker of unfamiliar power.

She focused on it, and the spark grew. Energy spilled out of her.

Sten grunted.

The sensation petered out quickly, and she sat back with a frustrated breath. “I’m sorry.”

“I…think it worked. A little.” He pushed himself into a sitting position and leaned against the wall. “My wound feels better, and I can feel that my implant is healing me now.”

Elation filled her. “Thank the knights.”

He cupped her jaw. “You did it. Some days, I think you can do anything.”

The praise made her cheeks warm. “Hardly.” The feel of his palm made her skin tingle.

She wished he’d touch other parts of her.

“Carys, we can’t stay here.” He pulled his hand away.

She felt the loss.