Portia by Christina Bauer

Author:Christina Bauer [Bauer, Christina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: BluA
Published: 2015-10-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Once we’re safely landed, I slide off Tempest’s back. The night air is chilly and bracing. I hop from foot to foot, trying to wake myself up. I’m so sleepy and out of it, I almost fall on my butt. Guess even a tiny bit of motion is too much for me right now. I am bone tired. Maybe I can ask Tempest for a cup of coffee before we head out again.

Across the balcony, Tempest returns to his human form. Once the transformation is complete, I can’t help noticing how his clothes are little more than rags. Fresh red scars peek out from under the long tears in the fabric. Guilt and sympathy battle it out in my heart.

“You got hurt,” I say slowly.

Tempest shrugs. “Dragons heal quickly.”

“We should get you some first aid or something.”

“No, we should talk about getting you some proper rest.”

“Tempest, the after-realms are falling apart. The Scintillion is out there. That crazy guy Alden is either actually a nice person or a somewhat creepy stalker.”

“More like a wanker, I’d say.”

“With all this going on, you can’t talk me into resting.” The word ‘resting’ makes me want to yawn. I do an awesome job of not giving into the urge.

“How about a compromise?”

“I’m listening.”

“One mo.” Tempest steps inside what I can only assume is his house. A minute later, he returns holding two thick cotton robes and an opened bottle of wine. “You’re in wet clothes and need a quick rest.” He raises the robes on his right arm. “This is for the clothes.” He lifts the wine in his left hand. “This will help you rest.”

I huff out a tired breath. Tempest is wearing me down on this. Those robes look mighty comfortable, too. “All right, bring it here.”

“You won’t regret this.” Tempest hands me the opened bottle. I quickly scan the label.

“Oh, hey,” I say brightly. “I’ve heard about this stuff. It’s angelflower wine. Maxon says it’s awesome.” I press the bottle to my lips.

“Hold on there, luv.”

By the time the words have left his mouth, I’ve already enjoyed a few deep chugs of the yummiest wine ever. I’m not much of a drinker. This stuff is super tasty, though. I down a few more swallows because it’s just that good. After that, I smack my lips and lower the bottle.

“What’s that you said?” I ask.

“I was about to say to only take a small sip.” Tempest shakes his head. “That’s rather strong stuff. One sip makes you sleepy, but more than that—”

“Hey, wait a second.” For some reason, Tempest starts wobbling from foot to foot. I set my hand on his upper arm. “Stop swaying around.”

“I’m not,” he says with a sigh. “Angelflower wine acts quickly. In larger quantities, it makes you rather alert and squiffy.”

“Naw, there’s no squiff here. Don’t feel a thing.” The temperature spikes about twenty degrees. “Hey, what’s up with the weather around here? Why’s it so hot all of a sudden?”

“It isn’t, Portia.”

“Liar, liar, pantssafire.” My mouth has a tough time getting words out correctly for some reason.

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