The Midwinter Queen (The Ulvvori Chronicles Book 1) by R. H. Linehan

Author:R. H. Linehan [Linehan, R. H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-04-18T00:00:00+00:00

Ten

Vikmiri

Carro pulled himself off the cot slowly, an inch at a time, allowing a few seconds in between movements to recover from the shooting pains that radiated out from his hip and shoulder every time he moved. The pain had dulled slightly, but it still took his breath away if he moved too quickly or in the wrong direction. Once he was sitting up, he swung his legs around so his feet were on the ground. After a few deep breaths, he pushed off and managed to stand for a few seconds, but his entire right hip and leg felt like they were on fire, so he sat back down and punched the rolled-up blanket that served as his pillow.

“Damnit!” he gasped, as much in pain as in frustration.

“Everything alright?” Tira asked as she came into the tent.

“I can’t stand for more than a few seconds.”

“There’s always that,” Tira indicated the dubious-looking crutch that Gaelin had made for him, leaning in the corner of the tent.

“I’m not using a fucking crutch to meet this woman.”

“Queen. She’s a Queen. And there’s no shame in it. You were wounded.”

“I’m not using it,” said Carro flatly, “I’d just as soon lie on my back.”

“You know that whatever she says, it’s not a final judgment. Tolian and the Council will decide what happens to you.”

“I know, but how can they not take the advice of a woman who is allowing them to stay in her country and not asking anything in return? Especially a woman who was literally chosen to lead because she can accurately ‘judge men’s hearts,’” Carro ran his hands over his face.

“If you really believe in her ability to judge your heart, then why are you so worried? It’ll be the same whether you’re standing or sitting or using a crutch,” Tira sat cross-legged on the floor in front of him, “wait…is this some kind of…masculine pride thing?”

Carro shot her an annoyed look. “No, it’s just a normal human thing. I believe it’s called dignity. Maybe you’ve heard of it?”

“It is a man thing!” Tira laughed and rocked backwards, “you are such strange creatures, aren’t you?”

“Can you just shut up and help me, please? I think if I stand a little longer every time I’ll at least get used to the pain,” Carro snapped. Still chuckling to herself, Tira stood up and held her hands out so Carro could grasp her wrists and pull himself up. The agonizing burn shot through his hip again and he closed his eyes, trying to push through it. After twenty seconds, he fell back onto the cot, breathing hard.

“That was good!” said Tira, “I can’t imagine that judging a man’s heart could take longer than that. Not much there, after all, right?”

“Hilarious. Can you go see if they’re on their way?” Carro asked. Tira poked her head out of the tent and called to Talla.

“Yeah, they’re almost here,” Tira told him, “do you need help?” Carro was struggling to put on the clean shirt that Asenna had brought him the night before when she came to tell him about Fen’s wolf pup.

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