Flame Thrower by Alice Wade

you did for the past two months. For that, I’m enraged and I don’t care what my Captain cautions against.”
    While they talked, he’d forgotten about the healers and jumped a little when Edda cleared her throat. “I beg your pardon, my liege, but I’d like to complete what I started and get her settled for the night. We are almost finished, so if you would go back outside, the faster you can return.”
    Ryan laughed softly, giving her one final hug. He allowed Tillian to pull away reluctantly and looked into her eyes. She felt right in his arms and releasing her made him want to rush to reclaim her. With an aggrieved look, he held her frantic gaze and forced a smile but only succeeded in a twitch that moved the corner of his bearded mouth. When he finally spoke it was to Edda, yet his eyes never left Tillian’s face. She showed signs of distress at the request for him to leave again. “Of course, Edda. I apologize for the interruption.”
    “Thank you, Sir. I’m sure the Princess would appreciate some privacy while we complete our tasks. I’ll come to find you when we are through.” Edda stood off the side near the table, her arms crossed and she watched the two very closely. The utter devotion the Princess showed was unsettling and her liege’s quick possession of her was an equally uncomfortable circumstance. Either this went along sweetly or ended tragically, but that was up to them to decide.
    Ryan’s eyes continued to hold Tillian captive while he searched for any sign her panic was out of control. If he saw that, he’d force the issue and stay, but he didn’t see anything. “Are you all right, Tillian?” he asked passionately before he moved a muscle to depart. Ryan wanted a reassurance she was going to be all right before he left.
    She desperately wanted him to stay and almost said so, but she knew the healers were right. Tillian answered him silently instead with a tight lipped nod. She watched the disappointment flash through his warm eyes. That look filled her with a sense of satisfaction that rolled through her soul. Tillian accepted his desire to remain but acknowledged his willingness to give her privacy. She knew that with one word from her he’d not heed the request from Edda, so Tillian remained silent. She pulled instead on some hidden reserve of courage.
    He watched her battle, saw her take a deep breath and smile. Ryan touched her cheek softly and caressed her smooth skin, but said nothing. His touch was enough to convey his intent.
    “You won’t go far, will you?” Tillian lamely asked. It was a silly question, but she couldn’t stop the words as they left her mouth.
    That earned a snort from Edda and a chuckle from Ryan. “No, I vowed before that I wouldn’t go far, so I’ll be right outside if you need me. I grudgingly agree with Edda that privacy is best, so I’ll depart. Remember, you are safe now, Tillian. No one will harm you while you are in my custody. No one.” That last was said with such conviction that Tillian let out a small gasp in surprise.
    “Ryan—” she started but he stopped her with look. Ryan easily read that she was going to thank him again and felt the need to quiet her immediately.
    “Tillian, I don’t want or need your gratitude. I only want you to relax and know you’re taken care of. You have nothing at all to worry about, not now.”
    “I’m sorry I’m being so weak; you must think me very feeble indeed!” she teased, trying to lighten the moment. When she tried to turn her head away, she found her head pinned when his fingers denied her.
    Ryan frowned a little at her words and hissed softly, “You are the farthest thing from weak. I’ve never met a stronger person, so cease this line of thought. I’m not sure I know of any woman who could have withstood what you’ve obviously been through and still remain sane. Be at peace, please. There are guards posted around this cabin and more off in the surrounding terrain. No one will be able to