Love, Against All Odds

IV - Chapter 7

Andren checked the door's bolt, then went to one of the two beds that were up against the far wall. 'I'm sorry Raine can't stay with us.'

'She'll be okay with Berwin.' Becca set her duffle bag on the foot of the bed. Berwin and Raine were sharing a room while Melissa and Sean were in another. The Libs bunked together, and the Kalmar soldiers had shared rooms. But there were two warriors who were stationed outside of the inn, which was taken over by their convoy. 'I guess the innkeeper is happy to have his place full.'

Andren grinned and said, 'Kal paid him well for his kindness.'

Less than an hour ago they had arrived in Rauoa, which was the northernmost city in Kardos. Dorlon had made arrangements ahead of time with the innkeeper for the convoy's overnight stay. After everyone disembarked from the hover vehicles, they had a short walk to the inn, which was named Barren Frost. Becca loved the name; it suited the stone building that was coated in a thin layer of icy snow. However, inside it was anything but cold. The innkeeper had preheated all their rooms.

Kaden was curled up on an animal fur in front of the blazing fireplace. The snow caked on her paws was forming puddles in front of her.

Removing her jacket, Becca was happy to get it off after entering the broiling inn. 'This innkeeper must burn darakar. By the gods.' She hung the coat near the door, then pulled at her collar as she returned to the bed. Later she wanted to see Kal, who had kept a respectful distance from Becca for the rest of the journey to Rauoa.

Andren laughed and looked over at her charge, but her features grew tight and eyes narrowed at Becca's neck. In a heartbeat, she was in Becca's space and touching the exposed, bruised skin. 'Who did this?' Her snarl deepened, and her canines flashed in the firelight. 'I will—'

'It's nothing.' Becca hooked Andren's wrist and pulled her hand from her neck. 'It was an accident.' The idea of telling Andren that it was the High Commander weakened her knees.

'Tell me,' Andren hissed, and her nose flared as if she might pick up the person's scent still lingering on Becca. 'This can't be ignored.' She broke free and collected her sheathed sword from the bed.

Becca stepped into Andren's path. 'What are you doing?'

'I must report this to Kal.' Andren went around Becca, who darted in front of her again.

'You can't do that.' Becca was lightheaded at just the idea of Andren going to Kal. She was an idiot for letting the bruises slip her mind, but she had grown used to the slight strain around her neck.

'Becca, I have a duty to protect you. I have to—'

'Joh!' Becca would do anything to protect Kal from the embarrassment and further guilt over this morning's incident. At Andren's shocked expression, she sighed and whispered, 'It was Kal who did it.' Becca bit her lip when Andren stared at her with loss. 'I can't explain it, but it was an accident.'