Jaxon pinched the bridge of his nose while Octavian and the healer exchanged a pointed look. Both of them had the resigned solidarity of two men who had just survived one dragon tantrum and were now watching the sequel load with every rune that was carving real-time on Kael's body.
Maddox pulled her out of Kael's grip and settled onto the floor with her across his lap. Kael descended with them with the energy of a man who had not been invited down and did not care.
Maddox looked up at the Master Mage.
"Oh yes, right away, Your Majesty." The Mage moved over to her.
"Kael, back the hell up."
"You're on her stab wound."
"What stab wound?"
"The one bleeding into your shirt, dipshit. Check your right side. I'll wait."
Maddox looked down.
"There it is."
"Kael, I swear to—"
"Freshly healed thirty minutes ago. Currently un-healing because you're squeezing her like a stress ball."
