“A man the size of a bear came up from behind, picked him up and squeezed. He did it to both of them.” The captain shook his head. “I’d take a sword to the gut rather than be hugged to death.”

Only Belen had the strength. “Neither of these men will die from their injuries.”

“They might die of embarrassment.”

I laughed. “I won’t tell if you don’t.”

“Deal.” The captain shook my hand, but then he sobered. “Thanks for saving them.”

“I wish I could have saved them all.”

“It took us too long to bring them here. You should be in the field with us.”

“I should. Talk to Tohon.”

“My superior officer has already tried. His request was denied.”

“Perhaps next time you could send a runner and I could meet you halfway.”

“I’d like to be optimistic and say there won’t be a next time, but Estrid has gone on the offensive and I think it’ll just be a matter of time.” He sighed. “In case we need you again, I’ll remember to send word.”

“Then I hope I don’t hear from you.” I meant what I said. If Ryne stopped Tohon, then the war would be over. Until Estrid decided she didn’t like sharing power with Ryne.

The captain nodded. I assumed the sergeant’s injuries and returned to my bed. For now, one problem at a time was all I could handle.

More midnight attacks harried Tohon’s troops, which meant more soldiers for me to heal. On the fourth evening since I’d seen Kerrick in the garden, Tohon visited the infirmary. He walked around the main room, talking with the patients. When he finished, he gestured for me to follow him into my office.

He closed the door, then sat on the edge of my desk. “I’m leaving tomorrow morning for a few days. Estrid’s holy army is getting feisty and needs to be taught a lesson.”

Not sure why he confided in me, I asked, “Should I prep for more wounded?”

“Not too many more. I’m taking my special soldiers. They should upset Estrid’s sensibilities.”

I waited for him to get to the point.

He slid off the desk and stood close to me. “I debated taking you with me.”

Not good. I kept my expression neutral. “And?”

“You’re more useful to me here.” He reached to touch my face.

I stepped back. “Do you know when you’ll return?”

“Why? Are you going to miss me?”

“I’m assuming when you return, there will be fewer wounded. I just wanted to gauge how much longer to expect casualties.”

“I should be back within the week.” He moved toward me again.

Retreating, I bumped into the wall.

Tohon pressed his hands on the wall on either side of me. He leaned in. “We’ve been so busy. I’ve missed you.”

His lips brushed mine and a spark of heat shot through me.

“You’re exhausted, my dear. Please don’t overexert yourself for my men. You’re more valuable than they are. Even if they’re dead, they continue to serve me.”

I opened my mouth to ask a question, but he cut me off with a deeper kiss. This time Tohon’s magic buzzed through my body, turning my willpower into goo. Without thought or any control on my part, my arms wrapped around his torso as I pressed against him. Still locked in a kiss, the room spun…or was that me? The next thing I knew, I lay on top of the desk completely at his mercy.

The logical part of me had retreated to a small corner of my mind. It commented on the direness of the situation out of habit. Unfortunately, nothing could be done at this point. His life magic had overloaded my senses.

Tohon broke off the kiss. And I think I whimpered in protest.

“I’m getting tired of chasing you, my dear. Perhaps this little reminder of what I’m capable of will make you more willing to meet me halfway.”

My senses returned. I clutched his arms before he could pull back. “Is this what you really want, Tohon? A lover forced by magic to be with you? Why not find someone who loves you without using your magic?”

A dangerous glint shone in his eyes. “Where’s the challenge in that?” He pulled away.

“How is using your magic a challenge? I’d call that cheating. The true challenge would be to not use your magic at all.”

“What are you suggesting?”

He used the same phrase as Kerrick had. I wondered if they had learned that technique in school. “I’m suggesting you find a woman who will love you. A lady who hasn’t been influenced by your magic.”

“And that’s not you?” His voice stayed flat.

I stood on very thin ground. “You just used your magic on me.”

“What if I hadn’t?”

The ground crumbled beneath my feet. “There are…things about you I can’t accept.”

“Kerrick has killed people, as well.”

“I know, but he doesn’t turn them into dead soldiers.”

“Anything else?”

“The Death Lilys. I can guess the next logical step in your experiments with the toxin.” No sense letting him know I found the children.

“We need more healers.”

“We do, but your methods are immoral.”

He considered. “Do you realize your honesty could make your situation worse?”

“Yes.”

“Then why are telling me all this?”